Minnesota Prairie Roots

Writing and photography by Audrey Kletscher Helbling

Authors for Minnesota Day raises $50K for nonprofits helping immigrants March 5, 2026

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The pre-event promo. (Graphic sourced online)

MINNESOTANS ARE KNOWN for their generosity. And once again they showed up big time to support those affected by federal immigration enforcement in our state.

During a February 28 Authors for Minnesota Day event held at 26 independent bookstores throughout our state, $50,249 was raised (with 22 stores reporting) for the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota and for the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota Immigration Rapid Response Fund, according to co-organizer, writer Jess Lourey. That happened in just four hours.

Amazing.

I photographed this sandwich board outside Content Bookstore in mid-February. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo February 2026)

At Content Bookstore in nearby Northfield, around $3,000 was donated to the two organizations. I was among the donors and among the many Content shoppers who visited with Allen Eskens, a writer of thrillers and mysteries from St. Peter, and Mary Bleckwehl, a Northfield children’s book author.

I got a free copy of this book for donating to one of the selected nonprofits. (Book cover sourced online)

Nearly 60 writers participated statewide in Authors for Minnesota Day, giving of their time and also giving away selected books to those who gave to the two recipient nonprofits. I snagged a soft-cover copy of Bleckwehl’s Arrrgh! Me Hate to Wait! Eskens had already given away his supply of free books by the time I arrived in mid-afternoon.

This event was about more than helping two deserving nonprofits focused on helping immigrants in Minnesota. This was also about supporting independent bookstores and Minnesota writers. Content Bookstore buzzed with shoppers browsing shelves, buying books and even standing in line to chat with Eskens and Bleckwehl.

To see this level of interest and support was encouraging, but not surprising. Minnesota has repeatedly proven, in the past few months especially, that it cares about and looks out for its neighbors.

Lourey, co-organizer with author Kristi Belcamino, posted on Facebook: “I was in tears several times throughout the day seeing how many people in our community want to support small businesses and immigrant rights. Thank you to all the bookstores and authors who participated, and to everyone who showed up—we got to see the best of Minnesota today.”

© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Mutual aid marathon in Northfield aims to support those impacted by ICE March 4, 2026

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(Promo sourced from The Grand Event Center Facebook page)

THE GOOD FOLKS of Northfield, Minnesota, are organizing again to help their neighbors. This time it’s via a 12-hour Mutual Aid Marathon from 10 am-10 pm Saturday, March 7, at The Grand Event Center in this college town south of the Twin Cities.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to organizations—such as Sharing Our Roots and Northfield Community Action Center—providing mutual aid to those in the community impacted by federal immigration enforcement.

Doors open at 10 am at the event center, 316 Washington Street, just a block off Division Street in the heart of this historic downtown. Suggested donation at the door is $10.

From 10 until noon, attendees can enjoy a breakfast with 30 percent of entree sales going to organizations doing vital work in the community. Likewise, profits from a “pay what you can” appetizer buffet, which starts at 4 pm, will also be donated.

Event planners promise a full day and evening of live music, performances, poetry, political education, and powerful speakers. See the event poster promo above for a complete schedule.

Organizers are calling upon the public to: Bring friends. Bring family. Bring your appetite and your solidarity. Come for a while or stay for the entire marathon.

As I see it, the Mutual Aid Marathon is all about neighbors helping neighbors, which is the very definition of a loving and caring community.

FYI: You can also donate online (click here) through a GoFundMe launched by Raices in Action Mutual Aid.

© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Lumberjack games, hotdish & much more at March 7 Faribault Flannel Formal February 27, 2026

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Attendees at a past Faribault Flannel Formal cozy inside a non-working amusement ride inside Corks & Pints. (Photo credit: Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism)

IT’S NO FANCY formal. But that likely suits most Minnesotans. From 5-10 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, my community celebrates the tenth annual Faribault Flannel Formal at the Craft Beverage Curve (10,000 Drops Craft Distillers and Corks & Pints) in the heart of our historic downtown.

Voted as the Best Dressed Lumber Jack in 2025. (Photo credit: Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism)

The dress code calls not for formal wear, but rather for flannel, preferably buffalo plaid red and black. That’s my kind of winter attire. Attendees can even participate in Lumber Jack and Jane costume contests, which call for creativity in flannel wear. Beards will also be judged to find “the best,” whatever fits that definition.

Chicken Wild Rice Hotdish, an example of the hotdish you may find at the Faribault Flannel Formal. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

This promises to be a Minnesotan event through and through with activities like a Hotdish Showdown. Note, I wrote hotdish, which is the Minnesota word for casserole. Locals will cook up their favorite hotdishes to be judged and sampled.

The influence of legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan—who may or may not have eaten hotdish, but who certainly wore buffalo plaid flannel—will be noticeable. There will be axe throwing in a special trailer, a Beaver Toss (that would be stuffed beavers), bag toss and hammerschlagen (driving nails into a stump). Fun stuff to show off precision skills and perhaps a bit of brawn.

Inside the lower level of Corks & Pints, which connects to the distillery. (Photo credit: Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism)

No event is complete without music. Minneapolis rock cover band Robos headlines the stage. Those who purchase $75 VIP experience tickets for early admittance at 3 p.m. can also exclusively enjoy the music of Wayne & the Boys, a one-man band performing the music of Wayne Wagner, inducted into the Legends of South Dakota Country Music Hall of Fame. VIP perks also include a swag bag, two complimentary drink tickets, voting power and access to exclusive hideouts.

Flannel attendees gather on the patio between the distillery and Corks & Pints. (Photo credit: Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism)

Whether you go VIP or opt for a $25 general admission experience, the Faribault Flannel Formal is sure to be a true Minnesotan experience, especially with all that plaid flannel. You can even experience Minnesota winter by stepping outside to order a drink at the Sleigh Bar (new this year) and then warm up in a heated tent, followed perhaps by a conversation about the weather. We like to talk weather here in Minnesota.

You may even overhear phrases like “You betcha.” Or “That’s different.” Or “It could be worse.”

But mostly, I expect you will hear friendly conversations, lots of laughter, maybe an ice fishing tale or three, and praise for Minnesota, this place we love. Even in the deep of winter. (Mostly.)

FYI: Tickets are available for purchase online (click here on flannelformal.org), at the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism office, and at 10,000 Drops Craft Distillers. The first 500 ticket holders get a complimentary collectible glass and a complimentary beverage.

The Faribault Flannel Formal is a fundraiser for the local Chamber and tourism office with monies targeted for projects in the downtown district.

© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Art, history & laughter at the Paradise January 6, 2026

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The H.H. King Flour Mill as painted by Faribault artist Maybelle Stark in 1959. This is a photo of a print I own. Stark’s mill painting is included in a new exhibit at the Paradise Center for the Arts. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo January 2026)

THE VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS come together under one roof this Friday evening, January 9, at the Paradise Center for the Arts in historic downtown Faribault during an opening gallery reception from 5-7 pm followed by an improv comedy show at 7:30 pm. I’m excited about both. I love art. And I like entertainment that makes me laugh.

First up is the reception celebrating the work of artists showcased in four galleries. That includes “Homegrown Art: The Local Artist Collection of the Rice County Historical Society,” individual artists Barbara Schwenk and Leo Bird, pottery from the Paradise Center for the Arts pottery department and art by Bethlehem Academy students.

The RCHS exhibit in the main gallery kicks off a year-long celebration of the county historical society’s 100th birthday. “From a fantastical creature made of tin to bright, creative pottery and beautiful paintings, this gallery highlights items normally tucked away in storage and spotlights the talents of the Rice County community,” according to a media release from the RCHS.

“1938 Church Wedding” by Linda Van Lear is based on The Holy Innocents Church at the Rice County Fairgrounds/Historical Society grounds. The painting was previously shown at the Paradise. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo August 2020)

Naturally, I wondered about the artists to be featured in the 20 pieces chosen for the Paradise show. They include, among others, Grace McKinstry, Linda Van Lear, Ivan Whillock, Maybelle Stark and Frieda Lord. I’m familiar with all of them except Lord, although I have seen and photographed the art of her granddaughter, Dana Warmington Hanson. Lord and Stark were among the founding members of the Faribault Art Center, which evolved into the Paradise Center for the Arts.

“Rain,” a woodcarving by Ivan Whillock exhibited previously at the Paradise. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo October 2020)

McKinstry and Whillock are perhaps the best-known in that short list shared with me by the RCHS. Whillock, who has a studio in Faribault, is an internationally-renowned woodcarver and also a painter. McKinstry (she died in 1936) traveled the world in pursuit of creating portraits and landscapes. Her art is featured in the Smithsonian, the Minnesota Historical Society, the Minnesota State Capital and elsewhere worldwide. Locally, the county historical society owns more than 40 pieces of her artwork, the largest collection of McKinstry’s art anywhere.

I own art by one of the artists, Maybelle Stark, whose work is included in the RCHS gallery exhibit. That’s a print of the H.H. King Flour Mill, once located along the Cannon River on Faribault’s west side and destroyed by fire in 1975. Stark painted the scene in 1959 and exhibited it locally the same year. Now that painting is back on public display nearly 70 years later.

All of the art showcased in the Paradise galleries from now through February 21 is sure to draw plenty of interest among those who value creativity. And local history.

Promo for Little Fish Improv. (Sourced online)

And for anyone who also values the performing arts, Little Fish Improv presents improv comedy beginning at 7:30 pm Friday. I’ve seen this group of area comedians perform several times on the Paradise stage. They are a talented bunch who think quickly on their feet (thus the word “improv”) and get their audience engaged and laughing. It seems to me a really challenging art form.

Bonus, this comedy show is a fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting the Paradise Center for the Arts. I feel incredibly fortunate to live in a community with an outstanding arts center and with a deep appreciation for the arts.

FYI: Click here to purchase tickets for Little Fish Improv.

At 1 pm Saturday, January 17, Diane Lockerby, pottery instructor at the Paradise, will lead a “Historic Pottery Workshop at the Paradise.” Following her brief talk about pottery and local history, attendees will make a piece of pottery to take home. There is a fee. Space is limited. Click here to register.

© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Swimming in laughs with Little Fish Comedy June 25, 2025

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I took this photo outside the Paradise Center for the Arts during the Faribault Car Cruise Night, the evening before the Little Fish Improv Comedy Show. (Minnesota Prairie Root copyrighted photo June 2025)

GOOGLE “Laughter is good for the soul,” and you’ll find many a reference telling you laughter is, indeed, good for you. The Bible says so in Proverbs 17:21 and elsewhere. So does the Mayo Clinic. And so do a whole lot of other sources.

Laughter relieves stress, eases depression, produces happiness and just generally makes us feel better. I’m all for those positive results, especially with the really difficult, stressful stuff happening in our country and world right now. We could all use extra doses of laughter.

Thanks to Little Fish Comedy, I laughed until my belly hurt at a Saturday, June 21, Improv Comedy Show at the Paradise Center for the Arts. I’ve previously seen this team of local actors, actresses and comedians perform and knew I needed to attend this fundraising event for the Faribault arts center. The group has raised more than $1 million for local nonprofits. I left the Paradise feeling better than when I arrived thanks to this talented crew.

It takes skill, quick thinking, creativity and a love of acting to do improv. Because the show involves audience interaction via prompts shouted to the group’s artistic director, the performance is totally unpredictable with fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants acting. These performers definitely need to stay focused while coming up with scenes, dialogue and actions that prompt laughter. No daydreaming here.

Try working words like kangaroo, lion tamer, embalming, Paris, stale baguette and organ transplantation, for example, into various skits and you begin to understand the challenge. Those were among the words shouted from the Paradise audience to those on stage.

And to make this even more difficult, the director can mix things up, limit time, blow his whistle. He’s like a referee.

(Graphic source: Little Fish Comedy)

The goal was to make the audience laugh. And we did during the Paradise show. This is family-friendly improv performed by those who work day jobs in education, IT, insurance, manufacturing and more. I appreciate that this is good, clean comedy anyone can enjoy.

And I appreciate that I can find this entertainment right here in my community. Because this was a fundraising event for the Paradise, ticket prices were discounted with a bonus buy-one-get-one-free. Randy and I are members of the arts center, meaning our ticket prices were even lower. An evening of laughter cost us less than $15.

Upon returning home and later switching on the TV for the Saturday 10 p.m. news, I understood even more the value of laughter, of escaping reality for a short time. Laughter is good for the soul. Little Fish Comedy proved that, no googling necessary.

TELL ME: Have you seen Little Fish Improv Comedy or another improv show? I’d like to hear about your experience and what you like about improv.

© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Holy Smoke, it’s time for pizza on the hill June 5, 2025

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You can’t miss the Holy Smoke signage at the bottom of the hill along Minnesota State Highway 60 on Faribault’s east side. Christ Lutheran sits atop the hill, offering a sweeping view of the valley. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

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.

Smoked brisket pizza, probably my favorite at Holy Smoke. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

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.

St. Vincent de Paul in Faribault. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

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.

The Old Country Brothers, Gregg, left, and Jeff Sartor, perform at a past Holy Smoke. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo August 2022)

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.

The backyard setting of Holy Smoke is casual and relaxed. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

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

 

From Northfield: Of bank robbers & books, lots of books April 22, 2025

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The James-Younger Gang shooting it out during a past Defeat of Jesse James Days parade. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

NORTHFIELD, MINNESOTA is best-known as the community that, on September 7, 1876, thwarted plans by the James-Younger Gang to rob the First National Bank. Townspeople stood their ground against the outlaws, ending in the deaths of the acting bank cashier, a Swedish immigrant and two of the robbers before the gang fled. Northfield marks the failed bank robbery each September with a Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration. That draws 100,000-plus to this city of some 21,000.

Books I’ve purchased at a used book sale, not in Northfield, but in Faribault. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

This week the masses will once again descend on this riverside college town, not for a historical occasion, but rather for one of Minnesota’s biggest used book sales, the Great Northfield Minnesota Book Fair. Certainly, crowds will not swell to levels gathered for the historical event in September. But they will be large, as I can attest from shopping past book fairs, although not recently.

The sale, sponsored by the Northfield Hospital Auxiliary, features an estimated 70,000 donated books, musical recordings, games and puzzles filling tables inside the Northfield Ice Arena. The goal is to raise $100,000 “to enhance healthcare in the Northfield Area.” That means funding special projects at the local hospital and clinics, supporting local health organizations and offering health education scholarships. The book fair began in 1961 and in 2018 hit $1 million in total sales.

Doors for this year’s sale open at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, closing for the day at 9 p.m.. The fair continues until Saturday, April 26, with the following hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Friday is half-price day. Saturday is $5 bag day until 12:30 p.m. From 1-3 p.m. Saturday everything is free. Yes, free.

Puzzles will also be sold at the Book Fair in Northfield. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

Shopping this book fair almost leaves you feeling like you’re robbing the bank given the reasonable prices. Base prices for paperbacks are $1 and for hardcovers, $2, according to the Book Fair website. Of course, some are priced higher depending on rarity or newness. Musical offerings will cost a few bucks. Puzzles and games are priced around $5.

I’ve never shopped the first, or even the second or third, day of the sale. I suppose I’ve missed out by waiting, especially when looking for children’s books. But, hey, with a starting inventory of 70,000, it takes a while for the supply to diminish. There’s still plenty for people to haul out (and they do, by the wagon and box loads) during Saturday’s two-hour freebie close-out.

Defeat of Jesse James Days bobbleheads for sale at the Northfield History Center. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo April 2025)

Some 300 volunteers sort through donations, set up and run the sale in the sprawling ice arena with books separated into more than two dozen categories. The organization and efficiency are truly something to behold. The sheer size of this book fair is overwhelming. But then again, Northfield is a city that values books, knowledge and learning, as evidenced by its two liberal arts colleges, an independent bookstore, an engaged public library and an active writing community, especially of poets. That Northfield hosts one of Minnesota’s biggest book fairs should come as no surprise. This is a community which embraces books, and stands up to bank robbers.

© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Celebrating diversity past & present in southern Minnesota April 14, 2025

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This photo, taken during a car show in downtown Faribault, shows the diversity of my community. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

WALK THROUGH THE HEART of downtown Faribault and you’ll see diversity. Diversity in businesses. Diversity in the people who live here. It’s a beautiful thing, at least to me.

A banner in Faribault’s historic district features a vintage photo outside a local business. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

We need only look back to the founding of Faribault to understand the diversity which existed from the very beginning. Immigrants from around the world settled here, set up shop, engaged in business and grew this community. The shoemakers. The brewers. The furniture builders. The general store proprietors. The barbers. And on and on. They were as diverse as their skills. They shaped this place.

Faribault is the richer for those individuals and families who left their homelands, crossed the ocean, bringing their hopes and dreams to America. With the exception of Indigenous Peoples, we can mostly all trace our ancestry to a land a long ship ride away.

Somali men visit in downtown Faribault. My community is home to a sizeable Somali population, some of whom live downtown. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2024)

Today our newest Faribault residents arrive mostly by plane. From Somalia. From Sudan. From Venezuela. From Mexico. And elsewhere. Many have fled worn-torn countries. Unimaginable atrocities. Their losses, their heartache, their pain is beyond what anyone should have to endure. But they have managed. They settle in, set up shop in our community, work in our local factories gutting turkeys and more, shingle our houses, cook and serve us their delicious cuisine… They work hard to rebuild their lives here in southern Minnesota. And I am glad to have them here as an integral part of my community.

Among the colorful merchandise at Mercado Local. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2024)

In neighboring Northfield, a downtown shop, Mercado Local, vends the art, crafts and more of artisans from Latin America and Hispanic backgrounds. Under the umbrella of Rice County Neighbors United, a nonprofit supporting the immigrant and refugee communities of Northfield, Mercado Local has flourished, serving as a marketplace, arts center (I’ve read poetry here) and community gathering space.

(Promo courtesy of Mercado Local)

From 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, Mercado Local is hosting a fundraiser for this nonprofit which aims to “empower immigrant entrepreneurs to thrive.” There will be updates, raffles, promotions, Loteria (like BINGO) and, of course, Mexican food. Even if you can’t make the event, I encourage you to pop into the marketplace. Just being inside this small space with all its colorful art and wares makes me happy. That’s one of the things I appreciate about Hispanic and Latino culture—the vivid colors. And I rather like the food, too.

A flag ceremony at a past International Festival in Faribault featured national anthems and information about some of the countries from which Faribault residents have originated. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

To have a diverse community is to experience the world up close, to widen our circle and understanding of others. Yet, no matter our skin color, our language, our customs, our dress, our roots, we are all just people. Individuals who laugh and cry and love and live. Now, together, we are growing our communities in new, exciting and diverse ways, just like those who crossed the ocean all those years ago to settle in America.

© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Grieving Naomi & how you can help March 7, 2025

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Naomi Biel, December 10, 2024 – February 9, 2025

TO LOSE A CHILD of any age is heartbreaking. But that is reality for Nyakueth Biel, a young mother rooted in my community. She is grieving the February 9 passing of her baby girl, two-month-old Naomi, in Brooklyn, New York.

Nyakueth’s daughter will be remembered during a funeral service at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at my church, Trinity Lutheran in Faribault, before she is laid to rest at Maple Lawn Cemetery. No mother should have to bury her child, especially an infant.

I think of my own newborn grandson, who will soon turn two months old. And then I think of darling Naomi and her grieving mom, grandma, aunt and uncle. Pain runs deep.

Naomi’s obituary describes her as a very happy and healthy baby who was deeply loved and brought immense joy to those around her. And then she died. Unexpectedly. Within nine weeks of her December 10, 2024, birth.

SUPPORT IN LAYING NAOMI TO REST

And now Nyakueth, who is facing unfathomable grief, is also facing financial challenges in paying for her daughter’s funeral expenses. And that’s how you can help. Nyakuan Daniel has started a GoFundMe fundraiser, “Support for Nyakueth Biel in Laying Baby Naomi to Rest.”

Nyakuan Daniel explains:

We are reaching out to our community for support during this incredibly difficult time. Any contribution, no matter how small, will go toward covering funeral expenses and ensuring that Nyakueth has the support she needs as she navigates this heartbreaking loss. Your generosity will help ease her financial burden so she can focus on healing and honoring the memory of her precious daughter.

What wonderfully loving, supportive, heartfelt and heartbreaking words.

If you are able and so moved, I encourage you to contribute anything you can to help Nyakueth. The fundraising goal is $16,000. Click here to reach the GoFundMe page.

SHOWING COMFORT, LOVE, COMPASSION…

I personally comforted Naomi’s grandmother shortly after her granddaughter died. She was waiting for her daughter to arrive in Faribault from New York. I wrapped Nyayual in a tight hug, held her hands, prayed with her. And then I organized with friends to help the family financially. While our gift is small compared to Nyakueth’s needs, it helps. But more so than the money, it is the love, compassion, care and support that matters the most. We want Nyakueth and her family to feel the love of their faith family and many others.

As Nyakuan Daniel writes in her GoFundMe letter: Let us come together to support Nyakueth and show her that she is not alone in her grief. And that, my friends, is within our power to do.

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NOTE: If you prefer not to donate via GoFundMe but still wish to support Nyakueth with a financial gift, please reach out to me and perhaps I can help. I’m offering this option to those of you who know me personally and have my personal contact information.

© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Supporting the arts at St. Patrick’s Day Souper Bowl in St. Peter March 15, 2024

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Chicken wild rice soup in a hand-thrown pottery bowl at the 2013 Souper Bowl. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo January 2013)

AS AN ART LOVER who also loves soup, the opportunity to buy a handcrafted bowl filled with soup proved a win-win in 2013. Today the annual Souper Bowl is still going strong at the Arts Center of Saint Peter.

Lots of handcrafted bowls to choose from in 2013. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo January 2013)

This Sunday from 3-6 pm, the Arts Center fundraiser takes place at The Capitol Room, an event venue at 419 South Minnesota Avenue in the heart of downtown St. Peter. Here attendees can choose from an array of artisan bowls hand-thrown by local potters and then filled with a serving of soup from local vendors. Cost for the soup and bowl, yours to keep, is $20.

My chosen bowl and soup. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo January 2013)

When I attended 11 years ago, I chose a simple green-with-traces-of-brown bowl for no other reason than I favor simplicity and green, nature’s hue. And I selected chicken wild rice soup because it, too, is a favorite.

Joel Moline and Thalia Taylor kneading clay during my visit to the arts center’s Clay Studio in March 2012. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo March 2012)

In the years that have passed since that pottery purchase, I have used my Saint Peter soup bowl hundreds of times. I love the shape, the feel, the heft of this original piece of usable art. This isn’t just any soup bowl, but rather one made and shaped by the hands of an artist. And that means something to me. I appreciate the work of creatives.

Diners line up for soup or chili at the 2013 Souper Bowl. The event is first-come, first-serve. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo January 2013)

And I value events like the Souper Bowl, which expose people to the arts, bring people together, build community. Sunday will be a busy day in St. Peter as this southern Minnesota city celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in a big way with a parade at 3 pm.

The Arts Center of Saint Peter, 315 South Minnesota Avenue, St. Peter, Minnesota.
The Arts Center of Saint Peter, 315 South Minnesota Avenue, photographed on a visit there in March 2012. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo March 2012)

With a cooldown expected on Sunday along with gusty winds, afternoon temps in the 30s will feel like the 20s, according to local forecasters. Seems an ideal day to warm up with a bowl of soup served in an artisan bowl.

© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling