THE LAST TIME I STOPPED at Owatonna’s Central Park, this southern Minnesota city’s community gathering spot pulsed with activity. The park hosts a busy Owatonna Farmers Market from May through October.
But on this cold Saturday in late February when I stopped by, only a few people used the park. A couple walked their dogs. And two women crossed to the center fountain, purses angled across downy winter coats, stocking caps clamped on and shopping bags looped over three gloved hands, take-out coffee clutched in the fourth.
As the women paused near the centerpiece fountain placed here in 1909, I studied the scene before me, camera ready. Only moments earlier, I finished my packed lunch inside the cozy warmth of the van. Randy and I had planned to eat at nearby Rice Lake State Park. But that all changed when hiking trails proved too icy for safe walking. So here we were in Owatonna, shifting our plans.
I was determined that the cold weather would not keep me from photographing the park. Dressed in a warm hand-me-down parka from my son layered over tee and flannel shirts, long johns under jeans, practical winter boots, hand-knit cap and mitten/gloves, I felt prepared. The combo mitten/gloves were a gift from Randy years ago. They work great for winter photography. I flip back the fleece ends to reveal open fingertips. That allows me to manipulate my camera without exposing my entire hand.
Even with all of that, I soon found myself hurrying my creative pace. My fingertips were freezing.
But I was determined to document the setting on an afternoon that looked deceptively warm. Bold blue skies. Sunshine. Artsy fountain. Stout community stage. Historic buildings bordering the park. Remnants of snow sculptures.
I regretted that we missed Owatonna’s Bold & Cold Winter Festival at the end of January. Then those sculptures would have been newly-built, pristine. But now I could only imagine kids slipping down the slide at the deteriorating snow castle.
I also imagined how, in a few months, this scene will change. How leaves will unfurl on the birch trees. How the fountain will spill water. How Farmers Market vendors will set up shop. How music will create a joyful rhythm that welcomes spring, then summer. And warmth.
This I contemplate as I snap frames, fingertips freezing, hurting now in the cold of winter. Back in the van, I hold my fingers close to the blower, seeking heat while the sun shines bright, bold over Central Park.
© Copyright 2022 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
what a beautiful park, and oh, that taste of summer –
Yes, it’s a lovely park in downtown Owatonna. Thank you for appreciating the “taste of summer.”
The town square looks like a nice place to go in the summer… 😉
You would enjoy Owatonna’s Central Park. The Farmers Market is really big, lots of variety in merchandise. I’ve always wanted to attend a concert in this park. Maybe this summer.
I love the photo of the colored ice. Winter festivals are so fun to me as long as it’s not bitter cold. I will have to keep in mind this one in Owatonna. This weekend Rochester has it’s “Social Lights” festival downtown, we are hoping to get down to see the ice sculptures. By the way Rick and I were in Owatonna yesterday we hiked at Kaplan Woods Park, it was a lovely day and the snow packed trails were nice…and secured for walking.
I look forward to seeing your photos from the “Social Lights” festival in Rochester. I’m glad you got to Kaplan Woods. It’s a nice place to hike and yesterday’s weather made it even better. So the paths are ice-free?
They were ice-free when we were there, either hard apcked or a little slushy but no ice on the path we took
Good to hear. I’m sure the recent warm weather helped.
t is good to remember the warmth of the sun and warmer days, isn’t it? I love your interspersed pictures of cold and warmth. It will come soon I hope.
We had a lovely weekend with warmth. And Monday was so warm and sunny that I hung laundry on the line. The move toward spring is beginning.
Our mother loved the summer concerts in Owatonna’s Central Park. She would arrive early and try to get a parking spot where she could enjoy the music from her van. Mom loved music, especially live music. Thanks for the memories.
Bernadette, thank you for sharing this story about your mother’s love of music. I can picture her sitting in her van by Central Park enjoying a concert. What a lovely visual.