The Stars & Stripes Garage in Heidelberg, Minnesota, photographed several weeks ago. Normally I would crop the parking lot section of the image. But it’s an important part of the scene with white stars painted upon asphalt.
I HAVE YET TO FIND a more patriotically-themed garage.
Painted red, white and blue and decorated with stars and an American flag, the Stars & Stripes Garage in the hamlet of Heidelberg in Le Sueur County stands out for its grassroots show of patriotism.
The Stars & Stripes Garage. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2009
I first came across the Stars & Stripes in 2009, subsequently writing a magazine article about the garage owned by Vietnam veteran Joel Kukacka.
The Stars & Stripes Garage, seven years after I first photographed it.
Recently I passed through Heidelberg, pausing briefly to snap a few images of Joel’s business on a bright Sunday summer afternoon. The paint is faded in some places, a few new stars have been added and the business sign moved. But, basically, the exterior appears unchanged.
This public show of patriotism still endures in this out-of-the-way spot along quiet Le Sueur County Highway 30 in rural southern Minnesota. It’s the type of place you discover when taking the back roads.
The popular bluegrass band, Monroe Crossing, returns to the North Morristown stage for two performances, at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Several other musical groups are also performing throughout the day and into the evening. There is no charge, although donations are welcome. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
TO ALL OF MY READERS, have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July weekend as we celebrate the birth of our nation.
If you’re seeking an authentic Americana experience of the holiday in rural Minnesota, attend the 124th annual North Morristown July Fourth celebration. From the Firecracker Walk/Run to a parade to a patriotic program to a medallion hunt to music to kids’ rides to bingo to fireworks and more, you’ll find a full day of activities. You also find the best homemade food (buy your slice of pie early) on the festival grounds. North Morristown is a few farm homes and Trinity Lutheran Church and School and is located north of Morristown/west of Faribault.
Click here to view a photo essay I published in 2013 on the North Morristown celebration.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Wishing you and yours a safe and happy Independence Day as well.
Thank you, Dan. The same to you and Cyndie.
Is that Garage still open, Thanks for our 4th picture and write up.
Jean, the Stars & Stripes Garage still appears to be open.
You are welcome, re. the mention of the North Morristown July Fourth celebration.
Lovely garage and there is a lot of pride associated with those stars and stripes, don’t you think? Thanks for sharing some patriotism today. Happy 4th!
Pride and patriotism. Yes.
Enjoy your Fourth with your boys, Wendy and the “grandbabies.”
Love it!!! Happy Fourth of July to you and yours as well.
The owner really went all out on his garage, so patriotic, I love it! Happy 4th Audrey, do you and Randy have any big plans?
We just returned from a pre-Fourth of July gathering with my extended family in sw MN. How about you? I expect maybe a bit low key this year???