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In the first weekend of October, hundreds travel from throughout Minnesota and neighboring states to attend the annual Meander: Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl.
This year, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, Granite Falls will have the special privilege of hosting the art crawl’s Kick-Off Event. Artists, organizations and businesses are hoping to make the most of the opportunity.
The Meander is a free self-guided tour of artists studios featuring 45 local artists from Granite Falls to beautiful Big Stone Lake north of Ortonville from Friday, September 30 through Sunday, October 2.
It's a long weekend chock-full of art, music, entertainment and food, and by accommodating the Kick-Off Granite Falls organizations and businesses will get the chance to capitalize on the prodigious amounts of foot traffic.
The Granite Falls Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society and Riverfront Front Revitalization as well as The Granite Art Council and Clean Up the River Environment (CURE) are collaborating to host the free event that will feature music, food, historic tours and more.
“Things have really just come together,” said Chamber Director Nicole Zempel. “An event of this magnitude takes this sort of involvement and it's been really exciting to see this grow and grow and come together as nicely as it has.”
A description of each of the Kick-Off events follows.
River Walk and Bridge Celebration
The 6:30 p.m. River Walk and Bridge Celebration will serve as a focal point for the entire Kick-Off.
The public is invited to attend and take part in the program that will be led by Cotton-wood artist, Florence Dacey. Featuring music, dance and poetry the program will take place on the Walking Bridge, feature representatives of the community’s various populations including veterans, youths and seniors.
The bridge is perceived as an ideal metaphor, serving to bridge diametrically opposed perceptions like urban and rural, young and old, etc.
Andrew McCormick and Emma Woods will offer their musical talents, with McCormick leading all those who attend in a rousing rendition of “God Bless America.”
K. K. Berge building
After four years of local efforts, the K.K. Berge building project is nearing completion and will be available to the public for viewing during an Open House, complete with wine and appetizers, served by Bootlegger's, to be held during the entirety of the Kick-Off.
The floor has been raised and the interior and exterior work is expected to be completed by mid-October. This includes the lower and main levels with the upper level being a continuing and emerging process, according to Zempel.
“It's a wonderful way for us to show people in this community and area the vision we've had for the KK. Berge building,” she said. “This building can and will enrich our main street and community as a whole by way of several activities and events, as well as promoting our main street area as a prime gathering space.”
Music
No less than two bands and two additional individual performances will fill the evening air next to the K. K. Berge Building along Prentice Street from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Luther Cole will play an eclectic mix of folk-influenced tunes from 4:00 to 6:15 p.m. while Jerry Ostensoe’s the Strollers will bring the blues from 6:45 to 8:00.
During the break between the two shows, Andrew McCormick and Emma Woods will perform during the River Walk and Bridge Celebration set for 6:30 on the Walking Bridge.
In the first weekend of October, hundreds travel from throughout Minnesota and neighboring states to attend the annual Meander: Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl.
This year, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, Granite Falls will have the special privilege of hosting the art crawl’s Kick-Off Event. Artists, organizations and businesses are hoping to make the most of the opportunity.
The Meander is a free self-guided tour of artists studios featuring 45 local artists from Granite Falls to beautiful Big Stone Lake north of Ortonville from Friday, September 30 through Sunday, October 2.
It's a long weekend chock-full of art, music, entertainment and food, and by accommodating the Kick-Off Granite Falls organizations and businesses will get the chance to capitalize on the prodigious amounts of foot traffic.
The Granite Falls Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society and Riverfront Front Revitalization as well as The Granite Art Council and Clean Up the River Environment (CURE) are collaborating to host the free event that will feature music, food, historic tours and more.
“Things have really just come together,” said Chamber Director Nicole Zempel. “An event of this magnitude takes this sort of involvement and it's been really exciting to see this grow and grow and come together as nicely as it has.”
A description of each of the Kick-Off events follows.
River Walk and Bridge Celebration
The 6:30 p.m. River Walk and Bridge Celebration will serve as a focal point for the entire Kick-Off.
The public is invited to attend and take part in the program that will be led by Cotton-wood artist, Florence Dacey. Featuring music, dance and poetry the program will take place on the Walking Bridge, feature representatives of the community’s various populations including veterans, youths and seniors.
The bridge is perceived as an ideal metaphor, serving to bridge diametrically opposed perceptions like urban and rural, young and old, etc.
Andrew McCormick and Emma Woods will offer their musical talents, with McCormick leading all those who attend in a rousing rendition of “God Bless America.”
K. K. Berge building
After four years of local efforts, the K.K. Berge building project is nearing completion and will be available to the public for viewing during an Open House, complete with wine and appetizers, served by Bootlegger's, to be held during the entirety of the Kick-Off.
The floor has been raised and the interior and exterior work is expected to be completed by mid-October. This includes the lower and main levels with the upper level being a continuing and emerging process, according to Zempel.
“It's a wonderful way for us to show people in this community and area the vision we've had for the KK. Berge building,” she said. “This building can and will enrich our main street and community as a whole by way of several activities and events, as well as promoting our main street area as a prime gathering space.”
Music
No less than two bands and two additional individual performances will fill the evening air next to the K. K. Berge Building along Prentice Street from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Luther Cole will play an eclectic mix of folk-influenced tunes from 4:00 to 6:15 p.m. while Jerry Ostensoe’s the Strollers will bring the blues from 6:45 to 8:00.
During the break between the two shows, Andrew McCormick and Emma Woods will perform during the River Walk and Bridge Celebration set for 6:30 on the Walking Bridge.
Food
Food will be available throughout the Kick-off featuring local delicacies from Jimmy Pizza, the American Legion, Carl’s Bakery, and Somora’s Lunch Wagon. In addition, Boot-legger’s will be serving wine and appetizers at the K.K. Berge building.
Art
Meander art studios of Brad Hall, Katia Andreeva, Gene Stukel, Curt Soine, Claire Swanson and Dale and Jo Pederson will be open for business along with seven Native American Artists displaying at the K. K. Berge building.
Historic walking tour, book signing
In coordination with the historic walking tour, which begins at 4:00 p.m. at the Volstead House and runs to 5:30 p.m., Elizabeth Johanneck will be signing copies of her new book Twin Cities Prohibition: Minnesota Blind Pigs and Bootleggers.
The book, as did her previous historical piece, Hidden History of the Minnesota River Valley, will surely make reference to individuals and establishments of the local area.
“Ferret out the haunts and habits of those who kept speakeasy doors oiled and politics crooked in the Twin Cities...” reads the book’s description.
Medallions
Special Meander medallions will be given out during the art crawl that when presented to participating retailers will get individuals special discounts.
Local deals can be had at: River Valley Spa, Willie's Korner Store, Thrifty White Drug, The Dollar Stop, Korthuis Jewelry & Gifts, Granite Falls True Value and Therapeutic Massage.
Visit: www.meandermedalliondealssteals.com to get specifics on the discounts.
