THREE DECIDEDLY DISTINCT EVENTS are happening in my area Thursday evening and on Sunday. One focuses on the visual and performing arts, another on a pre-Columbian Aztec deity, the other on weddings.
First up, the Paradise Center for the Arts is offering free arts activities for all ages beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 20, as part of Faribault’s summertime Concerts in the Park series. Teaching artists Kate Langlais and Julie Fakler will lead the hands-on art making in Central Park. At 7 p.m., Grand Rapids-based Adessa & the Beat performs a mix of country, classic rock and pop covers from the park bandshell.
Also on Thursday evening in neighboring Northfield, Mercado Local, a marketplace for immigrant vendors and the home base for Rice County Neighbors United, hosts artists Rocky Casillas and Leslie Mendez. They will talk about art inspired by the Aztec feathered serpent, Quetzalcoatl. Casillas designed a version of the colorful snake as the Mercado Local logo. Mendez then crafted her own serpent inspired by Casillas’ art.
Attendees at the 7-8:30 p.m. June 20 event in the Mercado Local community and art room at 108 Fifth Street E. can create their own Quetzalcoatl art.
In addition to art talk and hands-on art, Mexican food will be served. It’s a great opportunity to learn about and connect with other cultures while celebrating the arts.
Then on Sunday, June 23, two historic Norwegian churches near Nerstrand Big Woods State Park will host “Celebrating Weddings at Valley Grove” from 2-4 p.m. The Valley Grove Preservation Society is inviting anyone who has attended a wedding at the Valley Grove country churches, been married there or who is planning a wedding at the hilltop site, to attend. Even those of us who have no wedding connection to these churches are welcome to join the celebration.
Wedding stories and photos can be shared from 3-3:45 p.m. in the wooden church. Besides stories, people are encouraged to wear or bring photos of their wedding attire. To add to the celebration, there will be Nordic music plus coffee, lemonade and cookies. No wedding cake. But I expect some guests will bring photos of wedding cakes.
A photographer will be on-site to take photos for a donation with proceeds going to ongoing restoration projects at Valley Grove, located at 9999 155th Street E, Nerstrand.
What a lovely way to spend a June afternoon. Celebrating love at a bucolic location, one of my favorite country spots in Rice County.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Audrey, heads up the Carlton College sale starts today! just follow highway 19 to the soccer field & see all the cars! Today – Saturday! Barb W.
Thanks for the tip, Barb. Readers, Barb is referencing a “garage sale” of sorts at Carleton College in Northfield, continuing Friday and Saturday. Students donate all sorts of items they can’t/aren’t taking home with them. Proceeds benefit various nonprofits in the community/help people in need.
how very lovely
Yes. We just need the weather to cooperate. No rain. As I type, rain is once again falling.
Hope the weather will be lovely for all these fun events. I’d love to hear more about Quetzalcoatl, and the wedding stories. If you attend, please share. 😊
Rose, I opted to stay in town last evening to create art (see my just-published post) and listen to a concert for a short while. I may go to the wedding gathering, depending on weather and my scheduled. And, yes, I would have camera in hand.
Fun events. I had book club at my house last night, intending to sit on the deck and eat angel food cake, strawberries and ice cream and chocolate sauce. 😉 Had to move it indoors. Sigh.
I think the wedding event at Valley Grove sounds like a wonderful idea! I hope they get a good turnout.
This rain is ruining many a plan. We may go to Valley Grove on Sunday.