HEART OF STEELE

Every year around this time, we start putting together stories for a special section focused on weddings.

It’s always a challenge to come up with original and interesting ideas, but this year, the Owatonna Eagles helped us out with one. They’re holding a wedding expo on March 16, and last week, I got to spend some time with banquet manager Jen Hexum to learn more about it.

We were talking about how many vendors would participate–around 30–when she said something that caught my attention:

“The beautiful thing about Owatonna is we have everything here you need for a wedding.”

And she’s right.

Here and around Steele County, you can find photographers and florists, stores offering formal wear, honeymoon attire, and shoes. You can buy wedding party gifts, get your invitations printed, and find entertainment services and rentals locally.

Along with many houses of worship, you’ve got a range of choices for your venue–including the Eagles Club, where Hexum had a room beautifully decorated for a special event on the day we spoke. Or, there’s the Steele County courthouse, if you’re looking to keep it simple.

We talk a lot here about how important it is to shop local. Dollars spent locally are more likely to be re-spent locally, as business owners pay their employees, who then spend at local shops, restaurants, and service providers.

Of course, that can be a challenge in a small town. If you’re looking for something specific, it may seem easier to find what you need online. You may believe you need to make a trip to the Cities to find exactly what you want.

You could do the heart of your community good by making those options your last resort and checking locally first. Check out our Steele County Times advertisers. Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations. Search through the Owatonna and Steele County groups on Facebook.

And, of course, if you’re planning a wedding, put the Eagles March 16 event on your calendar.