State Fair, Church Festival and CSA
It is that time of the year, the State Fair and Fall Festival time of the year. I go to the State Fair almost every year, usually as a volunteer. This year I am volunteering at the Minnesota State Horticulture Education Display on Friday, Aug 30th and Labor Day, Sep 2nd in the morning. In the afternoon of those same days, I will be answering questions at the Master Gardener both of University of Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service. My favorite sites to see are DNR building, Eco-Experience and the Art displays. My favorite eating spots are French Meadows and the SPAM building. I also get harassed by politicians. This year, Catholic Charities Office of Social Justice has given me a dozen questions to ask them. Have them email you it. Visit their web site at cctwincities.org/advocacy or call them at 651-647-2588.
And right here in Oakdale, in mid-September, Sep 13-15, we have the Fall Festival at Guardian Angels Catholic Church (near Inwood and I-94). I am a member of Guardian Angels, so I may be a little biased, but I think it is the best one around. Friday night there is a free community dance, the "Midas Touch," 6-9 pm. Saturday includes a pasta dinner (4-7 pm), variety show at 7 pm, followed by fireworks at dusk. Sunday is the chicken dinner (11-3 pm), petting zoo and big raffle drawing. Both dinners are catered by awarding winning Lake Elmo Inn. On both weekend days there are kids games, silent auction, bottle lotto, marketplace, bingo, food tent and more. The top prize in the raffle is $10,000 with many other prizes ranging from a $2,500 vacation to $1,000s of other prizes. There are also two special drawings, men's club wine lover's package (includes wine refrigerator, wine rack, wine, crystal wine glasses and more, valued at more than $800) and women's technology lovers raffle (including Toshiba laptop and gift cards).
You might want to take in the Open House at the Women's Environmental Institute from noon until 4 pm and Mixed Precipitation Picnic Operetta at 4 pm (https://www.facebook.com/events/545528865509493/). Beethoven’s opera of revolution and liberation retold with secret agents, covert operations and undercover antics! Mashed-up with many musical surprises and served with a 5 course sampling menu!
What are your favorite Fall activities? I love our local festivals, wine tastings, canoeing on our rivers and fall auto trips to check out the changing leaves.
