THE UPCOMING WEEKEND brings a quartet of local events that not only entertain, but also honor, support and celebrate. Count me in.
First up is the Rice County Historical Society Fall Flea Market from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, September 13, at the RCHS museum grounds along Second Avenue in Faribault. Here vendors set up shop and sell an assortments of goods with the variety of an old time mercantile.
I love browsing, and sometimes buying, at this outdoor market. But I also enjoy connecting with the sellers and other shoppers. Often I’ll see people I haven’t seen in a while, which leads to conversations. And to me, that’s what these events, at their core, are really about—connecting and reconnecting to build a strong sense of community.
LIGHT OF HOPE
Saturday afternoon, beginning at 4 p.m. until 10 p.m., folks will gather in Faribault’s Central Park for the Light of Hope Celebration, which focuses on cancer. Or, more accurately, focuses on those who have died from, survived or are fighting cancer. I expect every single one of you have been touched by cancer. Many of my friends and family members have endured cancer, including my dad who died of cancer in 2003. And my dear friend Barb, who died in 2024. I also know plenty of survivors.
Light of Hope aims to raise monies for local cancer patients and their families through the sale of luminaries, bench markers and donations. Recipients receive gas cards and/or monies to assist with mortgage payments, groceries, utility bills and other everyday expenses. The Light of Hope organization emphasizes “local” in their mission. I appreciate that people within my community can get financial help in the midst of a cancer diagnosis.
Saturday’s celebration includes a luminary walk, personal stories, family fun, music, food trucks, raffle baskets and more. While the mood is celebratory, it can also be difficult as memories of loved ones unleash strong emotions. I know. I’ve walked the luminary path and cried as I read names of those dear to me.
SPIRIT FEST
Also on Saturday, from 5-9 p.m., Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault hosts its annual Spirit Fest, a jam-packed weekend event featuring, food, music, auctions, raffles, makers’ market, bake sale, kids’ crafts, games, inflatables, outdoor movie, mini golf, cornhole tournament and much more. The fest is open to the public. Sunday, September 14, brings a second day of fun starting at 9 a.m. and running until 5 p.m. (Click here for a full schedule of events.)
VALLEY GROVE COUNTRY SOCIAL
In rural Nerstrand, the focus turns to history, specifically two historic Norwegian immigrant churches set high atop a hill in rural Nerstrand. The Valley Grove Preservation Society celebrates its annual Country Social from 1- 4 p.m. Sunday, September 14, with Nordic music, a history stroll, wagon rides, children’s activities, blacksmithing and rope-making demonstrations, a book discussion and more, including coffee and treats.
Hutenanny performs under the oaks from 1-2:30 p.m. Jeff Sauve, writer and former archivist at St. Olaf College in Northfield, leads “Unbound Love at Valley Grove” history strolls from 1:30- 2 p.m. and from 3-3:30 p.m. A discussion of the book Muus vs. Muus—The Scandal That Shook Norwegian America by Bodil Stenseth happens in the wood church from 2-2:45 p.m with editor Kari Lie Dorer and translator Torild Homstad.
Attendees are also encouraged to view commissioned Norwegian tapestries inside the 1862 stone church and the renovated steeple on the 1894 clapboard church just across the lawn.
Valley Grove happens to be one of my favorite spots in rural Rice County because of its natural beauty, history and peacefulness. Fifty acres of rolling prairie grasses and woods surround the two churches, which are on the National Register of Historic Places. The church buildings are beautiful in their simplicity. It’s not hard to imagine long ago Norwegian immigrants gathering here to worship, mourn, marry and celebrate.
Truly, all four of these weekend events in my area are about community, connecting and celebrating. Thank you, organizers, for offering these activities that are fundraisers for your groups and fun for all of us.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I’m especially intrigued by the Valley Grove country social. The Norwegian immigrant country churches draw me right in as I am made up of half Norwegian. Thank you for sharing these events on your blog, we are at the cabin during this time but maybe some year will work out. There are a few celebrations/events this weekend up in the Northland. I am hoping to go to a festival in Akeley with my friend who will be staying the weekend with us. I wish there were a website that listed all of the festivals and markets, etc. during the fall in Minnesota wouldn’t that be fun to have that information.
You would love Valley Grove, Jackie. Enjoy your time at the cabin and events Up North.
It’s great that you shared all of this ‘before’ the events happen. I’m often disappointed in our local news when they post stories about events after they’re done. It’d be nice to have more stories about upcoming events. Yes, we have a local calendar but that doesn’t tell us much. It’s more interesting to read about the who, what, when, why, and how of an event. Thanks for this Audrey. You are a wonderful reporter, telling the public what they need to know, and connecting your community.
I just shared that very sentiment with my Adams Publishing Group editor, that people like to know about events in advance AND appreciate stories afterwards also.
what a wonderful mix of events, each with a different mood and meaning, but each very important to the community and the people within.
That’s so true. We have lots going on locally and in area communities the next two months. Trying to cram events in before winter.
I appreciate your advance notice about these events! Thank you.
I will miss the Valley Grove festival and the flea market…events we’ve attended in the past. We will be in Idaho! 😉
Enjoy your time in Idaho, my friend.