When polled on social media, a number of local community members said one of the trips they make annually in the fall is to the Nelson Farm near Litchfield. 2022 marks its 33rd Annual Pumpkin Patch festival that is open to all ages.
No matter what part of the state you’re in, apples are available in a multitude of places in Minnesota. There are also a number of apple varieties that were cultivated right here. In fact, twenty-eight apple varieties have been cultivated in Minnesota since the University of Minnesota began its apple breeding program in 1878. According to the University of Minnesota, the following is a list of apples available this season: -Beacon: bright red, with slightly tart flavor, introduced in 1936 - ripens mid-late August.
OF THE WEEK Note from Myrna: This recipe as taught to me by a Latina friend. Use the long grain rice because short grain is sticky.
Iverson Tree Farm has been hosting their annual Farm Fall Festival since 2019, with activities and more on the Tree Farm’s grounds each weekend throughout the season. Iverson Tree Farm was purchased by rural Belview cattle farmer Cody Nelson and his wife Mel in 2019 from former owner Ron Iverson.
At last week’s meeting of the Granite Falls City Council, one of the topics of discussion was an issue that has been identified with repairs to the intake area of the hydro plant. Minger Construction completed the repairs in August, including the installation of two steel columns that were to serve as slots to receive the intake gates. However, the columns were improperly installed, and did not line up with the existing gate slots that were cast into concrete.
The University of Minnesota Extension Center for Family Development educators and partners are facilitating webinars, providing information and resources for families and those who serve families to make informed decisions leading to greater health, resilience, and well-being.
Submitted The Yellow Medicine East TRAP team welcomes new trap shooters and coach. “The athletes are learning so much, even on the first day they shoot the clays,” says YME Trap’s Sandra Berthelsen.
Last week, Yellow Medicine East Schools held their annual Academic Awards ceremony. The school had the opportunity to recognize students who have achieved an academic letter by attaining the honor roll all four quarters from the 2021 ~ 2022 school year.
If you’re reading this on Friday, September 30th from anywhere between 6 and 10pm, please put down the newspaper and make tracks for downtown Granite Falls, where the Light Up the River Meander kickoff event is undoubtedly in full swing. What you can expect: acoustic musicians, at least three small bonfires, businesses open later than usual (and with jazzily lit-up windows, to boot), a riverside family-friendly happy hour from 6 to 8pm, and community artist-in-residence Leah Cook making a temporary “tapestry” out of wild-gathered natural materials from along our river (some of which are pictured above) with anyone who wants to join in. If it’s after 8 and before 10, you might want to venture over to Bluenose for the Get Lit! afterparty, where DJ Ndpth is spinning and conversation is more than likely sparkling. Thanks to the EDA for helping make the Light Up the River event possible! If you happen to be reading this column on Saturday instead, you didn’t miss your shot at Meandering: studios and galleries around the valley will be open from 9am-6pm and again on Sunday from 9am-4pm. There are many paper copies of the brochure around town (I’ve seen stacks by the register at most businesses); you can also pick up a digital version at artsmeander. com.
Pheasant numbers in Minnesota increased 18% from 2021, and exceeded the 10-year average by similar amount, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ annual roadside pheasant survey.