AFTER AN INCREDIBLY long winter followed by an exceptionally cold, cloudy and wet spring, we Minnesotans are ready to get outdoors. We are ready to celebrate. We are ready to let the sun shine into our lives. And this weekend, opportunities abound locally to get out and enjoy spring in southern Minnesota.
Rise and shine early on Saturday, May 14, to hit the Rice County Historical Society Spring Flea Market from 8 am – 2 pm in the parking lot and behind the RCHS museum in Faribault. I’ve attended many times and enjoy meandering among the vendors of antiques, collectibles, crafts and junk. I mean “junk” in a positive light.
While there, also check out the Cannon Valley Farmers’ Market under the carport at the Rice County Fairgrounds from 10 am – 2 pm. Some 20 area/regional vendors will market spring produce, locally-grown starter plants, cheese, honey, pastries, woolen products, homemade soaps and much more.
Adding to the farmers’ market draw are local food trucks on site.
On Sunday, May 15, two area historic Norwegian churches celebrate Syttende Mai, Norway’s Constitution Day. Both events begin at 2 pm.
At Valley Grove churches, rural Nerstrand, the gathering focuses on the dedication of tapestries woven by Robbie LeFlueur. The Minneapolis weaver was commissioned to create four tapestries—three will be complete by May 15—that illustrate church history, the congregation and the surrounding flora and fauna. She will also give a weaving demo. Hardanger fiddlers from St. Olaf College will provide entertainment. Valley Grove, atop a hillside near Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, is a favorite destination of mine given its beautiful and peaceful country setting. I’ve attended numerous celebrations, or simply walked, there and always enjoyed myself. The Syttende Mai event goes until 4 pm.
In northern Rice County, the Norwegians of Old Trondhjem Church, rural Lonsdale, are hosting Tjarnblom, a Scandinavian folk group as their Syettende Mai celebration begins at 2 pm. There’s a brief meeting of the preservation society followed by coffee (of course), treats (of course) and fellowship (of course). I’ve also attended events at Trondhjem and recommend you join in this Norwegian celebration.
There you go. Four places to go in Rice County that will bring sunshine into your May weekend.
© Copyright 2022 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
what a fun weekend, filled with great offerings. I think I’d have a ball at the flea market
I love flea markets…so many oddities to discover.
Never fails
🙂
Thank you for alerting us to these fun activities. I may try to come to the flea market.
I’d love to go to Valley Grove but we will be up north at my uncle’s memorial service.
You are welcome. I don’t know if we will attend any of these events either given it’s our 40th wedding anniversary weekend.
It feels so good to get out a little bit, doesn’t it? I am looking forward to a lot of the great events this summer in our area including the White Squirrel Festival. Yippee!
I’m pretty certain I would enjoy the White Squirrel Festival. Heck, I’d like to see a white squirrel.
Sounds like a wonderful weekend ahead, enjoy!
Lots of choices. Not sure what, if any of these events, we will attend given it’s our 40th wedding anniversary on Sunday.
This would have been a fun event to attend
Since it was our 40th anniversary weekend, we chose to do a day trip rather than attend these local events. Posts coming soon on our day trip discoveries.