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CONTENTS OCTOBER 2026 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 10
FEATURES: 6 | Trunk or Treats
An ever more popular tradition throughout Southern Minnesota.
8 | Feel the Fear
SoMinn spooky attractions this fall season.
COLUMNS: 5 | Mollywood BLVD
Chasing Twisters & Truths: An interview with James Arlen Anderson.
10 | Music of SoMinn
Rhyming and rhythm remain alive with Jivin’ Ivan & The Kings of Swing.
11 | SoMinn Fashion
I own a lot of clothes - and I like my closet two-thirds full.
12 | Rants & Raves
The vanishing of my patience.
13 | What 2 WATCH
‘Widow’s Bay’ is creepy fun for these spooky times.
14 | Through a SoMinn LENS
Photographing Halloween fright & fun in SoMinn.
23 | SoMinn THE BOOKWORM SEZ - God’s Country - The World’s Worst Mom - Man Overboard! - Books for Physical and Mental Health
CALENDAR: 18 | SCENE MONTHLY EVENTS PLACES TO GO and THINGS TO DO
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MOLLY PENNY
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Molly Penny is a beloved radio personality & social media influencer with a knack for all things music, politics and pop culture. It was her love of Pop culture that started her 15-year stint on a local radio morning show. Find her on Instagram & TikTok: @mollywoodUSA.
career made its way into the novel, where the idea for the story actually came from, and whether Sheriff Darrell Halvorson might be sticking around for another book. So, naturally, I had questions. Here’s my conversation with Jame Arlen Anderson about “The Storm Next Door.” I have to start with the massive pivot. Southern Minnesota readers might not know that you’ve written over 20 children’s nonfiction books under the name Jameson Anderson. What sparked the urge to shift gears so drastically from kid-friendly history and sports to a gritty, high-stakes adult thriller? The nonfiction kids books were decades ago. One of my first jobs out of college was at Capstone Press in Mankato, where I edited high-interest books for reluctant readers. After leaving that role for a job at the Owatonna People’s Press, I then did some freelance writing for Capstone. I think the switch to crime fiction happened really when my kids were high school age and I found that I had more time on my hands. What part of structuring a long-form novel surprised you most compared to your past writing?
Arlen Anderson
CHASING TWISTERS & TRUTHS:
An interview with James Arlen Anderson
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hen you hear that someone has written more than 20 books, you might assume you have a pretty good idea of what they write about. But in the case of Jameson Anderson, you might be surprised. Anderson, who has spent years working as a Minnesota journalist and writer, has written more than 20 nonfiction books for kids, covering topics like history and sports. His latest book, however,
takes a pretty significant turn from those kidfriendly subjects. “The Storm Next Door” is a gritty adult thriller set in rural Minnesota, involving a tornado, a small town, a sheriff, secrets and a whole lot of things that can go very wrong when a community is already under pressure. As someone who grew up in Southern Minnesota and spent much of his life along the Highway 14 corridor, Anderson knows the landscape he’s writing about. And as a former journalist, he also knows a thing or two about what happens when you start digging into a story and into the people at the center of it. I was curious about what prompted such a big change in direction, how much of his journalism
I’ve written kids books and worked as a journalist, but writing a novel is the first time maybe since college that I’d had to outline something. Also, for this book, writing from multiple points of view, including Latina characters, was something I was very conscious of trying to get right. How did your years as a Minnesota journalist shape the realism of this crime investigation? The book opens with a community notification meeting that a level 3 sex offender is moving to town, which is something that I’ve covered in the past in real life, so that’s one example of how my journalism experience played into the story. A lot of the police procedural scenes later in the novel I knew weren’t exactly by the book because I’d read enough police reports over the years to know how most law enforcement would act in that situation, but the main character, Sheriff Darrell Halvorson, isn’t exactly in a normal situation by any means. What does a typical writing day look like for you, and do your wife and dog act as sounding boards for plot twists? Ha! I think a lot of writers will say that they wake up before dawn or something to get the best writing done, and I’d like to say that’s true in my case, but it doesn’t always work out that way. I do like to write early in the morning when I’m able, but I don’t have a set daily schedule. We’re empty nesters now, which certainly frees up my schedule more but also does put the burden of listening to me talk through plot points on my wife and dog. My wife, Betsy, is a great early critic of my writing. My dog, Henry, generally doesn’t care. Why was a natural disaster like a tornado the perfect inciting incident to tear this community apart, and do you have any personal experience with such natural disasters? Back when I worked at newspapers my family
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would joke that when the sirens went off, they all went down the basement and I went out with a camera to cover storm damage. That was sometimes true. In the novel, the tornado strikes on March 6, 2017, which sounds very early for a tornado, but the date itself is actually the date of the state’s earliest tornadoes. The real ones hit Clark’s Grove and Geneva. In the book, it’s the fictional town of Hayford, Minnesota. Why was it important to set this in rural Minnesota, and how does that landscape amp up the tension? I grew up in Southern Minnesota and have lived most of my life not far from the Highway 14 corridor. There’s something about the vast stretches of landscape between towns that seems to me to put just a little extra burden on people. And weather plays such a huge role in the lives of rural folks — from farming to commuting, or just running errands — it seems people on farms and in small towns have that extra keen awareness of weather conditions that people in cities may not worry about as much. Was there a specific real-life headline that inspired Sheriff Halvorson’s battle against his own community? There wasn’t a specific headline for that side of the story, but the entire book idea started with an online news photo I saw of a small town Wisconsin trailer park after it was destroyed by a tornado. In the photo, a young couple is standing amid the rubble kissing — like a weird teenage kiss in the worst of situations. I was just taken by this young couple and what they could possibly be going through at that moment. Eventually I asked what was next for them and, inevitably, what’s the worst thing that could happen in their scenario? I printed out the picture and hung it on the bulletin board by my desk while I wrote the book. Did you map out the town’s dark secrets from day one, or did they unravel naturally as you wrote? Definitely not from day one. I think I wrote 13 versions of this story before I finally turned it in to my editor. The story changed a little each time. In fact, there’s a father/son dynamic that I think ratchets up the tension in the book, and the characters weren’t even related until the sixth draft. Are you planning to stay in the rural thriller space, or is another genre calling your name next? I’m hoping to stay in this space for sure. I’m quite a ways into another book featuring the same sheriff as the main character, so I guess the plan is to see if there’s a possible series.
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abound in SoMinn this Halloween season
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By ASHLEY HANLEY Guest Contributor
he spooky season is upon us. And an ever more popular tradition throughout Southern Minnesota and across the country is the trunk or treat. What is a trunk-ortreat you ask? Well, it adopts the same concept as traditional trick-or-treating, but instead of going door-to-door, candy pursuers go from trunk to trunk. While each event has its own twist, typically each trunk is decorated, has a game, or fun challenge for the participant to try. Various businesses, churches and other
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entities around the area host them during the September and October Halloween season. One such trunk-or-treat happening this year takes place at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna (609 Lincoln Avenue South). There’s takes place on Wednesday, October 28 from 6-7:30 at night. Chris Swanson is Trinity’s Director of Middle School Ministry. He said that the event at their church began 20 years ago inside the church. “We’ve been outside with host trunks since 2020. Moving outside expanded our capacity to host more people,” Swanson said. For Trinity, members of the congregation sign up to host trunks, as well as Confirmation small groups (6-9th graders), and community organizations such as Community Pathways,
Freedom Home Care, and more. “Anyone and everyone from the community is welcome to come to the event,” Swanson said. “Trinity’s mission statement is “Through Jesus’ love, we welcome, connect, learn and serve.” We exist to welcome all people with the hospitality of Jesus.” Last year they had 1,000 people attend. Swanson said they came from all over: from their church community to the local neighborhood and all across Owatonna. While the event brings joy through candy, treats and community, Swanson said they’re also hoping the participants will take away so much more. “Besides a bucket full of candy, we hope folks know that our faith community will welcome and love everyone,” Swanson said.
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Owatonna, TBD, downtown: Head to downtown Owatonna with your trick-ortreat bags ready to fill. St. Peter, TBD, John Ireland Catholic School: All kinds of trunks to choose your treaats from. Waseca, TBD, downtown: Businesses get creative with the way they hand out treats, so be ready for the fun. Organizers will once again mark the sidewalks with one-way arrows to help make a smoother process for our princesses and ghosts to get their treats. Waterville, 4 p.m. Oct. 31, Main Street: Prize basket for best decorated trunk. Free to sign up.
TRUNK OR TREATS IN SOUTHERN MINN SCENE REGION These are just some of the recurring trunk or treats that take place each year in the Southern Minn Scene region. Many of these communities have multiple trunk or treats, so check out local organizations and businesses for more options. Faribault, TBD, Bethlehem Academy: All kinds of trunks to choose your treats from. Kenyon, TBD, Depot Park: Gather your little ghouls and goblins and head over for a hauntingly good time. Organizers will also have hot dogs and chips available for purchase in an effort for fundraising for the Depot Park building.
Then stay to play free “Spooktacular” games in the LCARC gym and win prizes. Le Sueur, TBD, Main Street: Downtown businesses band together to give trickor-treaters a variety of trunks and other candy containers to choose from. Medford, 12 p.m., Oct. 24, Medford Public School: All kinds of trunks to choose your treats from.
Lake Crystal, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 23, Area Recreation Center: Come to the LCARC to celebrate Halloween with an evening full of entertainment and treats. Visit area business booths or trunks to pick up a treat.
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(and fun) with Southern Minn spooky attractions this fall By CHLOE KUCERA
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Freelance Contributor
hrill seekers and fright fiends can rejoice as Southern Minnesota offers plenty of haunted attractions during the month of October. Scary farms, spooky trails, and harrowing hayrides make up a few of the locations people can go to get in a good haunt and celebrate Halloween. Whether you want to get in the spirit or want to see spirits, the region provides frightening attractions for everyone. In Zumbrota along Highway 52 lies an old and unassuming farm site. But in the fall, Willow’s Keep Farm is transformed into Southern Minneso-
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ta’s largest haunted attraction: Fright at the Farm and Haunted Cannabis Maze, open Fridays and Saturdays, beginning Oct. 9 through Oct. 31 from 7-11 p.m. Originally beginning the attraction at the fairgrounds of the Olmsted County History Center, it was moved to Willow’s Keep Farm in 2015. “We were at the history center of Olmsted County, and really, logistically, we didn’t have as much room, and so this allowed us to have more space and the ability to grow our own crop,” said owner Ted Galaty. Taking advantage of the farm fields, Galaty grew a pumpkin patch and a corn field for a maze but did not feel satisfied growing the basic fall harvest produce. “I just wanted to do something different, and it just happened that at that time you could grow hemp under a pilot project, and so we grew hemp, basically just with the mindset of educating and
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informing the public about hemp.” he said. In 2018 Galaty decided to start growing hemp and shortly after that, incorporated it into the haunted attraction. “When people come out, they buy one ticket, and it gets them through the whole attraction, including the haunted hemp maze,” Galaty said. Galaty said the hemp maze provides a unique experience for people to walk through. “Those plants grow 12 to 15 feet high, and so when you get in there, it’s almost like you’re walking through a jungle,” he said. Another aspect of the attraction Galaty said sets the farm apart from other scares in Southern Minnesota is that the actors and people involved view the attraction as a production, providing an experience that won’t be forgotten. “People get scared, but that’s not our complete goal,” Galaty said. “Our actors are probably more interactive and theatrical with you than some of
the other haunts. It’s not just about jump scares; it’s about our actors really trying to interact and present a good show.” Many of the scare actors are from the Pine Area People for the Arts, one of the non-profits that the attraction gives part of their sales to. In constructing the sets, Galaty said he takes advantage of the old structures from the farm and works off of the existing builds. “There’s an old windmill, and there’s an old grainery, old structures all over the building, all over the farm that you know really adds to that environment and that experience,” he said. In the last hour of operation each night, all lights are turned off and groups are only given an LED candle to navigate their way through the haunted scenes, adding to the spooky ambiance. Galaty recommends people to dress appropriately for the weather and to wear close toed shoes.
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SPOOKY ATTRACTIONS
chucking, gelly ball shooting) are $5 each. Froggy’s Sweets & Treats offers cotton candy, caramel corn, mini donuts, etc, on-site. Kids’ Day (with reduced entry fee, full lighting and no jump scares) is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.
Check out these spooky attractions in Southern Minnesota this Halloween season.
Oktoberween, Freeborn County Fairgrounds, 1105 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, Oct. 23-24, 30-31, oktoberween.com. Live music; food; kids carnival; haunted house.
Fright at the Farm and Haunted Cannabis Maze, 47385 Hwy. 52 Blvd. (Willow’s Keep Farm), Zumbrota, 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 9-31, rochesterhorror.com. Suggested: age 10 and over, 13 and under must be accompanied by adults. Food truck Cruisin’ Fresh on-site for food purchases. Portion of proceeds benefit local non-profits. Billed as “Southern Minnesota’s most horrifying haunted attraction.” Mill Pond Haunted Hayride Mill Pond & Riverside Park, 300 S. Front Street, St. Peter. Oct. 16-17, 23-24, Mill Pond Haunted Hay Ride on Facebook. A guided hayride through the dark, wooded Minnesota River valley featuring live actors, spooky scenes, and ghost stories. New Ulm Nightmares at Brown County Fairgrounds, 1201 N. State St., 7-10 p.m. Oct. 16-17, 23-24, 30-31, newulmnightmares.com. Cash only at the gate. VIP passes enable front-of-line access. Add-ons (escape rooms, axe throwing, pumpkin
Rochester Trolley & Tour Co., 103 20th St. NE, Suite C, Stewartville, Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 31, rochestermntours.com/true_crime_tour. The True Crime: Rochester tour takes you deep into the city’s criminal past, showcasing infamous murders, eerie disappearances and shocking stories of crime that have shaped the community. Visit the sites, learn local lore, enjoy the expert storytelling and haunting history with a dark twist. Due to the graphic nature of some crimes, this tour is for adults only. The Mactabilis Souls, 1020 Industrial Dr., Spring Valley, Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 2-Oct.31, themactabilissouls.org. Haunted house with steps; promising scary, gory, jumping props, spiders, snakes, rats and 1,500 square feet of fun and scares. Not recommended for small children or people with epilepsy (due to strobe lights).
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Music of SOMINN
KOSMO ESPLAN
Kosmo is a Northfield native now attending the University of Northwestern St. Paul. Kosmo has long been involved in the Northfield community arts scene. He hopes to pair his selfdescribed ‘wordy’ writing style with his equally ‘wacky’ taste in music to explore the various artists of Southern Minn.
as “other stuff”; in other words, a little here and there depending on the repertoire’s needs, although slide and valve trombones often come in handy. Back in the days that Ivan was playing rhythm guitar, the bandleader wanted a stand-up bass player and sought out Paul Ousley to undertake the instrument and round out the group’s Jivin’ roster. Today, the five Kings and one Queen continue to Swing.
BRINGING IT BACK Why Golden? That was essentially the question I posed to Ivan, referencing the group’s concentration in classic swing and vintage jazz while wondering why that time period is considered musically sacred. “Because [it’s the] music I love,” Ivan responded dryly, prompting laughter from his bandmates. I knew he wouldn’t rest at his simple one-liner though. “I admire that craftsmanship that the composers created, and I’m still in awe,” Ivan elaborated. “There’s sophistication attached.” Sophistication indeed. However, that element of class far from puts up a barrier to entry. The Kings’ efforts to reintegrate such classic music into common gigs is evident from the ample number of venues they play, from regular appearances at Faribault’s Signature Bar & Grill to a memorable Mankato dance hall and a beloved family reunion in Ivan’s Wisconsin hometown. Observing the accessibility of local gigs, Hildebrandt noted, “It’s just great to have this level of ability right here in our backyard.” And yet each performance remains distinctive, both for the band and their audience. Playing without sheet music, new twists, takes, and chemistry allow for novelty to maintain its melodic presence. “The trick is to make it our own,” Madow Franek (vocals), Druckrey (guitar), and Hippe (saxophone) jam out during a 2025 DJJD show at the Grand. stated, making note of the vast catalogue of pieces he’s memorized but continues to play differently. vintage instruments. “I’ve been singing since I can Clearly, the approach resonates with audiences. remember,” Musselman told me, noting her multi“We do play to our people,” Musselman proudly decade experience in music and theatre. “I wasn’t admitted. Although the patronage tends to veer on a rocker — I used to come home from school and the older side, intergenerational appeal does exist put on Barbra Streisand tunes.” You can trace the through the trickle-down impact of swing’s greatest influence. hits. From swing On the other dancers joining hand, Doug onstage to viewers Madow started participating in the out as a secondvintage vibe, the stringer. The Kings’ detectable keyboardist was a musical passion fill-in for the band enlivens the although invited to Roaring 2020s. participate further More than when the group “had the space that, the ability to and the budget” — entertain together needless to say, the is an especially suspense didn’t last valued gift of long and Madow the local music was soon brought scene — and an in full-time. integral part of Described as a riendship and music are seemed like a close-knit clan of melody-loving what makes the “musical prodigy,” deeply intertwined. Bands, buddies who go way back. For our purposes, Kings’ hallmark things begin to after all, operate on the very however, we’ll freeze the flashback at 2004. dynamism so connect when existence of a positive shared That’s when Mike Hildebrandt first floated the organic. Having discovering that energy beyond individuals idea of forming a swing band. Specifically, this sufficiently grilled Madow started that transcends what’s pitch was made while golfing with trombonist Ivan the eclectic crew playing piano at written on the sheet. The Whillock. Or, to rephrase in an overly complicated, about their art, two-and-a-halfbetter this energy, the better joke-oriented way: “A violinist and a trombonist I packed up and years-old. Lessons the music — and the more fun walk onto a golf course…” The trombonist in this bid farewell. The do pay off, kids. that an audience can witness case, Whillock, supported the violinist’s idea and interviewees’ Meanwhile, got things rolling by securing an initial recruit: in a performance as a result. continued musical Hildebrandt his son Mark, a longtime musician who had toured I picked up on this intangible personal dynamic enchantment tackles his beloved around the country as part of an acoustic rock rather quickly upon meeting Jivin’ Ivan himself, and individual violin in addition band. “I got tired of the road,” Mark noted earnestly. and the Kings of Swing who accompany him. gratitude was apparent, as illustrated by Jivin’ to tenor guitar and “banjo if . . . inclined”, with Therefore, the rock star didn’t have to wait long Ivan’s own words about his Kings of Swing. “I’m his musical prowess also demonstrated in his gigs before switching genres and picking up the RAGTIME ROYALTY with the instrumental Over & Back Band. Ivan (the fascinated every time we play by what Doug comes drumsticks as a Swing King early on. Having wandered into the Paradise Center for From there, Dallas Musselman was initiated into band’s namesake in case you didn’t piece it together) up with, by what Mike comes up with, and the phrasing that Dallas does. It never gets old for me. the Arts in downtown Faribault on a hot afternoon, the musical tribe a year after its establishment. The has been getting fellow musicians together for a And to have brilliant people beside you — it’s a very sole Queen amongst a number of Kings, Musselman while, having started a band called The Blue Notes I took a seat alongside this charismatic cluster of positive feeling for me whenever we play.” interviewees in the lobby. My preconceived notions provides swoon-worthy vocals that make a at age 16. harmonious marriage alongside the collection of Instrumentally, he categorizes his current focus were right, for once: as I had predicted, this group
Rhyming and rhythm remain alive with Jivin’ Ivan & The Kings of Swing
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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.
LISA EIDE
SOMINN Fashion
Lisa Eide is the owner of Her Happy Place, a women’s clothing boutique in downtown St. Peter, Minnesota. She writes about personal style, visual balance and practical ways to make getting dressed easier. Find more style advice from Lisa at HerHappyPlaceShop.com.
I can own plenty of clothing without wanting all of it staring at me every morning.
I DON’T “DO” MY CLOSET EVERY SEASON I don’t have a Saturday when I take everything out of my closet, pile it on the bed and begin the Great Seasonal Wardrobe Transformation. That sounds exhausting. I make little changes while I’m already doing something else. I’m putting away laundry and notice five things haven’t moved? I deal with them. It’s clearly the end of sandal season? I clean the sandals before I store them and take a quick look at what will need repairing or replacing next spring. It’s getting cooler? A few heavier pieces move into the active closet. We get an 80-degree October day because Minnesota enjoys keeping us humble? I still have transitional pieces available. Doing 10 minutes here and there prevents my closet from becoming a four-hour project. That’s my favorite kind of organization: the kind that creates less work instead of becoming another job.
I PLAY DRESS-UP WHEN I BUY SOMETHING NEW
I own a lot of clothes — and I like my closet two-thirds full
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have a confession that might not be terribly surprising coming from the owner of a clothing store. I own a lot of clothes. But here’s the part that might surprise you: I don’t like a full closet. My ideal closet is about two-thirds full. I want space between the hangers. I want to be able to see what’s in there. And I absolutely do not want putting away one clean shirt to require rearranging an entire section. So how can someone own a lot of clothes and still have a closet that’s only two-thirds full? Because I’ve learned that owning less isn’t necessarily what makes my life easier. Having a system does. And my system probably wouldn’t win any awards on an organizing show. That’s OK. It works.
I OWN ENOUGH UNDERWEAR FOR 3 WEEKS There. I said it. I also own enough gym clothes to work out for about two weeks without doing laundry. That’s completely intentional. I’m not interested in doing laundry on Wednesday night because I’ve run out of leggings. For me, owning more of certain things creates less work. Someone else may happily own three workout outfits, wash them twice a week and wonder why anyone needs 14. Neither of us is wrong. That’s where I think we sometimes get off track with all the advice about simplifying our closets. We start following someone else’s system instead of paying attention to our own lives. If you love doing a load of laundry every day, your closet can look very different from mine. If you travel constantly, work from home, dress professionally five days a week, chase grandchildren, attend a lot of events or spend half your life at a hockey rink, your wardrobe should reflect that. Your closet should work for the life you’re actually living. Not the life represented by somebody else’s perfectly organized closet on Instagram.
MY LAUNDRY TELLS ON MY CLOTHES I’ve done this for years, and recently it occurred to me that I’ve
This is another one of my systems. When I bring something new home, I don’t immediately hang it up. I play dress-up. Sometimes my husband gets recruited for an opinion, whether he was planning on participating or not. I put together three or four complete outfits with the new piece. Not, “This sweater will go with jeans.” Which jeans? Which shoes? What belt? Which necklace? Can I wear a button-up underneath it? What jacket works over it? I physically put the outfits on. And that’s usually when I discover that the new piece gives something else in my closet a new purpose. A pair of pants suddenly has another top. A jacket I haven’t worn much looks completely different. Changing the shoes gives me another outfit. One new piece doesn’t have to equal one new outfit. I want it to open up possibilities with things I already own. It also makes getting dressed easier later because I’ve already figured some of it out.
never really shared it. When I put away laundry, I pay attention to what’s happening in my closet. Some pieces are constantly moving. Wear. Wash. Put away. Wear again. YOUR SYSTEM DOESN’T HAVE TO Then there are other clothes I keep pushing aside to put those clothes away. They’re still hanging in exactly the same spot they LOOK LIKE MINE were three weeks ago. That’s when I start wondering whether they’ve Maybe two-thirds full would make your closet feel empty. Maybe earned their prime real estate. Notice I didn’t say I immediately get mine would still look packed to you. Maybe you need seven pairs rid of them. of black pants, and I need Maybe I love that dress, 14 pairs of leggings. That’s but I haven’t had anywhere OK. to wear it lately. Maybe I think we’ve spent too that sweater is waiting much time trying to figure for Minnesota to finally out how many clothes we’re decide what season we’re supposed to own. in. Maybe I know I’ll want I’m much more interested it again in December. in a different question: It can stay in my Does your wardrobe make wardrobe without staying your life easier? Can you in the most valuable part see what you own? Can of my closet. you find what you need? Are the clothes you wear MY KIDS regularly the easiest ones GREW UP. to reach? Do new pieces connect to things you I TOOK THEIR already own? Can you put CLOSETS. away your laundry without wrestling with your There should be some hangers? reward for surviving If the answer is yes, your the teenage years. I’m system is probably doing fortunate to have extra its job. And if the answer closets now that my kids is no, you don’t necessarily are adults, and I’ve happily need a weekend, 27 storage claimed some of that space. containers and a label They’ve become holding maker to fix it. Start the areas. next time you do laundry. Clothes that aren’t quite Look at what’s moving. Look at what isn’t. Move a few things. Make in season can move there. Things I’m not wearing right now can a little room. move there. Special-occasion pieces don’t have to compete with the Then go do something more fun with your Saturday. Because I shirt I wear every Tuesday. You don’t need empty bedrooms to do this. Under-bed bins work. don’t think the goal is to have a perfect closet. The goal is to have a Overhead shelving works. Storage bins work. The point isn’t having closet that makes getting dressed — and living your life — a little more space. It’s deciding what deserves the easiest space. That’s how easier.
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MARY CLOSNER
Rants & Raves
Mary Closner lives in Northfield, making bad decisions so you don’t have to. Reach her at 1964minx@gmail.com.
The vanishing of my patience
I
have a vague recollection that I used to have some patience. My memory is foggy, but I’m sure I had it at one point. I also don’t recall what triggered its demise, but it has become abundantly clear that it’s vanished. Never is this more apparent than when I enter a restaurant that wants me to order via a screen. Or worse yet, scan a QR Code and download an app so I can look at the menu before I use NASA technology to procure my onion rings. I’m a relatively intelligent person who has managed to buy a few cars, own a few homes and
negotiate a few salaries over the years, but when it comes to this fresh hell, I’m out. No one wants to work that hard for a snack. Fast-food places are notorious for this. I was at the golden arches the other day in search of a quick lunch. The drive-thru line was outrageously long, so I decided I’d go in and order like in olden days. There was a big queue of people standing in front of the cartoonishly large menu screens trying to understand how to order. Lucky for me, I was in line behind a family with what appeared to be an entire football team of children who wanted to discuss their culinary options while playing with their Squishmallows.
Next to me, was an elderly couple who looked like deer caught in the headlights. They were staring blankly at the screens trying to figure out how to get the senior discount on their coffee. On the screen next to them, a husband and wife were fighting about onions and wondering what button to push to delete them from their burger order. The place was in chaos! I then took the very bold move frowned upon by many a Midwesterner and went up to the counter and said in a rather loud voice, “Excuse me…I’m ready to order.” The sea of employees parted, most of them looked at me as if I had just mentioned I might be robbing the place. A young gal with a name badge,
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4” long eyelashes and a look of complete annoyance came over and stared at me. I ordered and handed her my debit card. No words were exchanged. She handed my card back and pointed to the machine she wanted me to use to pay for my order. I thanked her loudly and exuberantly as I completed my purchase. When I turned around, I realized the folks at the giant menu screens were all staring at me. I then said in a voice sure to make everyone look at the ground in true Minnesota-style embarrassment, “You can order over here, with actual humans!” Alas, later that same week, I found myself picking up dinner for some pals and I to enjoy at my office. I spent 15-minutes online before I realized the item I always order from this restaurant was no longer on their website (I’m talking to you Spicy Feta). I tried calling in my order, but it says you have to do it online. They don’t take phone orders. Confident in my saffron chicken shwarma mission, I drove over and chatted with the woman behind the counter. She explained that they no longer offer that item. “That’s fine…can you just make my order with the regular chicken skewers?” I handed her my debit card. “No, you have to order on the screens,” she said as she pointed to the counter. “Can’t I just tell you what I want since we’re both right here?” I queried. “No, I can’t do that,” she replied. So, I fumbled my way through the food touch screens with all the lovely photos, then the drink screens with the unending beverage options, then the payment screens with all the credit card rules, and then I shuffled through the menu of suggested gratuities while I entered my email address so I could get a receipt…blah, blah, blah. I pretty sure I’ve bought a car with fewer steps than securing my Tzatziki fries. Hey, Applebee’s, I’m not a fan of yours either, but when my pals want to meet for a quick dessert in a small town late at night, we have limited options. The place was packed so the 25-minute wait to chat with a server was spent trying to negotiate the minicomputer thingy at the table so we could place our order. After many failed attempts, we managed to flag down a real human person who mentioned the table top computers for ordering don’t always work and they’d be with us as soon as they could. At that point, everyone at the table had given up on the idea of something sweet to finish the day. Don’t even get me started on what happened when our server swung by the table and told us we could just pay with the screen at the table when we were finished. I can’t have any more apps, accounts, passwords, super-secret codes, digital menus. My time here is short. I need life and pie ordering to be easier!
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KYLE HOFFMAN
What 2 Watch
Kyle Hoffman is a writer, communications and marketing professional, and lifelong movie lover from Mankato. Follow him on Letterboxd: kylejhoffman.
Dale Dickey and Jeff Hiller in a scene from Widow’s Bay.
Betty Gilpin, Matthew Rhys and Stephen Root in a scene from Widow’s Bay.
‘Widow’s Bay’ is creepy fun for these spooky times
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e are living in a true age of anxiety. Radical politics, forever wars, climate change, the threats to humankind
posed by artificial intelligence, mass shootings, civil unrest, a deadly global pandemic. The defining forces of the past 20 years have created a culture of
A scene from Widow’s Bay.
perpetual chaos. It’s natural, in times like these, for folks to cling to their favorite comfort watches. For some, it’s the autumn-coded coziness of “Gilmore Girls.” For others, it may be the 90s nostalgia of wholesome family sitcoms like “Home Improvement” or “Full House.” For me, it was a summer rewatch of the NBC cult classic, “Parks and Recreation.” Conversely, horror films usually experience a massive rise in popularity during times of great turbulence, as audiences seek to process their realworld fears.
Matthew Rhys It happened during the Great Depression and the Cold War. It happened during the Watergate Era and the Great Recession. And it’s happening now, during the Anxiety Era, with box office heavyweights like “Sinners,” “Weapons,” and “Obsession.” So, it should be no surprise that the best and buzziest new show of 2026, “Widow’s Bay” (streaming on Apple TV), merges comfy small-town comedy with the scares of horror classics. Set in the fictional island town of Widow’s Bay, the series follows Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) and an eccentric cast of city employees led by his assistant, Patricia Moyer (Kate O’Flynn), who try to re-brand their seaside New England village as “the next Martha’s Vineyard.” The only problem, as a local kook named Wyck (Stephen Root) keeps reminding them: the island is plagued by a centuries-old curse that brings out all manner of supernatural wickedness. Each half-hour episode explores a different horror trope. There’s an episode with a haunted hotel and a killer clown (à la “The Shining” and “It”). There’s an episode with a spell book and some modern witchiness (à la “Hereditary’). There’s an episode about the island’s Puritanical origin story (à la “The Village” and “The Witch”). And there’s a slasher episode (à la “Halloween”) that should make John Carpenter proud. Oh, and did I mention that it’s also hilarious? Creator and showrunner Katie Dippold originally wrote “Widow’s Bay” as a spec script for “Parks and Recreation” to secure a writing gig on the beloved sitcom. And though foggy Widow’s Bay may have different vibes than honey-toned Pawnee, there is clear comedic DNA linking the two shows. Imagine if Stephen King wrote Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) and her ragtag Parks & Rec crew into his
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vast horror oeuvre and you basically get the picture. Filmed on location in coastal Massachusetts, “Widow’s Bay” is visually dazzling, inventively shot, and simply looks better than most of the major motion pictures released this year. Hiro Murai is a steady hand behind the camera for the first three and final two episodes, while talented young directors like Andrew DeYoung (“Friendship”) and Ti West (“X” and “Pearl”) take the reins in the middle part of the season. Each episode stands on its own as meticulously-crafted comedy-horror perfection. Television veteran Matthew Rhys leads a talented ensemble cast (shout-out to the exceptional Stephen Root) and gives a nuanced, award-worthy performance as a grieving widower, a struggling single dad, and a beleaguered mayor just trying to do his best amidst the worst. But it’s Kate O’Flynn who completely steals the show. Her offbeat, squirmy comedic gifts make the quirky, well-meaning Patricia an outcast worth rooting for. She’s even the central focus of the first season’s two best episodes, “Beach Reads” (a masterpiece of television) and “Your Baggage.” Already renewed for a second season and basking in the glow of multiple Emmy wins, “Widow’s Bay” has struck a chord because it’s grounded in our everyday anxieties. Scratch below the surface of Sea Hags and Boogeymen, and you’ll find a town and its people grappling with economic decay and the hollowing out of Main Street, social isolation and loneliness, generational trauma and regret. In the end, “Widow’s Bay” reminds us to howl with laughter even when we want to scream.
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AUDREY KLETSCHER HELBLING
Through a SOMINN Lens
Audrey Kletscher Helbling of Faribault captures people, places and events via her detail-rich writing and photography. Find more of her work at mnprairieroots.com. She also writes award-winning poetry, short stories and creative nonfiction.
Halloween detailed in a window display at Keepers Antiques, Faribault.
A bloody bride in Waterville
Photographing Halloween fright & fun in SoMinn
W
hether it’s creepy dolls, lurking clowns, over-sized skeletons or any other scary being, Halloween brings frightful fun to many southern Minnesota neighborhoods. That includes mine, where neighbors Coy and Kathy Lane each October draw thousands to a themed Halloween display at their hilltop Faribault home blocks from downtown. Theirs is a fullyimmersive experience with lights, sound and action at the Cauldron County Scaregrounds. Over in Waterville, I also discovered a Halloween-decorated yard near
A Halloween-appropriate book pulled from the shelves at Something for All Consignment/Thrift Store in Lonsdale.
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downtown the past two years. A bit more ghoulish and macabre than the Lanes’ yard, the 2025 display warned with yellow caution tape and a BEWARE sign while a bloody bride waited. But not everything Halloween leans to scary. Kids in cute costumes canvassing for candy comes to mind. Who doesn’t love seeing a little one dressed as a princess or in all things orange? They’re just so darn cute in their costumes. Homegrown seasonal sales like The Crabby Wren Fall Barn Sale in Cannon City offer a mix of both the cute and frightening, although not too scary. A cute black cat countered arm-less hands in an eclectic offering of merchandise at last autumn’s sale. Wherever you go in southern Minnesota this Halloween, focus on the fun, frightful fun.
Chains hold back a body that may not be resting in peace in Waterville.
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A creepy doll watches from a storefront window in downtown Montgomery.
A folksy black Halloween cat at The Crabby Wren seasonal sale in Cannon City.
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Bring in the clowns at the Rice County Historical Society Fall Flea Market.
A creative Halloween display along Le Sueur County Road 26 west of Montgomery, photographed in 2025.
Audrey Kletscher Helbling poses with a creepy doll at her neighbor Coy and Kathy Lane’s Halloween display.
Warnings abound at this ghoulish Waterville Halloween display.
This bicyclist draws attention to The Cleaver & Corn in Waterville.
MORE PHOTOS PAGE 22
Proprietor Nona Boyes creates artsy window displays at her shop, Keepers Antiques in Faribault.
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Random hands, perfect for Halloween fright, vended at a Cannon City barn sale.
A skeleton hangs out on a front porch in Nerstrand.
Seasonal decor is among merchandise sold at The Crabby Wren Fall Barn Sale in Cannon City.
Kids’ Halloween costumes for sale at the Salvation Army Thrift Store in Red Wing.
In the dark of an October evening, a scarecrow threatens at the Lane Halloween display in Faribault.
Fright looms in the side yard of Coy and Kathy Lane’s 2025 Halloween display.
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SOUTHERN MINN
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SEE MORE @ SouthernMinnSCENE.com Calendar events compiled by Philip Weyhe.
THURSDAY, SEP 24 Fall Luncheon Owatonna-- 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. Live music from Melissa Schulz, along with a meal and good company. Family Literacy Fair - Le Sueur-5-6:30 p.m., Le Sueur Public Library, 118 Ferry St. celebrate the love of reading and the importance of literacy in developing minds. Stop by the Le Sueur Public Library and enjoy a free meal (served at 5:00PM), bounce house, storywalk, free books, and more. Ode to Blue Opening - Northfield-- 6-8 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St. S., Northfield. An exhibit of artistic expression in many forms inspired by blue. Paint, pottery, photography, poetry, music, metal, glass, stone, paper, fiber and wood. Runs through Nov. 14. Poetry Night with Diane LeBlanc - Northfield-- 7 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. Diane LeBlanc is a writer, teacher, and book artist with roots in Vermont, Wyoming, and Minnesota. She is the author of two full-length poetry collections, The Feast Delayed (Terrapin Books 2021) and Dust of a Future (Terrapin Books 2026). She will read from the latter.
FRIDAY, SEP 25 Dolly Day - Northfield-3-9:45 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. Celebrating the life and legacy of Dolly Parton with an all-night curated playlist, including Dolly karaoke and a high-as-heaven hair contest. Proceeds benefit Dolly’s Imagination Library. Pizza Night & Music Northfield-- 4-8 p.m., Red Barn Pizza Farm, 10063 110th St., Northfield. Order some pizza, sit down in the grass, and enjoy music. jeff Brooks & Andrea Lind playing on this night. Oktoberfest St. Peter-- 4-11 p.m., Nicollet County Fairgrounds, 400 Union St., St. Peter. Events Sept. 25-26. IV Play headlines Friday night. The Hype headlines Saturday night, with music starting at 6:30 p.m. Plus all kinds of beer, German attire, fun and games. A craft and vendor show takes place at the Fairgrounds 12-5 p.m. Saturday.
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Dan Schwartz & Nick Salisbury - Dundas-4:30-6:30 p.m., Chapel Brewing, 15 Hester St, Dundas. Eye & ear catching instruments, playing roots-based melody driven mixture of songs & instrumentals, originals & Americana standards. Oktoberfest Waseca-- 5-11 p.m., Ward House Brewery, 308 S. State St., Waseca. Live music from Azby. Bring your dancing shoes or compete in the Lederhosen competion. Mug holding contest returns. Penumbra - Henderson-7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson. A brooding, emotive rock band from Bismarck, North Dakota, carving out a distinctive sound with dark textures, powerful dynamics, and an unmistakable voice at the center. Formed in 2023, the group blends thoughtful songwriting with visceral performance, crafting original songs that explore shadow and light both sonically and lyrically. Little Fish Improv - Owatonna-- 7-8:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. Little Fish Improv is a group of local actors and comedians that bring improv to life. No two shows are the same. Their improv is family friendly and for people of all ages. The evening guarantees to be full of laughter for all. Nur-D with Tractorhead Northfield-- 7-9 p.m., Northfield Depot, Linden St. S., Northfield. Nur-D isn’t your typical hip-hop artist. Hailing from Minnesota, he’s bringing something fresh to the scene, hip-hop packed with personality, high-energy performances, and a kaleidoscopic mix of influences. Think contemporary rap infused with the pageantry of ‘80s glam rock, with a sprinkle of pop and funk. It’s music made for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit in. Bob Wayne - Elko New Market-- 9 p.m., Wayne is a singer, songwriter, storyteller and nomad. He makes raw, deep, “pure country” music that walks the line between comedy and dark truths, never trying to be anything he’s not and consequently ensuring everything he does is genuine, with a total lack of affectation.
SATURDAY, SEP 26 Oktoberfest - Webster-- 12 a.m., Ettlin’s Ranchero Supper Club, 4452 40th St. W., Webster. Celebration, festival, beer. Art Stroll - St. Peter-- 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Downtown St. Peter. Runs Sept. 26-27. Your opportunity to explore local artists studios and meet the artists. Stroll the town and support local art. Oktoberfest Celebration - Le Sueur County-- 1210 p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle
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Plaine. Celebrating Oktoberfest season, with authentic food and beer, German-inspired music and entertainment, stein holding competitions, and a limited number of collectible mugs. Czech Glassowrk - Waseca-- 1 p.m., Waseca Art Center, 200 N. State St. Minnesota jewelry artist Andrea Turini will bring audiences inside the living traditions of Czech glass and beadmaking. She draws on firsthand experiences in Jablonec nad Nisou, a region in Czechia, long recognized as a world center of bead and button production. The onehour presentation and 30-minute Q&A period are free to attend. Following the Q&A, paid guests can particia=pate in a one-hour hands-on jewelry design session. Trainsmoke - Dundas-4-7 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas. Weaving guitar instrumentals, soaring solos, and vocal harmonies floating over a rhythm of steady grooves and wandering bass. Train Smoke plays classic and modern songs you know and shows off seasoned song writing in originals you’ll love. Enjoy an authentic rock & roll experience from the heart of the Midwest. Amy Manette - Janesville-- 5:308:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Jazz & blues singer with a voice powerful and pure, Amy Manette reaches deep and sings with a passion. Amy’s voice is reminiscent of Etta James and Beth Hart. Ambient Toad - Kasota-- 6-9 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. The band you found on the ground outside. Mary Mack - St. Peter-- 8 p.m., 2nd Story Comedy, 303 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. A hybrid of Minnesota and Wisconsin (with a severe cheese dependency), comedian Mary Mack is a favorite on radio shows and podcasts around the country including, Marc Maron’s WTF Podcast, The Bob and Tom Show, and The Grand Ole Opry. Tickets online.
SUNDAY, SEP 27 Cemetery Walking Tour - Waseca-- 11 a.m.2 p.m., Woodville Cemetery, 5th Ave. SE, Waseca. Exploring the beautiful grounds of Woodville Cemetery while learning the life stories of several notable figures buried there. A shuttle bus will take attendees from Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funderal and Cremation Services to the cemetery. Donations accepted. Register at 507-835-2190. Steve & Steve Kilkenny-- 1-4 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilken-
ny. A fun, laid-back energy to the winery with their mix of acoustic favorites and familiar tunes. They Never Forget the Music - Northfield-- 3-6 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., Northfield. Featuring well-known classic songs for everyone to sing or dance along to, performed by local musicians. A joyule, carefree musical experience meant to stimulate the minds and memories of people with dementia and their caregivers.
THURSDAY, OCT 01 Beer & Brat Night Waseca-- 3:30 p.m., The Mill Event Center, 310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca. Brats from Wiste’s Meat Market, including regular, mac & cheese, and bacon cheddar. Live music from Kayla Daniels. Jeffrey M. Sauve Author Talk Northfield-- 7 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. Based on the astonishing real events of 1896, “Wheels of Murder” uncovers the story of Hans and Lew Kellihan, two young brothers from Iowa whose daring bank robbery in Sherburn, Minnesota became the world’s first bicycle heist. Their violent crime set off a relentless 150‑mile manhunt across Minnesota and Iowa, echoing the drama of the James‑Younger Gang’s infamous Northfield raid two decades earlier.
FRIDAY, OCT 02 Greenvale Manitou - Dundas-- 5-8 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas. Fusing many genres such as dream pop, psychedelic rock, lo-fi trip hop and more. Shadows at the Crossing - St. Peter-- 6-7:45 p.m., Treaty Site History Center, 1851 N. Minnesota Ave, St. Peter. Lantern light, prairie air, and voices from the past. Experience Traverse des Sioux after dark on this immersive one-hour guided tour. At six stops along the trail, you’ll meet costumed interpreters portraying real people connected to this place. They’ll share their stories in first person, giving you a glimpse into the choices, challenges, and resilience that shaped the Minnesota Territory. Tickets on sale at the Nicollet County Historical Society. Mariachi Jaslisco - Owatonna-- 7-9 p.m., Owatonna Eagles 1791, 141 E. Rose St., Owatonna. An Hispanic Heritage Month celebration focused on Mariachi. Comedy Show - Janesville-7-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville.
YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.
Nationally touring comedia. This comedy road warrior performs an astonishing 52 weeks a year, bringing laughter to audiences across the nation and beyond. During his 25year career, Steve has performed everywhere from comedy clubs, casinos and cruise ships to military bases, festivals, colleges and corporate events. Brothers Allmanac Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. A top-tier Allman Brothers tribute band, known for their authentic renditions of Southern rock classics. With standout performances at iconic venues, they capture the essence of The Allman Brothers’ signature sound — complete with soulful guitar harmonies, powerful vocals, and extended jams. Tickets online.
SATURDAY, OCT 03 Maker Fair St. Peter-- 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Nicollet County Fairgrounds, 400 Union St., St. Peter. One of Southern Minnesota’s largest handcrafted only markets. Fall Festival - Rice County-- 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Oct. 2-4. Dundas, Faribault, Northfield. Taking place across various venues, featuring classic elements of the Studio ARTour and Faribault’s Fall Festival, live music performances, and projected video art from local artists. See a full schedule of events and locatiosn online. Fall Festival Faribault-- 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Downtown Faribault, Central Ave. Chili contest, Fire Department open house, story walk, studio art tour, costume parade, bench walk, vendor market, trick-or-treating. Family FunFest Janesville-- 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Autumn Acres Farm, 35482 W. County Line Rd., Janesville. A day at the farm filled with family entertainment. Live music from Johnny Moeller and Family Traditions. Historical schoolhouse, tractor-pulled wagon rides, corn pit, corn maze, pick-your-own pumpkin patch, kids games and activities, photo ops, face paintings, caricature drawings, pet and feed goats, kids scanvenger hunt and more. Autumn Acres Food Trailer and Home Town Smash serving food. Pumpkins, produce, food/concessions, market items for sale. Brewery Oktoberfest St. Peter-- 11 a.m.10 p.m., Paddlefish Brewing and Tremendous Brewing. The two breweries are teaming up, offering drink cards that can be utilized at both establishments. Get your card at either brewery ahead of the date.
Autumn Wagon Ride - Henderson-- 1-2 p.m., Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson. Enjoy the fall colors in and around the Ney. Multiple rides are offered throughout the autumn season, so be sure to take note of the date and time of your registration. Tim Cheesebrow - Kilkenny-- 2-5 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny. Blending roots rock, folk, and Americana into heartfelt songs that pair perfectly with your favorite pour. It’s the ideal way to unwind and support local this holiday season. Cabin of Love Dundas-- 4-6 p.m., Chapel Brewing, 15 Hester St, Dundas. Julia and Nathan Bloom make up a folk/pop duo who’ve been writing songs and making music together for over 25 years. Flavors of Fall - Waseca-4-7 p.m., Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St, Waseca. Takes place Oct. 3-4. A side of live music (Midwest Farewell, Drew Peterson, Ron & Steve), autumn inspired weekly features, sunset photo ops, cider beers, garden walks to the garden bar, fall fizzes, little farmer’s fall mix, scavenger hunt and more. Uff Da Acres will use their maple syrup on breakfast pizza. Mike Fugazzi Owatonna-- 6:30-8:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. A dynamic harmonica player and vocalist with over 20 years of experience pushing the instrument beyond its traditional role. Known for his lyrical phrasing, soulful tone, and technical precision, he seamlessly blends harmonica into rock, blues, and country music — whether as a melodic lead, a rhythmic accent, or an atmospheric texture. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime - Owatonna-- 7:30 p.m., Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Dr # A, Owatonna. 15-year-old Christopher stands beside his neighbor Mrs. Shears’ dead dog. It has been speared with a garden fork, seven minutes after midnight, and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in the book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington the dog. Shows 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2-3 and 9-10, plus 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4 and 11. Tickets online.
Oktoberfest Celebration - Le Sueur County-12-10 p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine. Celebrating Oktoberfest season, with authentic food and beer, German-inspired music and entertainment, stein holding competitions, and a limited number of collectible mugs.
Smokescreen - Waterville-- 8 p.m., Classic’s Pub, 125 3rd St. S., Waterville. This powerhouse band takes the best of both worlds — country and classic rock — and kicks it into high gear with their signature electric fiddle. From high-octane anthems to crowd-favorite covers, Smokescreen is built to keep the energy high and the dance floor packed.
Fall Fest Open House - Faribault-- 12 p.m., Alexander Faribault House, 12 First Ave. NE. Check out the historic home of Alexander Faribault, built in 1853, and enjoy making Halloween masks, an activity great for kids and adults alike. Free but donations are appreciated.
Red Dirt Road Owatonna-- 9 p.m., Reggie’s Brewhouse, 220 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna. A sound and light experience that you won’t want to miss. They combine great musicianship, killer harmonies, and an arena style light show that will keep you coming back every time.
SUNDAY, OCT 04 On Common Ground Opening - St. Peter-- 3-5 p.m., Arts Center of Saint Peter, 315 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. When she is not caring for her 4-year-old daughter or tending to her chickens, she is creating. Siehler’s illustrations are primarily made with ink, marker, watercolor, and gouache. She enjoys marrying the mundane with the fantastical, and imagining fantasy and whimsy in everyday situations. Gallery runs through Nov. 28. Classic Car RollIn - Henderson-5-8 p.m., Downtown Henderson. The final night for 2026 of one of the biggest roll-ins in the entire Midwest. Stroll the historic Main Street of downtown Henderson and visit all the businesses and food vendors, while live music plays. Registration is free for classic car owners and visitors.
MONDAY, OCT 05 Puzzle Competition - Faribault-- 5-7 p.m., Buckham Memorial Library, 11 Division St. E, Faribault. Up to five people per team to put together a 500-piece puzzle with a two-hour time limit. Call 507-334-2089 to register.
WEDNESDAY, OCT 07 Pizza Night with Mary Cutrufello - Northfield-- 4-7:30 p.m., Red Barn Pizza Farm, 10063 110th St., Northfield. Order some pizza, sit down in the grass, and enjoy music. Mary Cutrufello playing on this night. Reservations online.
THURSDAY, OCT 08 Murder Mystery Dinner - Owatonna-- 6 p.m., Dunnell House. Come prepared to solve a murder. As guests arrive at the Dunnell House front door, theyy will be given instructions on how the evening will commence. Guests are encouraged to dress in period costume spanning the 1800s-1960s. If they survive the evening, guests will be tasked with keeping the suspects, weapons, and murder a secret or else. Takes place Oct. 8 and 10. Poetry Night with Michael Bazzett Northfield-7-9 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. A reading and signing of new poetry collection, “Cloudwatcher,” laced with wit and buoyed by a welcome eccentricity.
FRIDAY, OCT 09 Convocation with Valeria Luiselli - Northfield-10:50-11:50 a.m., Skinner Memorial Chapel, 405 1st St. E. Luiselli was born in Mexico City and grew up in South Korea, South Africa and India. An acclaimed writer of both fiction and nonfiction, she is the author of the essays “Tell Me How It Ends and Sidewalks”; the sonic essay :Echoes From the Borderlands”; and the novels “Faces in the Crowd”, “The Story of My Teeth”, “Lost Children Archive”, and “Beginning Middle End”. Comedy Show - Faribault-- 5-10 p.m., Boxcar Bar, 202 W. Elm Ave, Waseca. Headlined by David Harris, winner of two
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regional Emmys, performer at top venues, and star of a special on Amazon Prime. Supported by Sam Bondhus and Steph Russell. Markkordian - Dundas-- 5-8 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas. An accordion player who performs solo, with a violin player, and with the jazz trio Swing 6625. Marks plays a wide variety of old jazz standards, folk, classic country and pop songs. Rooster Round-Up Northfield-- 5:30-8:30 p.m., Bridge Square, Northfield. Shake your tail feather at the Rooster Roundup, a community celebration in the heart of downtown Northfield. Locals and visitors are invited to enjoy an evening featuring live music by the Northfield Youth Choir and The Main Thing, food trucks, local restaurants, shopping and family-friendly fun. Soulfire - Blooming Prairie-- 6-9 p.m., Blooming Prairie Cue Company, 302 Main St E, Blooming Prairie. Dynamic musical duo that will set your soul on fire. Mike Little guitar, harmonica and vocals. Josi Christy vocals. Date Night on the Farm - Janesville-6-8:30 p.m., Autumn Acres Farm, 35482 W. County Line Rd., Janesville. Your special evening will include a lighted hayride, community bonfires, music, and ambient lighting, pulled pork sandwiches with sides and one free hot cider or cocoa per person, s’more roasting, two pumpkins from the pick-your-own patch, two Autumn Acres totes, and the opportunity to take some beautiful photos at sunset. Tickets online.
SATURDAY, OCT 10 Bloody Fest - Faribault-- 11 a.m.-6 p.m., 10,000 Drops, 28 4th St NE, Faribault. Come for the massive Bloody Mary bar and stay for the food trucks (Pizzeria 201 & Underdog), live music, activities, and more. Another Time Around - Le Sueur County-- 1-4 p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine. Playing all the hits from way back when. They make it look so easy while looking so good. The Wendt Sisters Kilkenny-- 3-6 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny. With their signature sister harmonies and a fun mix of familiar favorites spanning the 1950s through the 1990s, The Wendt Sisters bring a little nostalgia and a whole lot of musical talent. Their repertoire includes classic hits, gospel favorites, and songs you’ll likely find yourself singing along to! Hotdish Hootenanny Owatonna-- 4-7 p.m., Owatonna Eagles 1791, 141 E. Rose St., Owatonna. Sample a variety of hotdish
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 creations and help decide which one deserves bragging rights. Along with plenty of great food, the evening will feature music, silent auction baskets and lots of Minnesota-style fun. Flavors of Fall Waseca-- 4-7 p.m., Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St, Waseca. Takes place Oct. 10-11. A side of live music (Midwest Farewell on Saturday; Mary Cutrufello and Bullypulpit on Sunday), autumn inspired weekly features, sunset photo ops, cider beers, garden walks to the garden bar, fall fizzes, little farmer’s fall mix, scavenger hunt & more. Uff Da Acres serving up cheesy garlic bread with delicious sourdough baguettes. Los Tequileros - Janesville-5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Some Tex Mex music with your beer and food. The Space Force - Owatonna-- 6-9 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. A buncha dudes playing songs that were overplayed way before they were born. Fire Department Street Dance - Waterville-- 6-10 p.m., Downtown Waterville. Music from Misguided Inc. Halloween-themed with costume contest. Food vendors on site. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime - Owatonna-- 7:30 p.m., Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Dr # A, Owatonna. 15-year-old Christopher stands beside his neighbor Mrs. Shears’ dead dog. It has been speared with a garden fork, seven minutes after midnight, and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in the book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington the dog. Shows 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9-10, plus 1:30 p.m. Oct. 11. Tickets online. Corn Maze After Dark Northfield-- 7:30-10 p.m., Windy Willow Farm, 9748 110th St. E., Northfield. A whole new way to experience the corn maze. Grab your friends, bring your own flashlight and see if you can make it through. Takes place Oct. 10, 11, 23 & 24.
SUNDAY, OCT 11 Fall Colors Wagon Ride - Henderson-- 1-2 p.m., Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson. Enjoy a ride to appreciate fall colors in and around Ney. Register online. Chamber Music - Owatonna-- 2 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. India Enter on cello, Gabriel Bauer on violin, Caroline Bauer vocals, and Constance Goslar on piano. The music of Brahms Handel Rachmaninoff. Free admission. Donations suggested.
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Kit Kildahl - St. Peter-4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Kit Kildahl on guitar, harp and vocals.
TUESDAY, OCT 13 Beginner Line Dancing - Le Sueur County-- 6-8 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Whether you’ve never line danced before or just want a relaxed refresher, this is the perfect place to start. Register online. Crop Art with Liz Schreiber - Le Sueur-- 6 p.m., Le Sueur Public Library, 118 Ferry St. Liz Schreiber has been making, teaching, and exhibiting her crop art since 2004, when she first entered the Minnesota State Fair. Her artwork has appeared in multiple publications and includes the 2023 Commemorative Art for the MN State Fair as well as at the “Growing American Craft” show at the Smithsonian Institute. She will talk about the history of crop art and her work.
WEDNESDAY, OCT 14 Pizza Night with Shelly Lynne - Northfield-- 4-7:30 p.m., Red Barn Pizza Farm, 10063 110th St., Northfield. Order some pizza, sit down in the grass, and enjoy music. Shelly Lynne playing on this night. Reservations online.
THURSDAY, OCT 15 Maze Days Fall Festival - Northfield-- 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Windy Willow Farm, 9748 110th St. E., Northfield. Come enjoy 40-plus regular attractions plus more during our fall celebration! Food Trucks, two corn mazes, face painting, hayrides, bonfire, corn pit, scarecrow building contest, chili contest and so much more you won’t want to miss out on. Ray Coudret & Curt Johnson - Northfield-5-9 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., Northfield. Featuring Ray Coudret on guitar and vocals with Curt Johnson on piano. Skulls & Tracks - Faribault-- 6 p.m., Interpretive Naturalist Andy Wendt will present another of his many naturalist programs highlighting our Minnesota State Parks. This time he will help the audience to recognize many common animals by their skulls and tracks. Have you ever seen a raccoon skull or squirrel tracks?
FRIDAY, OCT 16 Crow Party - Le Sueur-- 10 a.m., Le Sueur Public Library, 118 Ferry St. Wear black. Bring 2 tiny trinkets a crow would appreciate to trade. We’ll also fill a trinket jar with treasures. Geared for ages 7-12. Fall Family Crafternoon St. Peter-- 1 p.m., St. Peter Library. Staff will have all the supplies and inspiration you need for a memorable afternoon of autumn projects. It’s the perfect activity for families of all ages.
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The Schmids Dundas-- 5-8 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas. A soul-filled summer evening of music, wine, and story with The Schmids, a husband-and-wife duo whose musical chemistry is as genuine as their love story.
SATURDAY, OCT 17
Mill Pond Haunted Hayride - St. Peter-- 7-11 p.m., Mill Pond, 194 E. Nassau St., St. Peter. Takes place 7-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16-17 and 23-24. Take a ride and catch a fright on this family friendly and spooky attraction. Cash sales only. See more info online.
Fall Festival - Waseca-- 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca. DeVod pedal pull competition, jump stations, llama visit, pumpkin patch and decorating, corn maze, live blacksmith demonstrations, vendor fair, tram rides, sensory stations, farm animals, apple picking and concessions. Tickets online.
Murder on the Orient Express - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Exotic locales. World class elegance. And murder! Join Hercule Poirot on Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” as he is forced to solve a particularly difficult case, all while the famous luxury train journeys from Istanbul to Paris. Tickets online. Shows 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16-17 and 23-24, plus Oct. 18 and 25.
Ilan Blustin - Le Sueur County-- 2-5 p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine. A rancher and country singer based in southern Minnesota, where the rolling farmland and open skies inspire his timeless sound. With a voice as deep and steady as the prairie wind, Ilan channels the spirit of legends like Colter Wall and Johnny Cash, delivering classic country songs rooted in hard work, heartache, and the rugged beauty of rural life.
ELOUR - St. Peter-8 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter. ELOUR (pronounced “allure”) is what Elizabeth Ghandour categorizes as Femme Rock. Elizabeth’s direct lyrics, diverse background and classically trained voice, backed by master players including Ned Barclay on lead guitar, Joe Scarpellino on bass, Ryan Vee on drums, and Brody Kucera on percussion, pushes sonic boundaries for a raucous, rebellious, and yet very stylish sound that is at once new and familiar, and terrifically energizing.
Fred the Bear Trio - Northfield-- 2 p.m., Loon Liquor Co., 115 5th St. W., Northfield. Plays originals and classic rock/country rock/alternative rock covers. Flavors of Fall Waseca-- 4-7 p.m., Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St, Waseca. Takes place Oct. 17-18. A side of live music (Unruly Julie on Saturday; Federales and Kalen Braun Schultz on Sunday), autumn inspired weekly features, sunset photo ops, cider beers, garden walks to the garden bar, fall fizzes, little farmer’s fall mix, scavenger hunt and more. Dessert in the works with Knudsen Caramels. Johnny Frost and the Heatseekers - Janesville-5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Performing seven decades of music. Jamison Murphy Owatonna-- 6-9 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. A singer songwriter from the Twin Cities. Victorian Funeral - Faribault-- 7-8 p.m., Alexander Faribault House, 12 First Ave. NE. The Victorian Era was from 1837-1901, when Queen Victorian ruled the British Empire. America saw many changes during this time, including increased settlement in the American “West” — like Minnesota. Even developing towns, like Faribault during the 1850s and 60s, would have had their own twist on Victorian customs of the time, which were characterized by a high standard of personal conduct, an emphasis on morality, as well as ritualization. Reserve a spot by calling 507-332-2121.
Comedy Under the Bridge Faribault-- 8 p.m., 10,000 Drops, 28 4th St NE, Faribault. Why not come out and enjoy some comedy? Multiple headliners on tap. Tickets online.
SUNDAY, OCT 18 Pizza Night with Shelly Lynne - Northfield-- 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Red Barn Pizza Farm, 10063 110th St., Northfield. Order some pizza, sit down in the grass, and enjoy music. Shelly Lynne playing on this night. Reservations online. Record Show Pop-up - St. Peter-- 12-4 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter. Organizers have been digging all around the Midwest this summer and have an amazing selection of record albums, 45 RPM records, CDs and music memorabilia for sale. Women Artists of the Renaissance - Owatonna-- 2 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. Kyra Andresen will discuss what barriers women artists faced during the Renaissance and why there are so many more male artists remembered by history. Ann & Joe St. Peter-- 4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. AM Gold hits and solid originals on the patio.
WEDNESDAY, OCT 21 Zacc Harris - Northfield-- 5:30-7:30 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. Explores the nostalgia and contradictions of the American songbook through modern jazz interpretations of music by Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, The Ronettes, Woody Guthrie, and traditional folk sources.
THURSDAY, OCT 22 Amber Blaeser-Wardzala Author Talk - Northfield-- 4 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, North-
YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.
field. A conversaion about debut novel “Another Name For Red” with fellow author Allen Eskens. After a young Anishinaabe woman vanishes, her sister tries to pick up the pieces of her broken family, even as her investigations put her at risk of suffering a similar fate. Treats on the Streets Waseca-- 5-7 p.m., Downtown Waseca. Family fun and safe trick or treating. Businesses get creative with the way they hand out treats. Organizers will mark the sidewalks with one-way arrows to help make a smoother process for the princesses and ghosts to get their treats. Martin Zellar - Owatonna-5:30-10 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. Made his living as a singer-songwriter for over 35 years because he has always reliably delivered what his fans have come to expect from him: quality songwriting and heartfelt performances. Girls Night Out Australian Takeover - St. Peter-- 8-10:30 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter. Prepare for an absolute surge of high-voltage Aussie charm, jaw-dropping choreography, and heart-pounding energy. Tickets online.
FRIDAY, OCT 23 Hospital Auxiliary Bazaar - Owatonna-- 8 a.m.-4 p.m., St. John Lutheran Church, 1301 Lincoln, Owatonna. All kinds of vendors to enjoy. Convocation with Chris Kratt - Northfield-10:50-11:50 a.m., Skinner Memorial Chapel, 405 1st St. E. A writer/director/producer, wildlife filmmaker, author, and educator with a degree in biology from Carleton. Dedicated to introducing people to wild animals and the natural world, Chris reaches audiences through all forms of media. Bad Mama - Dundas-- 5-8 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas. Channels the inner funk of Carrie Jennings on vocals/tenor sax, Martha Larson on vocals/ cello (bass), and Allyson Wopata on drums. These three music mamas join forces to celebrate being a gentle, creative soul in a fast-paced, complex world.
er-songwriters that defined American folk and country music and a matching set of long, red beards to boot, it’s hard to find a more fitting musical duo.
style verse. Prithee join us for a night of good humor, forsooth. Tickets online. Shows 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23-24 and Oct. 30, plus 2 p.m. Oct. 25, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.
Chris Koza with Sam Ryden Northfield-- 7 p.m., Northfield Depot, Linden St. S., Northfield. A composer and performer based in Denver, Colorado and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Both solo and with his band Rogue Valley, he has supported and shared the stage with artists such as Brandi Carlile, Gordon Lightfoot, Ingrid Michaelson, The Jayhawks, Neko Case, Kathleen Edwards, Dan Wilson, and Stephen Kellogg, among others. In his writing, Chris both honors and builds on the vast genre of Americana music. Suggested donation.
Halloween Show with Wasted Talent Band - Elko New Market-- 8:30 p.m., The Doublewide, 421 Saint Joseph St., Elko New Market. Annual Halloween show and costume contest, with live music from Wasted Talent Band.
SATURDAY, OCT 24 Witches Walk - Owatonna-- 2 p.m., Owatonna Eagles 1791, 141 E. Rose St., Owatonna. Get ready for a hauntingly great time with your favorite witches as you hit the town for a spooktacular afternoon and evening. Bring a broom and a witch’s hat, but let your creative side fly. The tour stops include train station, American Legion, Reggie’s, Dog Pound and Grapeful Wine Bar. Head back to the Eagles Club for a pumpkin patch drawing and a warm, delicious bite to eat featuring bread bowl wild rice soup. Tickets are available at the Eagles Club. Bats, Bones & Bonfires Faribault-- 2-5 p.m., River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Road, Faribault. Event activities include horse-drawn wagon rides, live animals, a bonfire with s’mores, games, trick-or-treat trail, goodie bags, delicious apple caramel bar, and more! Costumes are encouraged. Cost info online. Village Fright Night Owatonna-6-8:30 p.m., Village of Yesteryear, 1431 Austin Rd, Owatonna. SCHS invites you to experience the darker side. Guests are encouraged to bring a flashlight as they stroll the grounds and tour the hauntingly beautiful buildings. Actors will be sharing scary and paranormal stories from Steele County and Southern Minnesota’s history. No candy will be distributed at this event. Mill Pond Haunted Hayride - St. Peter-- 7-11 p.m., Mill Pond, 194 E. Nassau St., St. Peter. Takes place 7-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24. Take a ride and catch a fright on this family friendly and spooky attraction. Cash sales only. See more info online.
Dan Duffy Orchestra Janesville-- 6-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. An exciting group from Mankato performing swing and hot club music from the 20s on up to today.
Murder on the Orient Express - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Exotic locales. World class elegance. And murder! Join Hercule Poirot on Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” as he is forced to solve a particularly difficult case, all while the famous luxury train journeys from Istanbul to Paris. Tickets online. Shows 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23-24, plus Oct. 25.
Forrest Hunter & Farmer Josh Le Sueur County-6-9 p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine. A deep appreciation for the classic sing-
Caddyshakes - Northfield-- 7:30 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West. Caddyshakes has all the rollicking, raunchy jokes that you remember from 1980’s Caddyshack, written in Shakespearean
SUNDAY, OCT 25 Hallo-WINE Trail - Kilkenny-- 1-3 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny. An adult version of trick-or-treating. Put your costumes on and hike along a walking/hiking trail while sampling six selected wines. An unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss out on. Live music with Steve & Steve. Twisted Chicken Food Truck. Tickets online. Society of Minnesota Sculptors Opening - Owatonna-- 2-4 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. Members will be showing works in bronze, wood, and welded pieces. Trainwreck - St. Peter-- 4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Piano acoustic duo featuring: Trent Shaw guitar and Tim Schommer piano.
MONDAY, OCT 26 Beaded Corn - Janesville-- 3:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Inspired by Minnesota’s multicolored flint corn, this is the perfect addition to your fall decor. Geared for ages 7-12. Pet Glow Ghosts - Le Sueur-4 p.m., Le Sueur Public Library, 118 Ferry St. Get in the spooky spirit by creating your very own pet ghost that glows in the dark. Geared for ages 8-12.
TUESDAY, OCT 27 Spooky Line Dancing Le Sueur County-- 6-8 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Whether you’ve never line danced before or just want a relaxed refresher, this is the perfect place to learn some new moves in a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Tickets online. Local Honeycomb & Wine Pairing Experience - Owatonna-- 6 p.m., Grapeful Wine Bar, 306 N. Cedar Ave., Suite 2, Owatonna. Step into an elevated evening dedicated to the sweet art of local raw honey and wine pairing. We’re partnering with local farmer Mike “Red” Haarstad of It’s All Good Farms to offer an insider’s look into the world of raw honeycomb production, followed by an expert-led tasting journey. Tickets online.
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THURSDAY, OCT 29 Trick or Treat on Main - Le Sueur-- 3:30-5 p.m., Downtown Le Sueur. An eerily good time in downtown Le Sueur. Local businesses will be handing out candy along Main Street. Tarot for the Halloween Season - Northfield-- 7 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. Join our booksellers for a discussion of the history of tarot, the difference between tarot decks and oracle decks, and ways to use these decks to gain insight into your life. Following the discussion, browse a selection of the decks, and use these decks to create your own spread of cards for the Halloween season. Plenty of time for Q&A and sharing ideas. Tickets online.
FRIDAY, OCT 30 Creatures of the Night - Henderson-- 5:30-7:30 p.m., Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson. Llearn about and celebrate all of the amazing creatures of the night that call Minnesota home. Ney staff will be on hand to teach all about bats, coyotes, owls, and other amazing nocturnal animals. Staff will have a fire going in the fire ring outside of the main building. This evening program is family friendly, and will include walking lit trails at dusk or in the dark. Costumes are welcome, but not required. Register online. Halloween Cookie Decorating - Nerstrand-6-8 p.m., WildWood, 315 Main St., Nerstrand. Bring your little ghouls and gremlins this Halloween Eve to learn to decorate cookies with royal icing, with Kari of Sweet Q’s Cookie Co. This class is geared toward kids and their adult caregivers or loved ones and is perfect for anyone from beginners looking to enhance their skills to professionals looking to just have a good time. Tickets online. Fari-Boo Crawl Faribault-- 7 p.m., Downtown Faribault, Central Ave. A fundraiser for the Paradise, participants must visit all of the participating bars to be judged for the costume contest. Winners of the costume contest will be announced at 11:30 p.m. in the Paradise auditorium. Must be 21 or older to participate in this ghoulishly fun-filled event. Tickets online. Halloween Trivia Le Sueur County-7-8:30 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Think you know your horror movies, haunted history, creepy creatures, and candy facts? Teams of two to six encouraged. Wine, cocktails & spooky sips available. Winning team takes home bottle of wine or vodka. Costumes encouraged.
Do you want to submit an event to this calendar? Send details to scene@apgsomn.com
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COMING SOON!
a night of good humor, forsooth. Tickets online. Shows 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30, plus 2 p.m. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.
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SATURDAY, OCT 31 Downtown Trick or Treat Owatonna-11 a.m.-1 p.m., Central Park Owatonna, 100 E. Main St, Owatonna. Head to downtown Owatonna with your trick-or-treat bags ready to fill. The last few years has produced thousands of trick-or-treaters. Victorian Funeral Faribault-1-4 p.m., Alexander Faribault House, 12 First Ave. NE. The Victorian Era was from 1837-1901, when Queen Victorian ruled the British Empire. America saw many changes during this time, including increased settlement in the American “West” — like Minnesota. Even developing towns, like Faribault during the 1850s and 60s, would have had their own twist on Victorian customs of the time, which were characterized by a high standard of personal conduct, an emphasis on morality, as well as ritualization. Talks at 1 and 3 p.m. Reserve a spot by calling 507-332-2121.
CONTEST STARTS IN NOVEMBER 2026 WATCH SOUTHERNMINN.COM FOR MORE INFO.
Caddyshakes Northfield-- 2 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West. Caddyshakes has all the rollicking, raunchy jokes that you remember from 1980’s Caddyshack, written in Shakespearean style verse. Prithee join us for
Greenvale Manitou Dundas-- 4-7 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas. Fusing many genres such as dream pop, psychedelic rock, lo-fi trip hop and more. Halloween Bash Waseca-- 7 p.m., The Mill Event Center, 310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca. Spooky season is almost here, so why not celebrate with the party of the year. Live music, scary good drink specials, a cash prize costume contest, and a great time with friends. Contact the venue for tickets. Halloween Party with Rook - Kasota-- 8 p.m.-12 a.m., Prairie Saloon & Grill, 140 N. Webster St., Kasota. Rook will be live, bringing in special-effect lighting and smoke to give the bar a full Halloween atmosphere. Zappaween - St. Peter-8 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter. The remarkable 11-piece Joe’s Garage Ensemble performs the music of Frank Zappa on Halloween Night at the fabulous Tremendous Brewing. Costumery is encouraged and seating is limited, so grab your tickets sooner than later. Hotcha. Special guest: Emma Fradd. Tickets online.
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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.
SOMINN The Bookworm Sez
TERRI SCHILCHENMEYER
Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer based just across the river from SoMinn in LaCrosse, WI. She can be contacted at bookwormsez@gmail.com
‘God’s Country’, ‘World’s Worst Mom’, ‘Man Overboard’ and Books about Health for Adults God’s Country:
The World’s Worst Mom
Man Overboard!
by William Kent Krueger
c.2026, Plume $30.00 304 pages
c.2026, Gallery Books $27.00 208 pages
Your little bundle of joy is arriving soon and you can’t be more excited. At the same time, though, you’re overwhelmed with advice. Do this, do that, buy this, have the other, don’t forget, you’ll forget, it’s non-stop, it’s helpful, and it’s not, and guess what? You’ll learn things on your own. You’ll be a good mom – but just in case, Sona Movesesian wrote “The World’s Worst Mom” for you, so you know there’s someone worse. Just kidding. She’s not the worst, but she feels like she is sometimes, and it began even before she had her twin boys via IVF. The process was hard and very demanding, carrying two little people in her small ( just over 5 feet tall) body was hard, cravings were hard, accidentally watching her C-section was hard. It was all just so hard. She’s glad for twins. She never wants to be pregnant again. Luckily, she had some practice at parenting: she’d been Conan O’Brien’s assistant, her “practice child” for a decade, so she felt confident, in that respect. O’Brien and his wife, by the way, were extremely helpful with Movesesian’s and her husband’s whole becoming-parents process, financially and emotionally. When you have twins, you buy two of everything, whether you really need it or not. You buy things when you are delirious from lack of sleep. You give away a lot of things. You learn that twins are separate little humans and that what one twin likes, the other will inevitably hate. Your brain will never be the same. You will second-guess yourself. You’ll hear a lot of supposed-to’s that will be (mostly) wrong, and you’ll wonder if what you’re feeling is normal. Mom Guilt is a real thing and Google may become your best friend. You’ll suddenly find yourself extremely interested in the contents of another human’s diaper. You’ll be amazed at the awesomeness of what your body can do. And you’ll love “so much love.” When you are expecting a baby, it seems like advice comes at you like water from a fire hose. You want to put your hands over your ears, yell “Lalalala,” and hide, right? But don’t – open your eyes to “The World’s Worst Mom” and laugh instead. From singlehood to motherhood, author Sona Movsesian takes readers along on a journey that’s sometimes cringeworthy but also sometimes funny, with a touch of wry but totally honest seriousness in between. Movesesian isn’t afraid to say what you’re thinking, and the quiet-out-loud things that you don’t expect when you’re expecting make it all the more delightful. But the truths aren’t all you’ll find here: look between the lines, and you might discover a bit of advice from the mom-of-twins trenches. Look again, and you’ll find words so mom-motional that you’ll feel it in your heart. From Conan O’Brien’s former assistant, you should also anticipate some profanity, but also lots of LOLs and candor that new (and experienced) mothers will appreciate. Give “The World’s Worst Mom” as a shower gift, or read it yourself. It’ll give you much joy.
One step. A slight hop to launch, and you’re airborne. The goal is to make the dive look easy, to enter the water like a sword through butter, with not a single ripple to show for it. The goal is not to smack the water, belly-down, but as in the new novel, “Man Overboard!” by Kathleen Rooney, to do it with grace, elegance – and definitely with sobriety. As he treaded water, waves washing up on his face and into his eyes, Patrick “Kick” Kilpatrick wished he could remember what happened. One minute, he was aboard the Carnival Valor, drinking, enjoying-not-enjoying a Thanksgiving cruise with his extended family. The next minute, he was fighting to find the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, kicking off his shoes and his shorts, losing his phone, watching the ship blithely continue on. Apparently, nobody noticed that he’d fallen (or leaped?) from an upper deck of the ship. Though he was a swimming phenom back in Nebraska, Kick hated the ocean. He hated being in water when he couldn’t touch the bottom, hated any place where possibly-dangerous creatures sneaked up behind him. His sister, Kelly, would eventually think to check on him because she was always like that. Her worthless husband, however, wouldn’t care. Ulysses, Kick’s nephew, would miss him; Kick’s father and stepmother, too. But would they miss Kick like he longed for his mother, who’d been gone for years? He wasn’t sure. It didn’t matter. Within the hour, someone would come to save him. He told himself that all night long, through every hour of treading water and every wave. Morning came, he put his shirt over his head so he didn’t blister in the Caribbean sun. He imagined his rescue, as dolphins, turtles and large fish visited him, counseled him, taunted him with unwanted comments. Someone would be along soon – but in the meantime, there was nothing to see but waves and water and a man slowly losing his mind… As hot as it’s been this summer, at any one point, a dip in the ocean may have sounded mighty good, right? You’ll think twice after you read “Man Overboard!” The second Kick hits the water, author Kathleen Rooney lets him dog-paddle into your psyche, complete with a lifetimes’ worth of regrets. He’s depressed, and admits it; he’s a slacker, and he knows that, too, which gives him an appealingly snarky-profane demeanor. True, you might think that reading the hours-long musings from a dying man might be tedious, but nothing could be further from the truth; Kick is philosophical and wry, self-pitying and self-depreciating, while also doing a little soul-searching, and Rooney keeps his thoughts taut. It’s suspense at its finest, but also with a splash of humor. Will Kick be rescued? Nuh-uh. No spoilers here. Unlike a classic “man in a small locked room” kind of suspense novel, “Man Overboard!” has a setting that’s some 32 million miles square. That doesn’t make it any less tight, though, so find it and dive right in.
A Novel
c.2026, Atria $28.00 248 pages
Huff and puff and blow your house down. Those are three things a fairy tale wolf does. He also terrifies girls in red hoods, steals from farmers, and attacks children in the woods. In fairy tales, the wolf is always on the outside of goodness. But, as in the new novel “God’s Country” by William Kent Krueger, what about the wolf inside? The dream-visions were identical. And concerning. Cork O’Connor’s son and grandson were both blessed with the gift of prophecy, but they rarely had the same dream. When they did, the family took notice: did Waaboo and Stephen both “see” Cork encountering a vicious, bloodthirsty wolf? Cork wasn’t as worried. Waaboo and Cork’s nephew, Luke, were eagerly anticipating a canoe trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota, near the Anishinaabe reservation, and the BWCA was always good for what ailed a man. But this camping trip was anything but relaxing. Upon arriving, Cork noted that his friend, Cordell Bishop, a wilderness guide, left his truck at the entry point and he’d allowed the three “city folks” in his group to be careless with their trash. Carry out what you carry in is an outdoorman’s rule, and finding plastic in the pristine wilderness truly angered Cork. But a dead man hidden beneath brush was no litter. Instantly, Cork became worried about his friend. Cordell’s wife knew little about the men in Cordell’s group, but their presence seemed a lot like another case that Cork had solved when he was Tamarack County’s sheriff. After discussing the danger and watching his own group safely leave, Cork set out to find Cordell. - and he did. Cordell was badly injured and tied to a tree, the hostage of two Glock-toting men in search of a landmark that didn’t exist which, after his own capture, made Cork uncharacteristically angrier. Several times, he had a chance to escape. Several times, he gave the chance to someone else. And the vicious wolf inside him grew larger… Be prepared to snarl. That’s going to happen quite often when you read “God’s Country.” Many times here, you’ll realize that you’re you holding your breath, squinching your shoulders, and growling. But really, that tension, that need to remind yourself that it’s only a book and it’ll all be fine, isn’t that exactly what you want in a thriller? A smart former cop, unique danger, a splash of blood, and an author like William Kent Krueger who keeps the squirms as unrelenting as possible? Yep, and this book is perfectly satisfying in that respect. Krueger also gives fans their favorite characters again, but with a twist: O’Connor isn’t our balanced, Zen-like retired cop anymore. He’s edgier, more willing to take risks, harder, seething, and you’ll like that. You’ll be ready for the next installment, for sure. If you’re new to this series, you could commence with this book but you’ll be happier if you start closer to the beginning. If you’re a fan, though, “God’s Country” is a novel you’ll wolf right down.
by Sona Movsesian
by Kathleen Rooney
CHECK OUT THE SCENE CALENDAR ONLINE FOR SOMINN HAPPENINGS!
Books for Physical and Mental Health by various authors
c.2026, various publishers $29.99 - $35 various page counts
Every square inch of your calendar is full. Summer’s like that, and you have no time for laying low or even getting sick. So stay well, take care of yourself, and read these great health-related books… Common sense says that you should listen to your body. If it hurts, stop. If you’re thirsty, drink. In the new book “Organ Speak: What It Really Means to Listen to Our Bodies” by Giulia Enders, illustrated by Jill Enders (HarperOne, $30), you’ll see why it’s essential to pay better attention to your inner workings, and how to do it. This is an easy-to-understand book that will actually make you very impressed with yourself. You’re a complex, wonderful thing. Take care of you. It should come as no surprise that kids change you. But in “Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men’s Lives” by Darbe Saxbe, PhD (Flatiron Books, $29.99), you’ll learn how the lifetime alterations that any father can experience could go deeper and wider, physically, emotionally, and socially. Surprise: fatherhood alters non-biological Dads, too. Find out how that happens. Summer is a time when you want to participate in sports or just outdoor family activities. If everything hurts too much to even think about that, then you need “Unlearn Your Pain: The Science of Recovering from Chronic Pain, Fatigue, Anxiety, and Depression” by Howard Schubiner, MD (The Open Field, $35). Here, you’ll get a plan for re-wiring your brain to deal with the pain your feel, whether it’s physical or mental pain. Ask your doctor if this might be a good companion to current treatment, then try what’s in this book. It can’t…. um, hurt. Along those same lines, look for “Rewired: The Breakthrough Tapping Method to Stop Overthinking, Calm Your Body, and Finally Feel at Ease” by Nick Ortner, Jessica Ortner and Alex Ortner (Hay House, $32). Can relief for your anxiety and speeding brain really be as easy as tapping your finger? Can you stop your outsize emotions in a quick, discreet way? Find out more in this simpleto-understand, wide-ranging book that might help. And finally, why not reach back a few centuries for what ails you? Look for “Self-Help from the Middle Ages: What the Seven Deadly Sins Can Teach Us About Living” by Peter Jones (Doubleday, $30) and see how Medieval physicians and patients dealt with the peccadilloes of humans and the way they behaved back then. This is a fun book, a historian’s delight, and it might just teach you a thing or two about your body, something that’s as old as time. Be sure to check with your doctor if you’re not feeling well, and if these books don’t quite fit what’s wrong, then head to the bookstore or library and ask to be escorted to the health or self-help section. There, you’ll find books on a wide variety of illnesses, ailments and maladies, from First Aid to self help. Be sure to ask because, like your calendar this summer, the shelves are full.
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Connect. Experience. Experience. Create. Connect. Create. Connect. Experience. Create.
Paradise Paradise Paradise rts Center rts Center rts Center for the for the for the
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For more information & tickets: For more information && tickets: (507) 332-7372 For more information •tickets: 507.332.7372 www.paradisecenterforthearts.org • 507.332.7372 www.paradisecenterforthearts.org CentralAvenue Avenue North, MN • 507.332.7372 www.paradisecenterforthearts.org 321321 Central NorthFaribault, Faribault.MN 321 Central Avenue North, Faribault, MN 321 Central Avenue North, Faribault, MN
For more information & tickets: www.paradisecenterforthearts.org
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE 1ST BAKER STREET IRREGULAR: AUDITIONS. Presented by Marquee Children’s Theatre By Brian Guehring, Based on the Characters and Mysteries of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Directed by Kathy Rush
Auditions: Thursday, October 1st from 4:00 - 5:30 PM and Saturday, October 3rd from 2:00 - 3:30 PM (Seeking Actors Ages 12 - 16) An Educational Performance. Tuition $100, scholarships available. Rehearsals Oct. 5-Nov. 12 4pm-5:30pm Performances: Nov. 13 7PM, Nov. 14 & 15 2PM. Marquee Children’s Theatre Season Sponsors: The Bahl Foundation & Southern Heights Dental Group.
*This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
EXHIBITION DATES: OCTOBER 2 – NOV. 14 Opening reception October 2, 5-7pm Carlander Family Gallery: City Pastel Collective Lois Vranesh Gallery: Studio Artour - Johnnie Walker, Kathy Weed K&M Gallery: Studio Artour Char Johnson, Julie Fakler Corey Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery: Bethlehem Academy Students Sponsored by Southern Heights Dental Group, Hamer Law Office, and Wieber Physical Therapy!
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BROTHERS ALLMANAC Friday, October 2nd at 7:30 PM
The Brothers Allmanac is a top-tier Allman Brothers tribute band, known for their authentic renditions of Southern rock classics. With standout performances at iconic venues, they capture the essence of The Allman Brothers’ signature sound—complete with soulful guitar harmonies, powerful vocals, and extended jams. Faithfully recreating the hits and also digging into lesser-known deep cuts, The Brothers Allmanac delivers a high-energy experience that pays homage to one of rock & roll’s greatest bands.
Member $23.50 / Non-Member $28.50 / Student $18.50 (Includes a $1.50 Processing Fee) Box Office Sponsor: Faribault Daily News
AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS PRESENTED BY PARADISE COMMUNITY THEATRE Improv 101: By Agatha For The Stage by Ken Improv 101: Intro to Christie, ImprovAdapted with Buddy Ricker Improv 101: Ludwig, Directed by Marc Robinson (Agesto 16+) Intro Improv with Buddy Ricker
Intro toTHRU Improv with Buddy Ricker (Ages 16+) 16, October 17, 23, 24 at 7:30 PM SATURDAYS JUNEand 22, 12:30-2PM (Ages 16+) Member: $70 / Non-Member: $80 SATURDAYS THRU JUNE 12:30-2PM October 18 & 25 at22, 2:00 PM
This course onTHRU the fundamentals of improv acting with an emphasis on improv Member: $70will / focus Non-Member: $80 SATURDAYS JUNE 22, 12:30-2PM Exotic locales... Class Elegance... andwe Murder! comedy. ThroughWorld “hands on” exercises and laughter, will bring out the creative improvThis course will focus$70 on the fundamentals of $80 improv acting with an emphasis on improv Member: / Non-Member: Join Hercule Poirot on Agatha Christie’s Murder comedy. Through “hands on” exercises and laughter, we will bring out the creative improvand friends with a course ending show that showcases the improv artist in you. onyour thefamily Orient Express as he is forced to solve a your family anddifficult friends with a course endingthe showfamous that showcases particularly case, all while luxurythe improv artist in you. train journeys from Istanbul to Paris. An international roster of rich and famous are all witnesses and Opening Reception June 7, 5pm-7pm suspects as Poirot must engage his little gray cells to Opening Reception June 7, 5pm-7pm discover the culprit. This fast-paced adaptation from Ken Ludwig promises a thrilling ride!Reception ? Opening June 7, 5pm-7pm
GALLERY GALLERY
GALLERY
Tickets - Member: $19.50, Non-Member: $21.50, Student: $15.50. (Includes a $1.50 Processing Fee) PCT Season Sponsor: The Bahl Foundation Box Office Sponsor: Faribault Daily News
FARI “BOO” DOWNTOWN BAR CRAWL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
Doug Clement Curt Lund AT 7 PM: $12 entry fee per STARTING person (Includes a $1.50 Doug Clement Curt Lund Carlander Gallery Processing Fee).
MaiGallery Tran Join hundreds of costumed crawlers on October Carlander Mai Tran 30 in historic downtown Faribault for the third Doug Clement Curt Lund Vranesh Gallery annual Fari “BOO” Bar Crawl – a fundraiser for Paradise Members Show Carlander Gallery Vranesh Gallery the Paradise Center for The Arts! Registration for Mai Tran Paradise Members Show the Fari “BOO” Bar Crawl begins at 7 PM at the K&M Gallery Paradise and is $12 per person. Between 7-11pm, Summer Pop Up Shop K&M Gallery Vranesh Gallery participants must visit all of the participating bars SummerParadise Pop Up Shop Members Show to be judged for the costume contest. Winners of the costume contest will Creger Gallery be announced at 11:30 PM in the Paradise auditorium.Warsame Must be 21Rashid or older Creger Gallery Dan Crombie K&M Gallery to participate in this ghoulishly fun-filled event! This event is presented in Warsame RashidPop Dan Crombie Summer Up Shop collaboration with the Historic Downtown Faribault Committee Creger Gallery
Dan Crombie
This activity is made possible by Rashid These activities are madeWarsame possible by the the voters of Minnesota through a voters of Minnesota through a grant from These activities are made possible by the the Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Minnesota State Artsthrough Board, athanks to a legislative voters of Minnesota grant from the Support grant, thanks to acultural legislative appropriation from the thanks arts and fund. Minnesota State Arts Board, to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural appropriation from the arts and cultural fund. heritage fund.
These activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the
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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.