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Newsroom
MEDIA RELEASE
Contact:
Northfield Convention and Visitors Bureau
www.visitingnorthfield.com
Email: info@northfieldchamber.com
Ph: 507-645-5604
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Northfield's A-List for Autumn Events
Northfield (August 2012) - The change of season brings a flurry of activity to the Northfield area. With historic events, outdoor recreation, art tours and fall festivals, autumn is a time when Northfield's colors shine.
Plan to attend these not-to-be-missed events:
+ Defeat of Jesse James Days This event pays tribute to Northfield townspeople who defeated the infamous James-Younger Gang during the attempted bank robbery on September 7, 1876. Witness re-enactments of the bank raid at the actual site; attend the theater, rodeos, parades, arts festival, carnival, bike tour and more. September 5-9. www.djjd.org
+ Sogn Valley Art Fair Just a few miles east of Northfield, the rolling hills of the Sogn Valley become a magnificent backdrop to artists' work on display. Offering fine crafts, art and local and artisanal foods, the fair takes place on Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. http://www.sognvalleyartfair.com
+ Big Woods Run Race through the scenic Nerstrand Big Woods State Park southeast of Northfield on October 13. Part of the MN Trail series, the races include a 1/2 Marathon, 10K, 5K, and 1K. After the race, stay for homemade soup and cookies. More information can be found at www.finalstretch.com.
+ Studio ArTour Step inside artists' personal studios and see inspiring art created in south central Minnesota, including watercolor, pottery, wood, ceramics, photography, glass, metal, fiber art and more. The two-day tour winds through the communities of Cannon Falls, Northfield and Faribault. Held Saturday and Sunday, October 20 and 21 from10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 507-645-7445 www.studioartour.com
+ Cemetery Stories Held on an autumn evening, this historic tour features actors portraying past notable Northfield citizens at their gravesites. This family-friendly event is full of mysterious stories. Hot cider and cookies will be served. Cemetery Stories will be held on October 27. Call 507-645-9268 or visit www.northfieldhistory.org for details.
+ Riverwalk Market Fair's Harvest Festival The weekly artists' and farmers' market is planning a spectacular harvest celebration full of family-friendly events including: hands-on activities and games for kids, artists' demonstrations and free food tastings by local, sustainable farms and food artisans. The event will be held on Saturday, October 27 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in downtown Northfield at Bridge Square. www.RiverwalkMarketFair.org.
Additional activities can be found at http://visitingnorthfield.com/ where information on lodging, dining and shopping is also available. Plan to come and experience the Northfield area this autumn.
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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 Notables
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
Click here to find out fun facts.
Media Coverage
Northfield Making History with Podcast Tours - The Minnesota Preservationist, Nov/Dec 2010
5 Minnesota Cities Among 100 Best For Young People - myfoxtwincities.com, September 21, 2010
As Northfield celebrates, a closer look at Jesse James - MinnPost, September 10, 2010
Best Things To See & Do In Northfield - WCCO, an affiliate of CBS television, September 2010
Ride explores Jesse James' escape route - Rochester Post-Bulletin, August 2010
Bridge Chamber Music Festival - Star Tribune, South Arts Briefs, August 10, 2010
Big Woods: Yesterday and Today - The Minnesota Preservationist, July-August 2010
Northfield's Riverwalk Market Fair - Minneapolis Food Examiner, June 2010
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
Southern Minnesota Biker Runs in 2010 (Northfield's Outlaw Run) - Southern Minnesota Magazine, Spring 2010
18 Quick Midwest Getaways - Midwest Living, Aug. 2010
Noon to Three: Decked Out - Spaces Magazine, Dec. 2010/Jan. 2011
November Getaways and Scrappy Northfield - Midwest Weekends, Fall 2010
Northfield has the makings of a charming weekend - Star Tribune South, Oct. 2010
The Vintage Band Festival in Northfield in no annual affair - Southern Minnesota Magazine, Summer 2010
Northfield, MN Winter Walk: Main Street MN Christmas - Uniquely Minnesota, Dec. 2011
Defeat of Jesse James Days - Star Tribune, South Arts & Leisure Briefs, September 7, 2010
Bandtastic Festival - Star Tribune A&E, Aug. 2010
Vintage bands toot horns in Northfield - Rochester Post-Bulletin, July 29, 2010
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