Press Releases
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Northfield Convention and Visitors Bureau
www.visitingnorthfield.com
Phone: (507) 645-5604 or (800)-658-2548
Executive Director: kathy@northfieldchamber.com
Media Relations on behalf of the CVB contact:
amy@acheson.com or 651-470-0028
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Of a Higher Caliber —
Northfield Celebrates the Defeat of Jesse James Days
Northfield, MN, August 2010 — It was a warm September day; the year was 1876 when the infamous James-Younger Gang sauntered into town with the intent of robbing the First National Bank of Northfield. What happened after that marked Old West history forever!
The Defeat of Jesse James Days will take place September 8-12 in Northfield, MN recalling the fateful day when a yell rang out onto the street, “Get your guns boys, they’re robbing the bank!” Northfield citizens bravely stood their ground against the notorious gangsters in defense of their small town.
The Defeat of Jesse James Days is the largest of all volunteer-run celebrations in the state of Minnesota. Approximately 150,000 visitors come to the historic river town each year to take part in the festivities. From a top-notch raid re-enactment, voted several times “Best Western Re-enactment in the County” by True West Magazine, to a hang-on-for-all-you’re-worth PRCA rodeo to slaphappy western theater performances by local playwrights, the activities are many and sure to be crowd pleasers!
The James Gang re-enactment boys have traveled throughout the United States as well as overseas providing the historic account. “Our concern is accuracy,” said gang leader and horseman, Chip Demann. “Down to even the number of shots fired.”
Recently, more acting parts were added to the street scene. The content is pulled from court depositions and newspaper reports of eyewitnesses back in the day. “You’re getting more of a first person account,” shared Executive Director Hayes Scriven of the Northfield Historical Society. “It makes the story come more alive,” he added.
Event buttons are available for $4 at retail establishments in town for special events. General admission is free. For more information and a full list of activities about the Defeat of Jesse James Days including fun runs and bike tours, carnival, a vintage baseball game, arts and crafts, parades … go to www.djjd.org. Check out www.visitingnorthfield.com for feature events happening all year around with travel packages to this happening historic town!
The Northfield Convention and Visitors Bureau is a department of the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Contact us at (800) 645-5604. Find us on Facebook at “Northfield, Minnesota” and Twitter at “NorthfieldCVB.”
PR Archives
Of a Higher Caliber - Northfield Celebrates the Defeat of Jesse James Days
Rice County Steam and Gas Engine Show
Outlaw Run
Boutique Crawl in Downtown Northfield
Riverwalk Market Fair Hosts Special Event
Bridge Chamber Music Festival Announces 12th Season
Northfield to Host Vintage Band Music Festival
Crazy Daze
Attention! Music & History Buffs!
The Northfield Garden Tour
Northfield's June Highlights
Geocaching, May 2010
Girls Nite Out, May 7th 2010
Northfield's Top Events in 2010
Overview
Northfield, Minnesota — Yesterday & Today
Sought out for the river that runs through it, Northfield was founded by John W. North in 1855 with the purpose of milling the Cannon River. Fields of rich, golden wheat and the river’s natural power brought national acclaim to this small town for producing the finest of flour. Today Malt-O-Meal operates the mill, and the delicious, sweet aroma of hot cereal permeates the town’s atmosphere.
In addition to industry and agriculture, Northfield’s early settlers had high ideals in the areas of religion and education. Northfield is home to two nationally ranked colleges: St. Olaf and Carleton, both initiated by religious organizations. St. Olaf is recognized internationally for its music ensembles, and the St. Olaf Christmas Festival which broadcasts around the world is one of Northfield’s most treasured events. Both colleges contribute to the culture and diversity of the town and are an integral part of the community.
But this charming, quaint river town was not without its troubles. In September of 1876, the James-Younger Gang sauntered into town stirring up some real commotion. What was supposed to be another textbook robbery was foiled by noble Northfield citizens who bravely stood their ground — marking an end to the Old West, as it was known. Today the Defeat of Jesse James Days is attended by approximately 150,000 people and is the largest all volunteer-run celebration in the state of Minnesota. Many books have been written on the subject and stories still echo down the Outlaw Trail.
With all of its high hopes and struggles, Northfield’s past and current success is largely due to the character of its people and their deep sense of community. More important than the noted literary, political and industrial leaders that lived in Northfield is the town’s commitment to itself. People give freely of their time and talents for the betterment of this community.
This attitude has set in motion the fine attractions, recreation, arts and culture and events which still flourish today. Enjoy a wide array of dining and lodging possibilities. Come for an event — stay for the experience!
Northfield Notable Items
Awards, Recognition and Notable Items about Northfield
True West Magazine awarded Northfield’s Defeat of Jesse James Days reenactment
as "Best Re-enactment of the West" multiple years
Cowling Arboretum has been ranked by Runner's Magazine as the top place to
run in Minnesota, and one of the top 10 in the country
Willingers Golf Club was rated one of the top 20 courses in Minnesota by Golf
Digest
The Garden of Quiet Listening at Carleton College is rated as one of the top 10 in
the United States by the Journal of Japanese Gardening
The American Bus Association (ABA) awarded Northfield’s Defeat of Jesse
James Days as a Top Event for group travel in the United States
The Grand Event Center is listed in The Knot Best of Weddings 2010 Winners for
its reception site
Northfield Trivia
Find out fun facts.
10 Of The Best Things To See & Do In Northfield -wcco.com, September 2010
Ride explores Jesse James' escape route -Post Bulletin, August 2010
Riverwalk Market Fair hosts special event - Owatonna People's Press, August 2010
South Arts Brief - Star Tribune, August 10, 2010
Bandtastic Festival - Star Tribune, July 2010
Big Woods: Yesterday and Today - The Minnesota Preservationist, July-August 2010
Northfield's Riverwalk Market Fair- Minneapolis Food Examiner, June 2010
Quick Bites: Take a Trip to Northfield - Post Bulletin, July 2010
Greetings from Northfield - A look at Northfield's cultural heritage. The Minnesota Preservationist, July-August 2008
The Garden of Quiet Listening - Carleton College’s Japanese garden and its roots. Southern Minnesota Magazine, Summer 2008
Tracking Down Jesse James - Stories of the James-Younger Gang on the Outlaw Trail. Southern Minnesota Magazine, Fall 2009
A Winter Walk to Remember - A magical holiday evening in Northfield. Southern Minnesota Magazine, Winter 2009
Walking in the footsteps of Jesse James on the Great Northfield, Minnesota Raid
- Denver Historic Destinations Examiner, May 2010
Geocaching at Nerstrand Big Woods
- Owatonna People's Press, May 2010
Northfield’s Outlaw Run - Motorcycle rides in southern Minnesota. Southern Minnesota Magazine, Spring 2010
Minnesota/Wisconsin Travel & Rec. Directory
The Vintage Band Festival - Music & history combined! Southern Minnesota Magazine, Summer 2010
The Northfield Garden Tour - A blend of art and nature.
Owatonna People's Press, June 2010
Quick Getaways - (all within 150 miles of major Midwest cities). Midwest Living, August 2010
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