SUMMER IN SOUTHERN MINNESOTA is about the outdoors, about gatherings, about food and music and all those things we’ve craved during the long months of winter now come to fruition. As long, sunny days stretch into long evenings, we come together, delighting in all June, July and August offer.
On Faribault’s east side, high atop a hill at Christ Lutheran Church, the seasonal Holy Smoke Pizza Ministry resumes for another summer on June 11. This second Wednesday of the month event isn’t just about the savory and delicious smoked pizzas volunteers prepare and then bake in an outdoor wood-fired oven. But it’s also about community, outreach, music and charities.
Holy Smoke rates as one of my favorite local summer events. First, I love the pizza. This year’s offerings include smoked brisket, smoked chicken with bacon ranch, Greek/Tzatziki (or vegetable without the chicken), pepperoni, cheese, smoked chicken with artichoke, and margherita.
Second, I love the reason Holy Smoke even exists. As a community outreach, the goal is to raise monies for charitable causes. This season’s beneficiaries are Believet, which provides service dogs to qualifying veterans at no cost; Habitat for Humanity, building homes with and for families; St. Vincent de Paul, providing food, clothing and more to those in need; and the Paradise Center for the Arts, bringing the arts to Faribault. All are worthy causes supported with funds from Holy Smoke pizza sales.
And then there’s the music, a third reason to appreciate this summertime ministry of Christ Lutheran. The Old Country Brothers will perform old country—the likes of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kenny Rogers and more—during the June 11 Holy Smoke. Sawyer’s Dream offers a modern take on classic rock of the 60s and 70s on July 9. And, on August 13, Pop Prohibition performs re-imagined pop songs into assorted vintage styles like jazz, the blues, ragtime and more.
Not to be forgotten is the fourth reason I enjoy Holy Smoke. And that is the sense of community which comes in connecting with friends and meeting new people. Conversations flow. Kids run across the yard, blow bubbles, climb playground equipment and more at this family-friendly event. There’s definitely a relaxed vibe that all is well with the world, even if it isn’t.
But for these three summer evenings, from 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m., all truly is good and wonderful in the world, atop the hill. We gather in our bring-your-own lawn chairs, kick back with our tasty smoked pizzas and beverages (available for purchase on site), listen to music and commune with one another under a wide Minnesota summer sky.
TELL ME: Have you attended an event similar to this in your community or nearby? I’d like to hear.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
oh, I remember you writing about this event last year and it sounds wonderful, first of all I love old country music, the band sounds great, the charitable causes make me so happy, the community gathering and pizza choices sound really exciting this year. when I saw your blog title, I thought it had to go with the smoke coming from Canada at first. )
We have been at Holy Smoke when wildfire smoke has been bad. Hopefully that will not be the case this year, but…
Sounds delicious! We may have to come and try it.
I think you would enjoy this event. Yes, the wood-fired pizza is delicious.
What a great example of a community event: bringing people together, feeding them, and helping out some great causes!
Precisely.
Like the perfect package of FUN and for great CAUSES too – love it! We have similar events down here and I would say most have a charitable aspect to it too. Happy Day – ENJOY 🙂
Great to hear, that you have fun events in Florida, too, that direct monies to charities. So many good people in this country trying to help others. 🙂
I remember you sharing about this previously and loving everything about it. What a great event in all ways.
Yes, hopefully next month Holy Smoke will not get rained on.