parade | Minnesota Prairie Roots

Celebrating winter & the holidays at Winterfest in Faribault December 4, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 6:00 AM
Tags: Alexander Faribault House, Central Avenue, Christmas, Christmas Market, community celebration, concert, craft shows, entertainment, family-friendly events, Faribault, fireworks, holiday, Hometown Holidays, Little Biker Santa Party, Minnesota, music, parade, Parade of Lights, street dance, Ugly Sweater Run/Walk, Viaduct Park, winter, Winterfest

*The Winterfest logo banners a vintage pickup truck during the 2017 Winterfest Parade of Lights. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2017)*

WITH SOME SEVEN INCHES of snow on the ground and freezing temps, Winterfest in Faribault this week will actually look and feel like winter. So I’ll dig out the long johns, wool socks, winter boots, stocking cap, scarf, new Thinsulate fingerless mittens/gloves and warm parka to take in the festivities.

The first event is not actually part of the official Winterfest schedule, but is still a local kick off to the holidays. The Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour hosts the Faribault High School Choir at a free concert of holiday classics and traditional carols at 1:30 pm on Thursday, December 4.

*Ice carvers wrap up their work carving a teddy bear during the 2022 Winterfest. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo December 2022)*

Things really get moving later Thursday with Hometown Holidays activities centered at Buckham Center. From 5-7 pm, there will be horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic downtown, ice sculpture carving, a Buckham West Pop-Up Shoppe, music and lots for the kids to do, including crafts, a bounce house, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Voting also happens for the best Christmas window display in the downtown window decorating contest.

*A Grinch tops a Christmas tree in the 2024 Winterfest Adopt-a-Tree Christmas tree give-away to those in need. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2024)*

Friday, December 5, brings another fun evening of events from 5:30-7:30 pm, this time at the new Viaduct Park along the Straight River. Activities include tree and park lighting, visits and photos with The Grinch, student dance and musical performances, and more carriage rides. Complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate will also be available.

*Chris Delesha of Delesha’s Woods sells his handcrafted art at the 2024 Legion market. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo December 2024)*

Saturday, December 6, promises a day jam-packed with things to do. That starts with a 10 am-3 pm Christmas Market at the Faribault American Legion. Also at 10 am, the Paradise Center for the Arts offers art created by more than 30 area artists during its Holly Days Sale. The sale will be open until 7:30 pm Saturday and continues during December. At 11 am and within walking distance of the Legion and arts center, 10,000 Drops Distillers hosts its annual Craft Spirits Holiday Bazaar until 4 pm (and again on Saturday, December 13).

In between all of the Christmas markets, Faribault Harley Davidson is hosting a Little Biker Santa Party from 11 am-2 pm geared toward the little people. There’s a coloring contest, photos with Santa and other activities, plus mac n cheese, while supplies last. The Harley shop is collecting non-perishable food items at the event for the St. Vincent de Paul food shelf.

*The Alexander Faribault House dining room set for the holidays during the 2017 Christmas open house. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo December 2017)*

Just as the Craft Spirits Holiday Bazaar ends, the nearby Alexander Faribault house opens to the public from 4-6 pm for an 1850s French-Canadian style Christmas. Town founder Alexander Faribault and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, lived in this house now owned by the Rice County Historical Society. The RCHS hosts the free Christmas open house annually during Winterfest.

As Saturday progresses, so do Winterfest activities with an Ugly Sweater Run/Walk beginning at 4:30 pm at Viaduct Park. Participants will follow city recreational trails in this first ever run/walk during Winterfest.

*A crowd waits along Central Avenue for the Parade of Lights* *to start in 2024. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo December 2024)*

Then, at 5:30 pm, the highlight of Winterfest for most, the Parade of Lights, begins, heading south along Central Avenue from Sixth Street Northwest to Division Street. Fireworks at Viaduct Park follow the parade. The direction of the parade route and the timing of the fireworks have both changed from previous years. Parking is also banned along Central Avenue, which pleases me greatly.

Capping off Winterfest is a street dance with music by Saint Suburbia at Crooked Pint (by Viaduct Park) from 6-10 pm. Amenities include a heated tent, an outdoor bar and burn barrels.

There you go. Join Faribault in welcoming winter in a big way this week via Winterfest.

Comments (10)

History & tradition meld at Cannon City Memorial Day observance May 28, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 6:00 AM
Tags: Cannon City, Cannon City Cemetery, history, holiday, In Flanders Fields, Jean Ann Pederson, Memorial Day, Memorial Day program, Minnesota, parade, rural life, tradition

*A horse-drawn wagon leads the parade along the gravel road to the Cannon City Cemetery. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

MEMORIAL DAY IN CANNON CITY is decidedly simple and old-fashioned, marking a 100-year-plus tradition of gathering in the 1867 cemetery to remember and honor veterans. This observation also embraces community with a mixture of mostly locals and those born here returning home for the 2 p.m. program followed by visiting, lots of visiting.

*Several vintage vehicles and a pickup follow. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

Although I have no connection to this unincorporated village a few miles northeast of Faribault, I’ve found myself often drawn here on Memorial Day. The countryside setting and the way in which the day is celebrated appeal to my rural roots and upbringing 130 miles away on the southwestern Minnesota prairie.

*A few people walked the parade route, here past farm land. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

Monday’s event at Cannon City began with a parade from the nearby former country school to the cemetery. A small contingent of horse-drawn wagon, vintage vehicles and several walkers followed the gravel road past homes and farm fields to the fenced cemetery. I walked alongside the group in the road ditch, photographing the scene as they neared the graveyard.

*Vintage vehicles set an historic scene outside the cemetery gates. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

It was not difficult in that moment to imagine the long ago school children proceeding to the cemetery, carrying homemade floral wreaths of lilacs and other flowers in bloom. Several years ago that original Decoration Day parade tradition was revived. It’s a lovely nod to history.

*A crowd gathers for the Memorial Day program centered under the trees. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

All ages attended, including Levi, almost two, who wore these patriotic boots. His grandpa is the cemetery caretaker. Levi helps him and his dad by picking up sticks before mowing. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)

*The Sartor Brothers lead musical selections. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

Inside the cemetery gate, folks gathered in the shelter of cedars and pines to listen to inspirational readings and poetry; to sing; to hear the names of 52 veterans buried here read aloud; and more.

*Handing out poppies to attendees. Members of the Faribault American Legion Auxiliary and other volunteers crafted the paper flowers. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

*Organizer Kathleen Kanne led the program and talked about Jean Ann Pederson. The plaque in front of Kanne was given in honor of Jean Ann. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

*A woman’s t-shirt focuses on poppies, representing the blood of heroes who died in war. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

This year the “more” included excerpts from an interview with Jean Ann Greenville Pederson, a Cannon City native interviewed by Kathleen Kanne and Mel Sanborn. She died in February, shortly after her 93^rd birthday. Each May, Jean Ann shared a bit of local Memorial Day history and read “In Flanders Fields” to attendees. Kanne, program organizer, announced the placement of a small “In Flanders Fields” graveside plaque honoring Jean Ann. She then invited us to read the poem together. I recited it, having memorized “In Flanders Fields” as a child tasked with sharing the poem several times during my hometown Memorial Day program. In Flanders fields the poppies blow/Between the crosses, row on row…

*American flags marked the graves of veterans in the Cannon City Cemetery. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

Throughout this commemorative event in the Cannon City Cemetery, I was intimately aware of my surroundings. Under the trees. Next to farm fields. The wind sweeping across the hill. Birds chirping. It felt reverent, almost holy—this place like a sanctuary. For the living and the dead.

*Visiting after the program. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

After the program concluded, families meandered among the gravestones. Stopping. Gathering. Others remained under the cedars and pines, connecting and reconnecting. I grabbed a chocolate chip cookie and went in search of my friend’s, veteran Rhody Yule’s, grave. I found it, flat against the ground, hidden by a bush.

*I heard Steve Bonde play taps at the Memorial Day service in Faribault in the morning and then again at Cannon City in the afternoon. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

Later, as I headed toward the van to leave, I heard Steve Bonde, who earlier played patriotic music, playing more tunes. It was the perfect way to end my time here, where respect for veterans, for community and for tradition carries through generations of those rooted in Cannon City.

Comments (8)

American pride & patriotism shine at Faribault Memorial Day parade May 27, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 12:08 PM
Tags: America, Faribault, holiday, Memorial Day, Minnesota, parade, patriotism, pride, thoughts, veterans

*Veteran Kirk Mansfield carries the American flag as part of the Color Guard during the parade. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

I GREW UP RECOGNIZING Memorial Day for what it is—a day to honor those who have died in service to our country. My parents instilled in me the importance of this day, a value I’ve carried throughout my life. Nearly every year I’ve attended an event recognizing our military men and women, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

*A large crowd gathers for the Memorial Day parade along Central Avenue in Faribault. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

On Monday morning I headed downtown Faribault to the Memorial Day parade followed by a program in Central Park. In the afternoon Randy and I drove a few miles out of town to the Cannon City Cemetery and a program there.

This year’s honored veterans were all women: Kerrie Johnsrud, Peggy Johnson (pictured here as honorary parade grand marshal) and Stephanie Johnsrud. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)

At each of these events, I observed a deep sense of patriotic pride and love of country among attendees. That came in an abundance of American flags; patriotic music, poetry, readings and speeches; red-white-and-blue attire; salutes; and smiles.

*Veterans throw candy to the kids. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

In a time when this country feels incredibly divided, it uplifted me to witness this appreciation for America, for the men and women who fought to preserve our freedom and for those who continue to do so. For this one day I felt a sense of unity, a coming together to honor and to uphold democracy.

*Kids participated in, and attended, the parade. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

I especially delight in seeing so many children at these Memorial Day events. It’s important for them to recognize that this date should not be noted as the unofficial start of summer, but rather as a sacred day of remembrance.

*A cluster of happy kids with flags and candy. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

Sure, at some of their young ages, these kids are coming for the candy and American flags handed out at the parade. They’re coming, too, to be with their families and friends. But their understanding of Memorial Day will grow—at least I hope it will—as they mature. Kids learn from their parents and grandparents. Our choices show them what’s important.

*Scouts and others passed out American flags. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

I am thankful for my Korean War veteran father and American Legion Auxiliary mother who instilled in me and my five siblings the necessity of attending and participating in Memorial Day events. On that singular May day each year, we gathered with community to honor, to remember and to, yes, celebrate freedom. This is a tradition I hold dear, for I recognize the freedom preserved and protected by those who served, and still serve, our country.

*Faribault is a diverse community with many of our newest residents arriving from war-torn countries to settle here, work and raise their families. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

I have the freedom to speak. To write. To make choices. To agree or disagree. Not everyone does, even in our own country. That’s another reason Memorial Day holds such value. It reminds us of our core values as a nation. How much we value democracy and freedom. We are a country of spacious skies and amber waves of grain…and of patriot dream that sees beyond the years.

*Patriotic pride shines. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

We are a land, that even in the darkness of difficult days, still shines from sea to shining sea!

*A contingent of horses and their riders always end the parade. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2025)*

FYI: Please check back for two more Memorial Day posts, these about programs I attended.

Comments (6)

Celebrating Faribault’s brewing history with Fleck’s Travaganza! August 19, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 5:00 AM
Tags: beer, brewery, Brian Schmidt, Faribault, Fleck's beer, Fleck's Travaganza!, Fleckenstein Bluffs Park, Fleckenstein Brewery, Fleckenstein Brewery delivery truck, history, Minnesota, museum exhibit, parade, Rice County Historical Society, State Bank of Faribault, tour

The event promotional created by Jeff Jarvis of West Cedar Studio.

MY COMMUNITY WILL CELEBRATE a rich history of brewing this weekend at the Fleck’s Travaganza!, an event honoring Fleckenstein Brewery. The brewery, opened in 1856 and producing assorted beverages for 108 years (until 1964) in two locations along the Straight River bluffs in Faribault, has long garnered local interest.

*A historical themed bench outside* *the RCHS summarizes the Fleckenstein family’s brewery history in Faribault. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo July 2022)*

*Cheers to Fleck’s beer. This photo is featured on a bench outside the RCHS. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo July 2022)*

*Even more history on a bench by the RCHS. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo July 2022)*

The Rice County Historical Society (RCHS) features the brewery in its museum. Local historian Brian Schmidt collects Fleckenstein items and memorabilia. And the State Bank of Faribault displays a sizable collection of brewery items.

*The 1946 Fleck’s delivery truck, pre-restoration, in the July 2016 Faribault Car Cruise Night. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo 2016)*

But this weekend all eyes will focus on a restored 1946 Fleckenstein Brewery delivery truck. That truck will lead a parade of vehicles through Faribault (click on link for the route) beginning at 5:30 pm Friday at the RCHS. The parade follows major routes through town, including past my house on Willow Street, and ends along Central Avenue for the Faribault Car Cruise Night.

A building in Faribault’s downtown historic district bears the Fleckenstein name. I took this photo, featured several years ago on the cover of the Faribault tourism magazine, during the July 2016 Car Cruise Night. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

The beer delivery truck will also be parked along Central Avenue on Sunday morning during an invitation only RCHS event for volunteers.

*A downtown Faribault mural featuring Fleck’s beer. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)*

The bank exhibit will be open Friday evening during the Car Cruise in the heart of historic downtown Faribault and also from 9 am – noon Saturday. Just across the street from the bank, a mural features the brewery.

*This shows a section of the park, which includes a playground, picnic area and shelter and a river overlook. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo May 2022)*

Saturday brings more events with the 10 am dedication of Fleckenstein Bluffs Park along the Straight River in downtown Faribault.

Faribault artist Rhody Yule created this oil painting of the Fleckenstein Brewery in 1976. The building, and the brewery, no longer exist. The 20-foot Fleck’s beer bottle on the right side of the painting sat near the brewery entrance. Children often had their pictures taken here when their parents took a brewery tour. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo January 2011)

At 1 pm, “Fleckenstein Brewery, a History” will be presented by collector and historian Schmidt at the RCHS. Special guest is Al Fleckenstein. Following that, at 3 pm, Schmidt leads a tour of the Fleckenstein Brewery ruins site on the campus of Shattuck-St. Mary’s School. Attendance is limited to 50 for the packaged, ticketed events with reservations via the RCHS highly-recommended. Cost for both is $20.

*Stacked inside the RCHS Harvest and Heritage Halls are these crates from Fleckenstein Brewing. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo October 2015)*

If you want to take home a bit of memorabilia, a commemorative bottle of grape pop is available for $5. Specially-made by Spring Grove Beverages in southeastern Minnesota, the soda comes with an original Fleck’s grape pop cap attached. Proceeds from the soda sales benefit the historical society.

*I found this Fleck’s beer bottle at LB Antiques in Jordan in February 2017. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)*

Now, the only thing missing—and this comes from someone who appreciates and enjoys craft beers—is Faribault-brewed craft beer. Perhaps some day…

Comments (16)

Patriotic tradition continues with Memorial Day parade in Faribault June 1, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 11:39 AM
Tags: America, celebration, Faribault, holiday, Memorial Day, Memorial Day parade, Minnesota, parade, patriotism, photo essay

A vet rides on the Moose Lodge float during the Memorial Day parade. Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2021.

TO CELEBRATE MEMORIAL DAY in Faribault means coming together as a community. First during a ceremony at the Rice County courthouse, then the 10 a.m. parade through the heart of downtown followed by a program at Central Park.

Lining up for the parade near Buckham Library. Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2021.

An honored veteran. Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2021.

The Color Guard marches along Central Avenue past the many historic buildings which grace our downtown. Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2021.

This represents Americana. Tradition. A public way to honor those who died in service to our country.

Faribault Fire & Rescue is always part of the parade. Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2021.

Parade participant. Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2021.

City Council members always ride atop the fire truck. Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2021.

It’s a day when politics are set aside and the focus shifts to patriotism and gratitude. We are simply Americans, thankful for freedom.

The Faribault Moose Lodge float. Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2021.

This vintage wagon advertises Minne Roadtrips to the Faribault/Northfield/Owatonna area. Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2021.

The Scouts always walk in the parade. Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2021.

As has been our tradition for decades, Randy and I unfolded our lawn chairs along Central Avenue to watch the parade pass by. Little changes. Veterans and flags and fire trucks and Scouts and vintage vehicles and horses define the 15-minute parade. Absent this year were high school bands and the Shattuck-St. Mary’s Crack Squad.

A particularly patriotic truck. Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2021.

But we were happy simply to have a parade, canceled last May (and rightly so) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

American Heritage Girls distributed flags. Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2021.

I love this vintage John Deere tractor, representative of this agricultural region. Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2021.

Flags adorn a vintage pick-up truck. Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2021.

On this Memorial Day 2021, American flags stretched in the morning breeze. Parade participants waved. And kids waved mini flags distributed by Scouts and American Heritage Girls. Veterans clutched flags. And flags adorned vehicles. It was all about the red-white-and-blue.

Crowds line Central Avenue to watch the parade. Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2021.

Horses always end the parade. Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2021.

Folks lingered after the parade. Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2021.

While this parade rates as short and simple, I none-the-less cherish it. I cherish the tradition. I cherish the opportunity to come together as a community. And I cherish the opportunity to remember and honor those Americans who died while serving our country. Our America.

Please check back for photos from the Memorial Day program at Central Park.

Comments (2)

From Faribault: Pet parade, COVID-19 style August 7, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 11:28 AM
Tags: animals, COVID-19, dogs, Faribault, Faribault Parks & Recreation Department, Faribault Pet Parade 2020, Minnesota, parade, pets

Parade pooch.

NOT EVEN A GLOBAL PANDEMIC could stop the 84th annual Faribault Pet Parade from rolling through commercial and residential areas of my community Thursday evening.

The Faribault Parks and Recreation Department planned, and participated in, the parade.

A Hawaiian-themed parks and rec unit pulls an electronic sign.

Heading west on Fourth Street, the signage alerts motorists to the parade.

Rather than kids and adults leading and carrying leashed pets, participants were required to stay inside/on vehicles. Car cruise style.

Parade vehicles aim west along MN State Highway 60/Fourth Street.

It’s all about man’s best friend in this parade entry.

Stuffed into the back of a pick-up, kids, a dog (s) and stuffed animals.

Numbers were down considerably from previous parades when kids cram streets and parade watchers fill sidewalks. Randy and I were the lone observers sitting in our lawn chairs along a busy stretch of Minnesota State Highway 60/Fourth Street, the main route into the heart of downtown.

I wasn’t quick enough to get a good photo of the farm animals on this trailer. But, oh, that girl’s wave and smile…

Pink balloons mark a convertible carrying cancer survivors and their pet dogs. The 2020 Relay for Life of Rice County is happening this evening, August 7, with a drive-through event at the fairgrounds.

We get a hearty wave from the driver of the Heartland Animal Hospital car.

Despite the low numbers, the spirit of the parade prevailed with waves and smiles and simply an overall happy feeling. Much needed.

One family’s humorous take on COVID-19.

Masking up inside a vintage ambulance decorated with assorted oddities and a barely noticeable dog peeking out the passenger side window.

I have yet to figure out why Woody from Toy Story was placed on the front of this vintage car.

There were reminders, though, of COVID-19 in face masks worn and in a humorous message shared by one family.

Mixing political aspirations into the parade…a city council candidate advertised her candidacy on multiple vehicles.

Not your typical royalty…Princess Mocha.

We moved and viewed the parade again near its ending just blocks from Central Park.

All too quickly, the police-led parade, the pets, the aspiring politician, Princess Mocha, passed. But the memories will remain. Of a pet parade that proceeded even during these difficult days of a global pandemic.

Comments (8)

From Faribault: Lighting up the holidays with a Winterfest parade December 16, 2018

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 5:35 PM
Tags: Christmas, Faribault, holiday, Minnesota, parade, Parade of Lights, photo essay, photography, thoughts, Winterfest

Two weeks prior, city of Faribault snowplows were clearing eight inches of snow on the original date of the Parade of Lights. The rescheduled (due to the snowstorm) parade included the festive city snowplow.

WITH LIGHTS ALL AGLOW, from ground to sky, Faribault showcased its holiday spirit Friday evening during a festive Parade of Lights.

Across from Burkhartzmeyer Shoes, a crowd gathers outside Bernie’s Grill.

Warm temps hovering near 30 degrees brought out all ages to the second annual Winterfest. I was there, on the corner by third-generation family-owned Burkhartzmeyer Shoes, taking it all in.

Looking north on Central Avenue to the crowd waiting for the 5:30 p.m. fireworks and then the parade.

I sensed the anticipation as the crowd swelled, waiting for the fireworks followed by the parade.

Except for an inability to see only the highest fireworks over the tall buildings along Central Avenue, everything else went seemingly well.

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer tops a Faribault police vehicle.

A Faribault fire truck.

The back of the fire truck is a colorful blur of lights as it moves down Central Avenue.

Another entry from the city of Faribault.

The murmur of conversation, the rock of familiar holiday tunes like Jingle Bells, the bobbing of Santa hats, the flash of holiday lights…all created a real sense of holiday joy. I felt it. I heard it. I saw it.

One of my favorite units: sheep and a “wool blanket” on a “bed” representing the iconic Faribault Woolen Mill.

There’s something about an event like this that makes us all pause and celebrate, as a community, the spirit of Christmas. Faribault needed this. I needed this.

No holiday parade is complete without Santa and Mrs. Claus, here on the Elks Lodge float.

Keeping everyone safe…

Loved the gingerbread house.

To Faribault Main Street and to all who participated in the parade—from the Boy Scouts to the firefighters to local businesses and many more—thank you. You gave us all a gift on Friday evening. You brought holiday joy to Central Avenue, to our Minnesota community.

After the parade, the crowd disperses.

Parade-goers absolutely embraced these 45 minutes of Winterfest, this opportunity to unite and celebrate the holiday season in Faribault.

Comments (8)

Memorial Day in Faribault, a photo essay May 28, 2018

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 8:18 PM
Tags: American Legion Post 43, Faribault, Memorial Day, Minnesota, parade, patriotism, photo essay, veterans

A veteran salutes during the Memorial Day Program at Faribault’s Central Park.

MEMORIAL DAY IN FARIBAULT, like in so many other American towns, honors veterans through patriotic tradition.

Steve Bonde plays patriotic tunes on a downtown Faribault street corner before the start of the Memorial Day parade.

Parade goers listen to Bonde as they await the start of the parade.

A barber cuts hair in his barbershop across the street, parade-goers reflected in his shop window.

A parade follows Central Avenue through our historic downtown, ending in nearby Central Park.

Grand Marshall Vicki McDowell with her husband, Honorary Grand Marshall Myles McDowell.

Each year I expect the same—the police cars and fire trucks, the Color Guard and honored veterans,

the bands and Scouts,

the kids and candy and politicians,

the vintage cars and the horses.

A restored vintage Tilt-A-Whirl provides a parade viewing spot in the heart of downtown. The Tilt-A-Whirl was invented in Faribault and, up until several years ago, was still made here.

Only the faces change, and sometimes not even those.

A volunteer hands out programs at Central Park.

Printed on the back of the program and read by master of ceremonies Gordy Kosfeld.

After the parade, folks gather at Central Park for the Memorial Day program, this year the 149th.

A table setting at American Legion Post 43 honors the POW-MIAs.

Afterwards, some—mostly vets and their families—go to the Legion for a luncheon and additional remembrances.

The luncheon serving line set against a backdrop of photos of local Legion Post 43 commanders.

There’s a certain comfort in embracing this day with time-honored traditions. Traditions remind me year after year after year that we still live in a free nation. Each Memorial Day I can set my lawn chair curbside along Central Avenue. I can take photos without retribution. I can stand for my flag and applaud and smile. On this day, I am grateful.

Comments (22)

In Faribault: Costumed kids on parade on Central October 11, 2016

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 5:00 AM
Tags: celebration, Faribault, Faribault Fall Festival, Faribault Fall Festival Costume Parade, Halloween, Halloween costumes, Minnesota, parade

OLAF, STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE, Raggedy Ann, Laura Ingalls Wilder, police officers, firefighters and more—all paraded down Faribault’s Central Avenue at noon Saturday for the Fall Festival Costume Parade.

It’s an annual event that not only celebrates the season, but also gives kids a chance to dress up, pretend and, well, act like kids.

I watched as parents dressed kids street-side,

as families walked toward the beginning of the parade route

and then later followed the route.

I delighted in the uninhibited enthusiasm,

in the clasped hands,

in the hesitant waves,

and in the exuberant smiles.

I appreciated the dog striped as a skunk,

the colorful and playful witch kicking her legs

and even the preschool princess trailing, unable to pedal her trike fast enough.

For awhile, those of us gathered in downtown Faribault focused on the scene before us. Joyful. Happy. Fun. A time of togetherness that is the stuff of October memories in Minnesota.

BONUS PHOTOS:

TELL ME: What’s your favorite Halloween costume memory?

Comments (30)

Faribault’s Memorial Day parade, a photo essay May 30, 2016

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 4:34 PM
Tags: Americana, Faribault, holiday, Memorial Day, Minnesota, parade, patriotism, photo essay, tradition

IT’S A TIME-HONORED tradition in Faribault—the 10 a.m. Memorial Day parade.

First, parade watchers come bearing lawn chairs and blankets to claim curbside spots along Central Avenue.

To the south, down by the library/community center, parade participants are lining up, law enforcement vehicles at the head followed by the Color Guard and then the honored veterans. Marching bands slot in next.

It’s all so predictable. Every year. The same line-up, although occasionally the faces of politicians change.

But I love it. The Scouts, girls and boys, handing out flags.

Kids scrambling for tossed Tootsie Rolls. Kids dressed in patriotic attire. Kids here with grandparents, making this a multi-generational tradition.

Old cars and trucks.

And finally, at the end, the horses.

In 15 minutes, the parade is complete. Short. Sweet. Americana lovely in the sort of way that makes me appreciate Faribault, this place I call home in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

FYI: Check back for more photos from Memorial Day in Faribault and at the Cannon City Cemetery.

Comments (4)

Minnesota Prairie Roots

Writing and photography by Audrey Kletscher Helbling

Celebrating winter & the holidays at Winterfest in Faribault December 4, 2025

History & tradition meld at Cannon City Memorial Day observance May 28, 2025

American pride & patriotism shine at Faribault Memorial Day parade May 27, 2025

Celebrating Faribault’s brewing history with Fleck’s Travaganza! August 19, 2022

Patriotic tradition continues with Memorial Day parade in Faribault June 1, 2021

From Faribault: Pet parade, COVID-19 style August 7, 2020

From Faribault: Lighting up the holidays with a Winterfest parade December 16, 2018

Memorial Day in Faribault, a photo essay May 28, 2018

In Faribault: Costumed kids on parade on Central October 11, 2016

Faribault’s Memorial Day parade, a photo essay May 30, 2016

Follow Minnesota Prairie Roots via Email

An essay of barn photos & memories; In praise of preserving country churches; & Testing the track during a Soap Box Derby trial run in Faribault

Search

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

Calendar

Subscribe with RSS