Community News Stories

Who: Canton Community Association
What: New Years Day Bingo and Soup Contest
Where: ZZTAP, Canton, MN
When: Jan. 1,2025      Enter your famous soup by 11:30, Tasting starts @ 12:00, Results for soup prior to Bingo starting @1:00
Why: We are raising money for 2025 Canton Day Off Celebration in August.

The 48th Annual Allamakee Ecumenical Christmas Concert: A Night of Harmony and Holiday Spirit

The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better way to embrace the spirit of Christmas than by attending the 48th Annual Allamakee Ecumenical Christmas Concert at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon, IA. This cherished community tradition returns Sunday, December 8, at 7:00 PM, offering an evening of inspiring music, heartfelt storytelling, and Christmas cheer.

For nearly five decades, this concert has brought people together, and this year’s event promises to be as magical as ever. Whether you’re joining in person at St. John’s Lutheran Church, located at 8 Fifth Street SW, or tuning in via Facebook Live on St. John’s Lutheran Church’s Facebook Page, this is a must-attend celebration of the season!

A Festive Program to Delight All

The evening will feature local clergy sharing the timeless Christmas Story, accompanied by congregational carol singing with organ accompaniment. But the magic doesn’t stop there!

Musical highlights include:
🎵 The Men’s Choir, known as the Heartland Barbershop and Gospel Singers, delivering soul-stirring choral numbers.
🎵 The mass Ecumenical Choir, bringing all voices together in harmony.
🎵 Performances by the St. John’s Youth and Adult Handbell Choirs, adding a unique, resonant touch.
🎵 The talented WHS Saxophone Quartet, offering their holiday flair.
🎵 Piano accompaniment by Kristie Roeder and organ performances by James Bieber with the assistance of Kathy Murray.

A Spotlight on Soloists

Baritone soloist Shauna Johnsen, Postville Band Director, will be featured, as well as Sarah Hagen, of Allamakee Community Players and WHS’s Assistant Musical Director, whose radiant voice will join the Men’s Choir and shine in a special performance of “Pie Jesu” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Requiem. Hagen will perform this moving duet with Sarah J. Bieber, daughter of concert director James Bieber and the Waukon Middle and High School Choral Director and Musical Director.

A Tradition Led by Talented Hands

Under the expert guidance of James Bieber, with his daughter Sarah Bieber as assistant director, this program brings together generations of talent and tradition. The two have been performing together and assisting each other on hundreds of musical occasions.

Don’t Miss Out!

This free concert is open to everyone, so bring your family and friends for an unforgettable evening of holiday joy. Immediately following the concert, please join us in the church’s basement for refreshments and fellowship! Can’t attend in person? Join us virtually on Facebook Live on the St. John’s Lutheran Church’s Facebook Page or listen live on KNEI 103.5 or kneiradio.com and experience the concert from the comfort of your home.

Let the music of Christmas fill your heart and celebrate the season in the company of community and tradition. We’ll see you there!

Santa and Mrs. Claus Come to Santa’s Land in Ossian
Get out your lists and your cameras! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Santa’s Land at the Luana Savings Bank on Saturday, December 7, from 8:30 -11:00 a.m. The event is sponsored by the City of Ossian, the Ossian Crown Club and Luana Savings Bank. There will also be an opportunity to bring donations for the Greater Area Food Pantry in Calmar. A non-perishable food item or monetary donations is appreciated.

Bring along your list for Santa and Mrs. Claus or drop it off in Santa’s Mailbox in front of the Ossian Community Center. Santa will write back to you if you include your return address. See you at the Luana Savings Bank on Saturday, December 7, for Santa’s Land.

Santa and Mrs. Claus Come to Santa’s Land in Ossian
Get out your lists and your cameras! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Santa’s Land at the Luana Savings Bank on Saturday, December 7, from 8:30 -11:00 a.m. The event is sponsored by the City of Ossian, the Ossian Crown Club and Luana Savings Bank. There will also be an opportunity to bring donations for the Greater Area Food Pantry in Calmar. A non-perishable food item or monetary donations is appreciated.

Bring along your list for Santa and Mrs. Claus or drop it off in Santa’s Mailbox in front of the Ossian Community Center. Santa will write back to you if you include your return address. See you at the Luana Savings Bank on Saturday, December 7, for Santa’s Land.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community Luncheon to Feature Distinguished Lutheran Scholar Dr. Caryn Riswold

DECORAH, IOWA — A community-wide luncheon and presentation featuring Dr. Caryn Riswold, Professor of Religion and McCoy Family Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Heritage and Mission at Wartburg College, will be held on Sunday, November 10, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 701 Iowa Street, Decorah.

Earlier that morning, Dr. Riswold will also present at the Sunday Forum at First Lutheran Church, 604 W. Broadway Street, Decorah, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., offering two opportunities for community members to engage with her work.

Dr. Riswold will discuss her recent publication, “ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on Abortion,” which examines the evolution of Lutheran social teaching in changing contemporary contexts. The book focuses on fostering thoughtful dialogue within faith communities while emphasizing the Lutheran call to compassionate community engagement.

A respected scholar in Religion and Gender Studies, Dr. Riswold joined the Wartburg College faculty in 2018 after sixteen years of teaching at Illinois College. Her work is praised for its nuanced approach to complex social issues through the lens of Lutheran theology and ethics.

Dr. Jacqueline Bussie, former Concordia College professor, describes the book as “nuanced, clear, and hopeful,” noting that it “takes holy risks, builds bridges across barriers, and insists that we feel the intricate textures of real-life situations.”

The book includes discussion questions and additional reading resources, making it suitable for both individual and group study. Copies are available through Augsburg Fortress Press and as a Kindle download on Amazon.

Event Details:

Sunday Forum:

– Date: Sunday, November 10

– Time: 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.

– Location: First Lutheran Church, 604 W. Broadway St, Decorah

Community Luncheon:

– Date: Sunday, November 10

– Time: 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.

– Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 701 Iowa St, Decorah

– Cost: a $10 suggested donation

All community members are welcome to attend. 

For more information, contact:

First Lutheran Church, 563-382-2638, office@firstlutherandecorah.org

Good Lutheran Church, 563-382-3963, office@goodshepherddecorah.org

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On Saturday, October 19, Decorah Human Powered Trails (DHPT) members and their families and friends gathered for a chili cookoff at the top of Palisades Park in Decorah. Members include hikers, runners, walkers, and cyclists, and, appropriately, guests were encouraged to hike, run, or bike up the hill for the occasion. The group had much to celebrate, as they have logged over 450 hours volunteering on trails within the City of Decorah this year.

DHPT, now a non-profit organization, relies mostly on volunteers to build, maintain, promote, and enhance trail experiences in Decorah. The Independent Sector determines the value of one hour of volunteering to be $33.49, valuing DHPT’s contribution to the City of Decorah at over $15,000. DPHT also has two employees who logged over 250 hours and are paid entirely through funds raised by their members.

DHPT volunteers have been busy with trail building and maintenance this year, most recently teaming up with the Luther College Cross Country team to clear invasive brush before extending a trail near the south end of Ice Cave Road, helping to repair storm damage to the east section of River Trail and Public Television Trail, and rerouting trails at Palisades Park. This year was so wet and stormy that volunteers provided extra mowing, weed whacking, and tree clearing, cutting over fifty fallen trees off Decorah trails. DHPT leadership works closely with Decorah Parks and Recreation and the City of Decorah, with officials approving the building and rerouting of all trails and taking an active role in checking to make sure projects are completed to their specifications.

Members also support other groups promoting the use of human powered trails in the area by regularly volunteering at their programs. DPHT members were instrumental in the construction of the Decorah Rotary Club Binzebo Trail Hub at Carlson Park in early 2024; donating both time and equipment to make the project possible. They also provided volunteers and expertise for the Iowa Scholastic Mountain Bike League races in June and staffed a water stop for the Crater Run this summer.

DHPT members also groom trails throughout the snowy season and hold monthly Buckthorn Blitz days from November-February. On these days they cut, treat, and remove invasive species in the park system to improve the overall health of the forests.

“Our volunteers range in age from 3 to over 70. They are dedicated to creating the best possible user experience on Decorah’s human powered trails,” said DHPT President, Nick Pearch, “I’m glad to live in a community with this many people who are excited to roll their sleeves up and work to improve recreation for all. It was great to celebrate them on Saturday!”

For more information about DHPT, please email dhpt2023@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/DecorahHPT.

CALMAR, Iowa–Northeast Iowa Community College is developing its new three-year strategic plan (2025-2028). The College is hosting 10 community listening sessions across northeast Iowa to gather input as part of the planning process. During the hour-long session, community members will be asked for their feedback on the College and an initial draft of strategic priorities.

Calmar Community Listening Session:

Iowa’s Dairy Center, Room 115
1527 Hwy. 150
Thursday, Oct. 31

7:30 am

If you cannot attend, email Erin Shaw, strategic planning project manager, at shawer@nicc.edu  to RSVP or request an online input form.

The Landing Market in collaboration with Latines Unides, a student group at Luther College, and the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES) is hosting Latines Fiesta, Tues., Oct. 29, 5-7 pm at The Landing.

Latines Fiesta coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month at the college and is the first cultural community connection event planned for the 2024-25 academic year. The word “fiesta” means to bring togetherness. Hosting fiestas is common in Hispanic communities to build connections.

Latines Fiesta will features traditional Hispanic eats, education, and engagement. The meal of chicken flautas with mole and Spanish rice made by Luther’s Roberto Coral, CIES Office Manager, and Latines Unides will be available for $10. For students (with ID) attending any college or university and children 17 and younger, the cost is $5. Quemadita, a type of punch, will also be available for purchase. No reservations are needed.

“We’re excited to partner with folks at Luther for this fun event,” says Pete Espinosa, owner of The Landing. “Everyone is invited. We look forward to celebrating Hispanic culture with some great food and a good time.”

“We have such a diverse tapestry of cultures in our community and are excited to lift them through partnerships like this,”  says Dr. Robert Clay, Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer and Assistant to the President for Community Engagement at Luther. “This is a great opportunity for students and community members to get to know each other, enjoy good food together, and have fun.”

The Landing Market, located at 211 College Dr., in Decorah, opened in July 2020 as a food hall and community gathering spot.  Today The Landing is home to Justin’s (restaurant), The Buzz (coffee & cocktails), Root 43 (juices, smoothies, bowls), and Tandem which supports the disability community as well as Oneota Health Solutions chiropractic care and Nagle Signs.  For more information, email info@thelandingmarket.com or call (563) 277-1893.

Aase Haugen residents invite children to Trick or Treat

Aase Haugen residents are excited to invite area children to Trick or Treat at the nursing home on Thursday, October 31 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.  “It really brightens our day to see the little ghost and goblins,” says Andrea Hexom, Aase Haugen activities supervisor. “Our residents will have pumpkins full of candy to pass out as the children wander through the main dining room and around the hall through Assisted Living to trick or treat with us.”

The children and their escorts should enter through the main entrance of the nursing home where they will be guided to the trick or treat area and end up exiting through the Assisted Living doors. It’s all inside, so come rain or shine!#30#

West Clermont Lutheran Church 3rd Annual Fall Ham Ball Dinner and Silent Auction

Sunday October 27, 2024

Serving from 10:30am – 2:00pm at the Clermont Opera House

Freewill Offering

Menu: Ham balls, Cheesy potatoes, green beans and pie.

Silent Auction during event with bidding ending promptly at 2:00pm.

Please see the attached information for the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa’s current adoption event going on now through the Bissell Pet Foundation.

Thanks!!

Community Presbyterian Church in Postville, Iowa will be hosting their Early Thanksgiving Dinner and Silent Auction on November 3, from 11 am-1 pm. Carry outs are available. Adults $15, Age 10 & under $5, Preschoolers and younger are free! Handicap parking Available, no pre-sales.

Address is 106 S. Reynolds Postville, IA 52162

Join LifeServe Blood Center and the Regional Health Center of Howard County Auxiliary for a community blood drive on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM at the VFW Hall,  103 2nd Ave SE, Cresco

Walk ins are welcome, appointments are encouraged.  To schedule, call 800.287.4903, text LIFESERVE to 999-777, or click the following link:

https://donor.lifeservebloodcenter.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/184888

Alta Vista Fire Department’s 5th Annual Pancake Breakfast

SERVING PANCAKES, SAUSAGE, SCRAMBLED EGGS, JUICE, MILK AND COFFEE
FREE WILL DONATION
“FILL THE BOOT!”
FOOD WILL BE SERVED DRIVE THRU OR DINE IN!
ALL PROCEEDS GOING TOWARDS PURCHASE OF EXTRICATION TOOLS
GUN RAFFLE DRAWING AT 11AM – CONTACT ANY FIREFIGHTER FOR DETAILS
*WE WILL ALSO HAVE A DRAWING FOR DOOR PRIZES*
DELIVERY AVAILABLE WITHIN THE ALTA VISTA FIRE DISTRICT *Please call 641-229-6523 by 7pm Saturday, October 12*

Christopher Winters, MD, has joined the surgery staff at Gundersen Decorah Clinic. As a general surgeon, he offers a broad spectrum of services including appendectomy, cholecystectomy, colectomy, hernia repair, upper and lower endoscopy, Caesarean delivery plus many more. 

Born and raised in Oelwein, Dr. Winters received his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from The University of Iowa, Iowa City.  He then earned his Doctor of Medicine from The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City. Dr. Winter completed his General Surgery Residency at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines.  

“I chose to pursue a career in healthcare after I started engineering school. I grew up working in my parents autobody repair shop, and I have always really enjoyed complex problem solving as well as working with my hands,” says Dr. Winters. “While I was in engineering school, I really missed interacting with people as a regular part of my day, and I also found myself wanting to move back to a rural community. I found pursuing a career in medicine as a way to help others through complex medical problems while being able to work within a community similar to the one I grew up in. Choosing to pursue training in general surgery was a natural fit as I have always found a lot of fulfillment in working with my hands.” 

In his free time, Dr. Winters enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Amanda, and their son, Theodore. He also likes to work on home improvement projects, along with grilling, biking and hunting. 

Dr. Winters joins Gundersen Decorah surgeons Elleson Schurtz, MD; Phillip Yee, MD; and Michael LaBelle, MD, in providing general surgery services in Decorah. In addition, Dr. Winters will provide surgery services in Waukon, West Union and Cresco. 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Winters or one of his colleagues, call the Gundersen Decorah Clinic at (563) 382-3140. 

Allamakee County Sportsman’s Club is having their Fall UTV ride and raffle on Saturday September 28th. Pre-registration is recommended by texting or calling 319-429-3104. Cost is $20 per person (16 and under free with paid driver over 18). Registration is from 8am to 9:30am day of the ride at 450 Hwy 9 Waukon. Ride will leave promptly at 10am riding through farm trails in Scenic NE Iowa. Raffle tickets are available from club members and at Anthem Archery, Sportsman’s Unlimited, River and Ridge, River Run Pub and Grub, Green Valley, Jet’s Cafe, and J-Mann’s Minnkota. Drawing will be done after the ride is completed at the clubhouse.

Jeremy Engrav was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor in April, 2022.  Jeremy is the husband of Betsy Engrav and dad of 4 children- Brayden, Brecken, Brantley, and Blair.

Raffle tickets are $20, or 6 for $100.  You can mix and match red, white, and blue tickets for the $100 deal.

Drawing for prizes is happening October 4th, 2024 during the halftime of the Waukon Indian varsity football game.

Necklace Raffle (white tickets)

-Elliott’s Necklace: 14KT Rose Gold Shimmering Diamond Pendant with ½ ct total weight diamonds -Value $1,700

Tickets are available at these Waukon businesses Elliott Jewelers, Epic Wear, Sportsmen’s Unlimited, or any committee member:

Jamie Phipps 319-415-0304
Jessica Jones 563-380-4789
Stef Perkins 563-794-0756
Rick Langland 563-379-3503
Sara Langland 563-568-1833
Erica Nosbisch 319-432-4941
Morgan Weymiller 319-415-4088
Angela Gibbs 563-380-2358
Alana Gavin 563-568-1932

For more info, search Engrav Family Raffle Benefit on Facebook

Rendezvous 5K Run will be held on Saturday, September 28^th.  We encourage preregistrations so that you are guaranteed a shirt are due by September 20th.   Cost is $25.00.  Registration forms are available at www.fortatkinsoniowarendezvous.com for the registration form. Questions e-mail us at fortatkinsoniowarendezvous@gmail.com or call Lindsay Vsetecka at 563-380-7299.

Rendezvous Chicken Dinner will be held on Friday, September 27^th from 4:30-7:00pm at the Fort Atkinson Community Center.  Carryouts available.   Mark your calendars and join us!

The 48^th annual Fort Atkinson Rendezvous will be held on September 28 and 29^th.   Gates open at 9:30 on Saturday and 9:00 on Sunday.  We will have a special Restoration Dedication with the Iowa DNR at 12:00 on Saturday noting the completion of the restoration work completed this year at the Fort. Questions contact Kay Schmitt at 563-419-3567.

All are invited to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church’s 13th Welcome Friends & Neighbors Picnic, an annual celebration of community, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at 701 Iowa Avenue, Decorah on Sunday, September 15.

Enjoy a free meal of hot dogs (both regular and vegetarian), chips, salads, desserts, and beverages, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, outside under the Solar Canopy or in the Fellowship Hall. There will be games for kids too!

Founded on November 24, 1958, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), celebrates 66 years of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Good Shepherd is a Reconciling in Christ partner congregation, affirming our welcome to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expression, and we are committed to anti-racism work so that all may participate fully in the life of our congregation. God makes no exceptions. There is a place for you here!

Good Shepherd is also the site of Kinderhaus Preschool, as well as a meeting place for community organizations and support groups. All facilities are ADA accessible. The entire facility is Carbon Neutral and Net Zero Energy use, and is certified as a Cool Congregation by the national organization Interfaith Power and Light. For more information, go to www.goodshepherddecorah.org/ or call the church office at 563-382-3963.

Pancake on the patio fundraiser for the Winneshiek county fairgrounds will be held Sunday September 8th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards Winneshiek County fairground improvements including youth livestock facilities. Free Will offering and Carry outs will be available. The meal will be pancakes scrambled eggs breakfast sausage cheese curds and beverage. It will be held at the community building on the fairgrounds. Thank you

The Iowa DOT is closing the IA 9 Lansing Bridge from 1 PM to 3 PM Wednesday, August 14th, for construction of the new bridge. These short closures are expected to continue daily through this week.

Farm tenants and landowners are encouraged to attend

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Allamakee County is hosting a farmland leasing meeting on Thursday, August 22 at 9:30 AM, AT the Allamakee County Extension and Outreach Office, 218 7^th Ave SE Suite #102 in Waukon. The annual meeting is offered to address questions that landowners, tenants, or other interested individuals have about leasing farmland. The average reported in the 2024 cash rental survey for the state is $279 per acre of corn and soybeans and is the first-time rates have not increased in five years.

Topics will include land values and cash rent trends, cost of production, methods for determining a fair rental rate, legislative updates regarding leases and communicating with tenants or landlords.

Registration is $20 per individual or er couple and includes materials. Preregistration is encouraged as an additional $5 fee will be added if registering less than two calendar days before the meeting date. To register contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Allamakee County office at 563-568-6345 or email dahlstro@iastate.edu.

small town celebration on August 31

The 6th Annual Adult and Youth Kickball Tournament, Raffles, Silent Auction, and Free-will Donation Meal will take place at the Festina Parish Hall and Ball Diamond on August 24th.  The youth kickball tournament will begin at 1pm and the adult tournament will follow. There will be raffle and silent auction items in the parish hall to bid on throughout the day. The free-will donation meal will be in the Parish Hall from 5-7pm. Grab the lawn chairs, pack a cooler, and join us for a fun-filled day in Festina. All proceeds from this fundraising event will go to local families facing medical emergencies and illnesses.

The Eitzen Lion’s will be hosting an ATV ride on August 10th. The ride begins at the Eitzen Community Center with a pancake breakfast, eggs, sausage and drink for a free will donation from 730 to 9 and the ride begins at 930 sharp. The cost of the ride is $40 per vehicle, the ride will be in both Houston and Allamakee counties and begins in Eitzen and will end in Dorchester at Dorchester Dog Days. The ride is approximately 35 miles, there will be several stops with rest rooms so plan accordingly. All funds raised will be used to support our Teachers Wish List for area schoolteachers in Allamakee and Houston Counties. For further information contact Ethan Lapham at 507-459-6939 or David Bulman at 319-721-9113.

Assumption Parish of Little Turkey will be celebrating their annual church dinner on Thursday, August 15th. Mass at 3:00 pm. Meal will be served 4:00-8:00 pm. $16 per meal – 3 piece chicken, real mashed potatoes with gravy, homemade dressing, corn, coleslaw, kolache, cookies (outdoor dining only, carry-out or drive-thru).  Music, Games, Bingo, Kolache Sales, Raffle, and Facebook Auction. For more information go to the parish facebook page: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Little Turkey, Iowa

The Canton Minnesota Fire Department is having their Annual UTV ride through the rolling hills and beautiful countryside of the Big Woods in Fillmore County. You won’t want to miss this ride! The ride is Sunday,  August 18, with registration from 10-11AM and the ride is from 11AM to 4PM. Cost per unit is $20.  Join us in the Canton Day Off Fest area on Main ST. in Canton. This is a fundraiser for the Canton Fire Department

Who: Assumption Catholic Church, Canton, MN

What: Assumption Catholic Church Annual Meatball and Salad Bar Dinner

When:  Sunday, August 18,2024   11:00AM to 1:00PM  Cost is $15.00 , carry outs available

Where: Assumption Hall, Canton, MN

Why: Fundraiser for the Church

Who: Canton American Legion, Post 400

What: Canton American Legion Pancake and Sausage Breakfast

When: Saturday, August 17, 7:00-10AM    Cost: Adults $8 , 12 and Under $5, Preschool Free

Where: Fest Tent Area,  Canton Minnesota

Why: Proceeds to Canton American Legion Memorial Fund

Join us for the perfect night to end Summer Break!

Live music, food trucks, a petting zoo, and an outdoor movie are just a few of the activities that you’ll find at Iowa’s Dairy Center on August 2nd. Live music and food trucks will begin the night at 5:30 p.m. and the outdoor movie of The Secret Life of Pets 2 will begin at 8:30 p.m.! Bring your family and friends and join us for an awesome night of fun! This event is weather permitting. Free-will donations are appreciated. We hope to see everyone there!

DECORAH— Guardians of Northeast Iowa, Inc., a provider of legal guardianship and conservatorship services, has announced its upcoming move to a new location in Decorah

Effective July 1, the organization will be operating out of a brand-new office space at 110 Washington Street, Suite 5.

“We are excited to share this important news with our community,” said Anna M. Stamat, Director and Co-Founder of Guardians of Northeast Iowa. “Our new location will allow us to enhance our services and create a more productive environment for both our clients and our staff. This move marks a significant step forward for our organization, and we are confident it will enable us to serve our community even better.”

“We appreciate the continued support from our community and look forward to welcoming everyone to our new office,” Stamat added.

ALL ABOARD FOR FAMILY FUN AT THE 32nd ANNUAL RAIL FAIR
The 4000 Foundation, Limited proudly announces plans for Rail Fair to be held Saturday,
July 13, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Copeland Park, Rose & Clinton Streets, La
Crosse. Since 1991, Rail Fair has grown to become one of the premier summer railroad
events in the Midwest. This 32nd annual event celebrates the area’s railroad heritage while
raising funds to maintain and restore The La Crosse Short Line Railroad Heritage Museum in
Copeland Park.
Raif Fair traditionally hosts vendors from six states offering 250 tables of railroad related
merchandise. Rail Fair patrons will have the opportunity to buy, sell, and trade an
outstanding selection of model, toy and antique trains, books, magazine, railroad
memorability, railroad art, hobby supplies, repairs and replacement parts and accessories,
and many more related items.
The La Crosse Short Line Railroad Heritage Museum will be open for guided tours. The big
steam locomotive whistle can be blown for a small donation. Several railroad exhibits and
displays will also be offered. Concessions will be provided by Frontier-Badget #45 Masonic
Lodge.
Admission is just $5.00. Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult.
Raif Fair is a production of The 4000 Foundation, Limited, in partnership with the La Crosse
Parks & Recreation Department. The 4000 Foundation is a non-profit organization formed in
1998.

Brenda K. Massman, of Northfield, Minn., and formerly of Decorah, has recently published her first novel, Yet, Here We Are (Koehler Books). The story is based, in part, in the rural area outside of Decorah.

Set in 1948, the novel tells the story of Elizabeth, a woman who leaves for Chicago in search of a reprieve from Iowa farm life, and while there is met with profound love and tragic loss. Several years later in 1975, an unexpected visitor from her past upends Elizabeth’s quiet life. Meanwhile, her daughters Sage and Louse find themselves caught up in the Twin Cities’ food co-op battles during the emerging environmental movement, and Sage experiences mysterious visions that lead to astonishing discoveries.

Several events are planned throughout northeastern Iowa and southeastern Minnesota and can be found online at brendakmassman.com. Books are available at Dragonfly Bookstore in Decorah.

For more information, visit brendakmassman.com.