HOT PURSUIT

In some ways it’s hard to believe it has been five years since COVID-19 slammed the door on life as we had come to know it. In other ways not so much.

Regardless of how long it has been, I’m glad it’s in the rearview mirror. While I think there are some good things that came out of it all, I hope I never have to experience something like it again in my lifetime.

For me, one of the most upsetting things about the pandemic was how it brought our social connectedness to a standstill, especially when it came to community events, fairs, celebrations and other fun activities. Most of us are social creatures who thrive on having a strong network of relationships.

We’re now finally back, for the most part, to the way we’ve always enjoyed our summers—filled with summer festivals, fairs and good old-fashioned fun. I hope readers will take special note of our Sizzling Summer Fun section in this week’s edition. It’s packed with fun activities throughout southern Minnesota.

A couple events rise to the top of tripping my social thermometer. Next month folks will have a chance to do some cruising with a bit of nostalgia. The International Model T Ford Tour will be making its way into Owatonna and across many other communities in southern Minnesota. Local organizer Mark Cameron whet our appetites for the century-old vehicles by showcasing a couple in the Owatonna Memorial Day parade. This will be an exciting addition to our summer schedule this year.

Another one of my favorites is the Berne Wood-Fired Pizza over in Dodge County. They have added a special one-time Saturday night event on June 28 along with all their regular Wednesday nights throughout the summer.

Over the past 14 years, Berne has become a favorite summer tradition bringing together community, music and delicious wood-fired pizza in the heart of the countryside located north of Mantorville. This seasonal outdoor venue, nestled at a rural church, transforms every Wednesday night into a celebration of food, music and rural charm.

Berne has even been chosen as southeastern Minnesota’s best live music venue in the past. This year they are specializing in tribute concerts to the likes of Heart, Queen, Johnny Cash, ABBA and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Downtown Thursday returns this week to Owatonna. This event continues growing every year and this year will offer an additional event to coincide with the Model T tour.

And, of course, the granddaddy of them all, the Steele County Free Fair, is less than 70 days away. Top entertainment is lined up for this year, including Rodney Atkins and Big Daddy Weave, a Christian concert.

As the fair promotes, good vibes are happening in 2025.

So, get your calendars out and go in hot pursuit of marking them up with all the fun activities planned throughout our region over the next several months.