Rochester's Strongest Man Results

1. Dave Ostlund, Edina, MN

2. Joel Dircks, Shakopee, MN

3. Carl Foemmel, Chili, WI

4. Paul Balyeat, Plymouth, MN

5. Jeff Peterson, St. Paul, MN

6. Benjamin Loeher, Bayport, MN

7. Tomas Urbonas, St. Paul, MN

8. Gus Minor, Val Caron, Ont

9. Nick Brewer, Rochester, MN

10 Justin Passe, Onalaska, WI

10 David Langer, Minneapolis, MN

12 Clayton Anderson, Herman, MN

13 Danny King, Woodbury, MN

14 Kevin Jenkins, St. Paul, MN

15 Dan Matthews, Cottage Grove, MN

Puzzle Contest

First Place Team

Cadi Kivimagi, Amy Kivimagi, Desiree Laitinen and Kristine Clark

Three groups finished the 500 piece puzzle in one hour!

Fiddle Contest Results - 2011

Junior Division

1st Place Liliana Goodwin

2nd Place - Charlei Burket

3rd Place - Hannah Morehart

Teen Division

1st Place - Catherine Karsell

2nd Place - Andre Postier

3rd Place - Aubrey Postier

Adult Division

1st Place - Tracy Ebmeyer

2nd Place - Brandon Lawhead

3rd Place - Caitlin Johnson

Laurie Ackerman 2011 chair

Would you believe it? The 2011 Rochesterfest general chair is a farm girl, just like the 2010 chair was.

Laurie Ackerman has been named the new chair, suceeding Rita Duda. Laurie was raised on a farm near Barron WI. Rita grew up on a farm near Caledonia MN.  Laurie is a familiar face around Rochesterfest. She has chaired the Rochester Has Talent Show and the Puzzle contest the past two years and plans to do so again. She has also been involved with Celebrity Game Night for several years. In addition, she’s a member of the Celebration of a City Board, which oversees Rochesterfest.

Laurie has been a resident of Rochester since 1998 and is the manager for KROC’s Music on Wheels, a job that keeps her on the move almost all the time. Before moving to Rochester, she had similiar jobs in La Crosse and St. Cloud. Laurie is married to Brent Ackerman, operations manager for Rochester’s five Cumulus radio stations. They have a six-year-old son, Logan, who is a first grader at Bamber Valley School. Laurie has a stepdaughter Kelsey, a freshman at Rochester Community and Technical College and a stepson Andy, who is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Street Dance will feature nationally known band

  Taking the stage for the June 25 Street Dance will be Warrant, an American glam metal band from Hollywood that experienced success from 1989-1996 with five albums reaching international sales of over 10 million. The band has continued to perform and record albums throughout the 1990's and the 2000's. The band first came into the national spotlight with its debut album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich, and one of its singles, "Heaven," reached #1 in Rolling Stone and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100[1]. The band continued its success in the early 90's with the 2x Platinum album Cherry Pie and the gold album Dog Eat Dog, both albums providing more charted singles.

The Rochester-based After School Special band will open for Warrant. After School features Scott Strand (guitar, horn arrangements), Jamey Strand (bass, alto sax), Ray Bissen (vocals), Micah Johnson (trumpet, flugel horn), Mike Pearson (tenor sax),  Amanda Peloquin (vocals ), John Sievers (trombone) and Brent Kraske (drums).

Bands for Country Night (June 23) and Fabulous Friday Night (June 24) have also been booked.  Minnesota-based Iron Horse is set for Country Night and the popular Twin Cities-based classic rock band Smokin’ Whiskey will perform on Fabulous Friday Night after the Rochesterfest Grand Parade.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your beds

Interfaith Hospitality Network bed races, sponsored by KTTC, will take off on Saturday, June 18, at 10 a.m. at Central Park in downtown Rochester. Proceeds will go to the Interfaith Hospitality Network. The theme for the event is Make a Bed, Make a Difference. Five-person teams will create the racing beds and there will be awards for most money raised, fastest bed, most original bed and team spirit. Check www.ihnbedrace.org for details.

Farm has been selected

Rochesterfest’s 2011 Breakfast on the Farm was teetering on the edge because a host farm couldn’t be found, but now Donny and Holly Thompson stepped forward and said “Come on to our place.” Their 900-acre Little Valley Dairy Farm is located in rural Plainview about 15 miles from Rochester.  They milk 180 holsteins that produce 27,000 pounds daily. The address of the farm is 5562 County Road 10 NE, Plainview 55964. The event is scheduled June 25 from 6:30 until 11:30 a.m. It’s again being sponsored by the Rochester Ag Committee and the Olmsted County Farm Bureau. Buses will run between Century High School and the farm during the event.

Walk mile in her shoes

Okay guys, here’s a chance to Walk a Mile in Her Shoes for a most worthy cause. The second annual such walk on Tuesday, June 21, will be part of Rochesterfest for the first time. Men literally walk a mile in high heels as an International Men’s March to End Domestic Violence. It’s a fund raiser for Women’s Shelter Inc. Entry fee is $25 per walker with $5..00 off with a Rochesterfest button. So men and women, too, email Jackie Foley at jackief@women’s-shelter.org for more information. The walk will start and end behind Mayo Civic Center with registration set for 4:30 p.m., followed by a rally and then the walk at 6 p.m. A deejay will be on hand to play music. Between 100 and 200 walkers are expected.

Civic Theater to be busy place

It’s full steam ahead for the Rochester Civic Theatre during Rochesterfest 2011.Beginning on Friday, June 17, there will be six nights of activities at the theater, which is located just to the east of the downtown Rochesterfest grounds. On June 17 and June 18, the complete works of William Shakespeare will be presented starting at 7 p.m. both days, Admission will be $25 for adults and $15 for students. There will be live performances by Showstoppers and Otherwise Actors on Wednesday, June 22 from 4:30 until 6 p.m.  On the next three nights (June 23-25) live music will be featured from 6 until 10 p.m. The June 22-25 performances are all free.

Mayowood Mansion tours set

The History Center of Olmsted County will be part of Rochesterfest again in 2011, this time featuring historic Mayowood Mansion tours. There will be regular tours of the mansion June 18 and 19 and June 21-22-23 at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Added to the schedule for Rochesterfest week will be a Closer Look: Trifles, Trinkets and Treasure Tour on June 21 at 3 p.m. and June 23 at 7 p.m.; Nooks and Crannys tour on June 21 at 7 p.m. and June 23 at 3 p.m.; Hillside Garden tour on June 22 at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and Lunch and a Bus Tour to the mansion on June 22 at noon, starting from downtown Rochester. All tours are $12 with $1.00 off with a Rochester button.  More information is available at www.olmstedhistory.com

Here's unique event

One of the most unique events ever held in conjunction with Rochesterfest will take place this year. The event is Wasioja Civil War Days  scheduled Friday, June 24, through Sunday, June 26, in the onetime  stagecoach town of Wasioja, which is located four miles west of Mantorville at the intersection of County Road 16 and County Road 9. The event will commemorate 150 years since the start of the Civic War in 1861. Wasioja played a part in the Civil War as a recruiting station in addition to sending 200 men to serve in the Union Army.

 Wasioja Days will be buzzing with activities for young and old alike. There will be reenactments of life in the 1860s. There will be Civil War era fashion shows, authentic cannon firing demonstrations, Civil War vendors hawking merchandise, horses, carriages and other special events. There will also be reenactments of Civil War battles, including Chickamauga - Snodgrass Hill, First Battle of Bull Run/Maanassas and the Battle of Appomattox. Historic figures Abraham and Mary Lincoln, General Grant, General Lee and Custer and Company all played by people of the area will host lunch (Wednesday, June 22) and dinner (Thursday, June 23) at the Hubbell House in Mantorville to kick off the festivities. In addition there will be a military/civilian ball held in Mantorville and a garden party in Wasioja, with period attire encouraged for the ball and period attire required for the garden party. The festivities will also include May Pole Dancing and lessons and music with Bob Welsh and music by the 1812 Overture band accompanied by cannon fire. Wasioja Days is being sponsored by the Friends of Wasioja. More information can be obtained on the Internet at www.civilwarmn.com.

Heather Tollers wins button design contest

The winner of the Rochesterfest 2011 button design contest is Heather Tollers, a graphic designer for Community News Corp., which owns the Byron Review and Star Herald newspapers.  Heather’s design was voted No. 1 by Rochesterfest Facebook visitors. The Rochesterfest Board of Directors narrowed the field of finalists to four (from a field of over 70 designs) and Facebook voters took it from there. Some 300 votes were cast and Heather’s design won by 50 votes over the second place finisher. She received a $500 check for her winning design.  Heather, a graduate of John Marshall High School and Concordia (NE) College, has been working for Community News Corp. since 2003. In addition, she has her own graphic design business HT Designs,  which create hand crafted, unique, creative and affordable invitations and more that fit each couple, business or individual and their needs. The web site for her business is www.htdesigns4u.com

Olmsted Parks team up with Fest

Olmsted County parks will join up with Rochesterfest again in 2011 to present two events. Oxbow Park will feature animal feedings on Saturday, June 18, with the bears eating away at 10 a.m., the river otters dining at 1 p.m. and the raptors being fed at 3 p.m. This is a perfect chance for entire families to see these animals filling their bellies. Chester Woods will be the place to be on Sunday, June 19, for a summer solstice hike. The Park will be open between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. with vehicle entry permits that day free with a Rochesterfest button. It will be a chance to hike the 2.4-mile dam overlook trail and learn the facts behind Chester Woods Park Dam and Bear Creek Reservoir in addition to viewing the abundance of wildlife throughout the woodlands and prairies. People planning to attend are encouraged to bring sack lunches and enjoy a picnic by the dam overlook. Special accommodations can be made for senior participants by calling the park staff at 507-287-2624. The two parks will have an information booth set up at Rochesterfest’s Family Fun Night downtown on June 22.

Community Band to perform

A Rochester Community Band concert will be part of Rochesterfest this year for the first time. The concert will take place on the first Saturday of the Fest on June 18 at 2:30 p.m. at Central Park in downtown Rochester. In case of inclement weather the concert will be moved to the Lourdes High School Auditorium. The concert will be free with donations accepted. More information on the band is available at www. rochestercommunityband.org

Words Players back in action

The Rochester-based Words Players Shakespeare in the Park Theartre group will return to Rochesterfest in 2011 to do eight performances of “Much Ado About Nothing.” There will be performances for eight days of the Fest, starting on June 17 and another on the day before Rochesterfest officially gets under way. Performances are scheduled at Central Park, Soldiers Field and the History Center of Olmsted County. Words Players began in the Spring of 2004.  Words Players performed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” last year during Rochesterfest.

This year’s schedule: Thursday, June 16, 7 p.m., Central Park; Friday, June 17, 7 p..m., Soldiers Field; Saturday, June 18, 7 p.m., Soldiers Field; Sunday, June 19, 2 p.m., Central Park; Monday, June 20, 7 p.m., Soldiers Field; Thursday, June 23, 7 p.m., Central Park; Friday, June 24, 11 p.m., History Center; Saturday, June 25, 7 p.m., Central Park; Sunday, June 26, 2 p.m.., Central Park

Defending strongman back

 Dave Ostlund, all 6-foot-7 and 365 pounds of him, will be back to defend his title in Rochester’s Strongest Man competition held during Rochesterfest 2011. Ostlund, from Edina MN, edged 2009 winner Jeff Peterson of St. Paul to win the 2010 title. This year's event will be held on Saturday, June 18 at Mayo Field, just behind the Rochester Honkers baseball stadium. It will run from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.  Former Rochester Lourdes football player Jerry Macken will again run the event. Participants will compete in six gruelling events, including the deadlift, chain drag, 800-pound tire flip and farmer’s walk.

Teen Night has new twists

Rochesterfest’s Teen Night will take on some new twists this year, twists never before seen at the event. There will be a hypnotist and DJ performing on the main stage, probably not at the same time. In addition, there will be food eating contests, a money machine,  a climbing wall, a trivia contest and a scavenger hunt. Prizes will be awarded during the night. Best of all, everything is free. The event, which is sponsored by University of Minnesota-Rochester, is schduled Monday, June 20, from 6 p..m. until 10 p.m. In case of rain, activities will take place at the University of Minnesota-Rochester.

Triathlon field filling up

Organizers for the 2011 Triathlon are hoping for a field of 650. The triathlon will again be run the first Sunday of Rochesterfest (June 19). The first leg (swimming) will take place at Foster Arend Park, starting at 8 a.m. There will be Olympic and Sprint Triathlons. The Olympic will consist of a 1.5 K Swim, a 40K Bike and a 10K Run. The Sprint will feature a ¼ mi Swim, 10 mile Bike and a 5K Run. Anybody wishing to enter either triathlon can do so by calling up the www.finalstretch.com/triathlon-events and then click on Rochesterfest Triathlon. Final Stretch, a racing organization based in Faribault, is again running the event.

Author to conduct historic walking tours

"A Stroll on Old College Street" will be put on by the History Center of Olmsted County in conjunction with Rochester,  Ken Allsen will conduct guided walking tours of  historic 4th Street SW including the gardens and grounds of the Mayo Foundation House.  Allsen is author of "A Century of Elegance: Ellerbe Residences in Rochester" and "Houses on a Hill: The Life and Architecture of Harold Crawford".  He is also the author of the recently released "Old Frontenac, Minnesota: Its History and Architecture" published by History Press.  All three volumes are available at the History Center.

The tour will be offered six times during the week of Rochesterfest (rain or shine).  The fee for the walking tour is $10 with a Rochesterfest button.  Advance registration and pre-payment are required by calling the History Center of Olmsted County (HCOC) at 282-9447. Tours will last approximately two hours and will cover about a mile (10 blocks) at a leisurely pace.  Participants will be told where the tour begins and where to park when they register.  Each tour will be limited to approximately 35 Participants.  
 Here’s the schedule: Sunday June 19 at 2:00 PM and  7:00 PM; Wednesday June 22 at 2:00 and 7:00 PM; Sunday June 26 at 2:00 P.M. and 7:00 PM

Lourdes band has streak going

The Rochester Lourdes marching band has quite a streak going.  Coming up on Friday, June 24, will be the 29th version of the Rochesterfest Grand Parade and for the 29th time the Lourdes band will be there. Lourdes will be one of eight high school marching bands in the 2011 parade.  Other musical acts include the Caledonian bagpipe band of Rochester and the Lourdes Middle School band.  The parade will have a total of 131 units, the largest Rochesterfest has ever put on. There will  be 13 units from the Shriners, who are having their convention in Rochester during Rochesterfest. The Rochester Jaycees are putting on the parade for the second year in a row. Think Mutual Bank of Rochester is again the parade sponsor. KTTC-TV is the media sponsor.

Zumbro River Fest part of Rochesterfest

The Zumbro River Community Festival will be part of Rochesterfest again this year.  The fifth annual event is scheduled Saturday, June 25, at Camp Victory located on the Zumbro River near Zumbro Falls. There will be activities for the entire family between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10:30 p..m. that day.  Some of the activities include face painting, wagon rides, a dunk tank, a climbing wall, two-person jousting, a basketball challenge, a mini golf course, a speed throwing cage and a T-ball batting cage. New this year are a Euro-Power Bungee Jump Trampoline and a paint ball target zone where you try to hit as many targets as you can with 100 shots. There will be live music on the grounds, Oxbow Park animals, a magican presentation, a wood carving demonstration and a silent auction. The day’s activities will conclude with a fireworks display. Funds raised will be used for Camp Victory scholarships for underprivileged children.

Disc dogs are back

The disc dogs are coming back. These high flying animals will be featured as June Dog Jam celebrates its sixth year with two days of events during Rochesterfest 2011. An AWI world qualifier will take place on Saturday June 18 at noon and a UFO local championship is scheduled Sunday June 19, starting at 10 am.The action will take place at  Soldiers Field West. The area’s best Frisbee dogs will compete in toss and catch and freestyle competitions. There will be  at least three hours of action each day. The event will go on rain or shine. Spectators are urged to  bring a chair and  sunscreen. Further information is available at http://JuneDogJam.com

Going down, down, down

It will be down, down and away for those giving this event a try during  Rochesterfest 2011. You’ve probably looked up at the Broadway Residence Suites in downtown Rochester and said to yourself, “That’s a long way up there.”  Well, it does happen to be the tallest building in the city. During Rochesterfest you’ll get a chance to watch individuals rappel 24 stories down the side of the building. It’s a new event called “Over the Edge,” and it’s being sponsored by the  Gamehaven Council of the Boy Scouts of America.  There will be two rapelling sessions, one for the media on Tuesday, June 21 and the other for the public on Wednesday June 22.  Each participant needs to raise a minimum of $1,000 for the chance to go...OVER THE EDGE. There is a web site www.gamehavenbsa.org  where you can create your own fundraising page, complete with text, photos and graphics. The money raised will go to the scouting program in southeastern Minnesota. For more information regarding the event,  contact Steve Flynn by
phone (507) 287-1410 ext. 110  or email him at sflynn@bsamail.org

Mayo grandchildren to serve as grand marshals

The grandchildren of Dr. Charlie and Edith Mayo -- Edward Martin Mayo and Maria Mayo Donovan -- will serve as grand marshals, for the 2011 Rochesterfest parade. They will ride the parade route in a spiffy 1957 Imperial Crown Chrysler convertable originally owned by Dr. Chuck Mayo. The 100th anniversary of Mayowood will be celebrated in conjunction with Rochesterfest this year.

It will be day for animals

Cascade Animal Medical Center and Inn will celebrate its newly remodeled K9 Daycare Room and Cat Boarding facility with an adoption day for Safe Haven Pet Rescue and the Paws and Claws Humane Society on Saturday, June 25 from 11 a..m. until 2 p.m., in conjunction with Rochesterfest. Activities will include tours of the boarding facility and hospital, canine demonstrations, a bake sale and a dog wash. Leashed pets will be welcomed. All proceeds will go to  Safe Haven Pet Rescue and Paws and Claws.

Here's a brat and then some

If you’re looking for food that will fill you up, be sure to try a meateater, one of the new items that will be served up on vendor row at Rochester-fest 2011. Berry Kabob, one of the six new vendors, takes a brat to a whole new level. Their brats are wrapped with cheese, a hamburger is wrapped around the brat and cheese, two slices of bacon are wrapped around the brat and then everything is deep fried to a rich golden brown finish. Don’t ask about calories. Berry Kabob will also serve berry pizza covered with bananas, strawberries, blueberries and white and dark chocolate. Then there’s the Berry Kabob, which is strawberries and bananas on a stick. Other new vendors are  Spaghetti Sundaes  (featuring ice cream sundaes that look like spaghetti, El Carambas (Taco bar), BMJ Delights (soft-served ice cream that is lactose free, fat free and cholesterol free),  O’Neil’s (a variety of fare, including fajitas and nachos) and Toner Des (hamburgers, cheeseburgers, mex-ee burgers).

The Denny Hanson show

Here’s a trivia question for fans of Rochesterfest’s Celebrity Game Night. Who’s the guy in the goofy-looking attire that hosts the event? If your answer is Denny Hanson, give youself a pat on the back. Yes, the same Denny Hanson who also serves as president of the Rochester City Council. He is slightly more low key in that job.  Denny has been keeping contestants on their toes since he started Celebrity Game Night in 2004. This year’s event will be held on Tuesday, June 21, on the downtown Civic Center stage, starting at 6:30 p.m. The games to be played are “Min-It 2 Win-It” and “Don’t Forget the Lyrics.” Denny is busy lining up celebrities, who will either be sharp at these games or not so sharp.

Rochesterfest 2011 chairs
Laurie Ackerman – Rochesterfest General Chair
Dennis Nygren – Vendor/Information
Wayne Harvey – Vendor/Information
Kathy Davis – Vendor/Information
Buck Schultz – Vendor/Information
Stacia Moeller – Parade
Fred Wright – Beer
Lori Wright – Beer
Randy Staver – Beer
Steve Kazcek – Beer
Denis LaBelle – Beer
Jon Jacobson – Beer
Brendan Ford – Street Dance
Pete Jacobs – Street Dance
Joe Powers – Street Dance
Dee Schemmel – Button
Bob Brown – Photographer/Newsletter
Rita Duda – Pizza
Alice Ernster – Pizza
Charlie Brannon – Noon Entertainment
Rich Peterson – Noontime Entertainment
Judy Swenson – Family Fun Night
Ruth Siefert – Family Fun Night
Dave Ferber – Treasure Hunt
Donna Bussell – Teen Night
Jodi Yanda – Teen Night
Teresa Puetz – Teen Night
Rita Duda – TV/Radio commercials
Laurie Ackerman – Rochester Has Talent
Dan Browning – Beverage Supervisor
Terri Allred – Artists
Dennis Hanson – Celebrity Game Night
Laurie Ackerman – Celebrity Game Night
Ginger Holmes – Volunteer
Bob Nowicki – Volunteer
Eric Crockett – Volunteer
Steve Browning – Children’s Events
Ginger Browning – Children’s Events
Carole Sorensen – K 9 Carnival
Ron Hanson – Get Your rear in Gear 5K
Geri Barrette – Get Your Rear in Gear 5K
Mark Bongers – Rochesterfest Triathlon
Michael Culloton – Honors Choirs
Karen Danielson – Honors Choirs
Derrick Chapman – Dachshund Dash
Lynne Oldre-Mortenson – Hambone Blues
Linda Sample – Tri-Club Auto Show
Larry Scilley – Kiwanis Parent/Child Fair
Joel Berg – PossAbilities IceCream Social
Nick Harris – Water Ski Show
Stacie Baertsch – Million $ Golf
Stacie Baertsch – 50’s Dance
David Nelson – Zumbro River Festival
Naura Anderson – kidDisco
Heidi Mestad – RDA Event
Mary Jane Schmitt – Rooster Baseball
Alan Calavano – Historic Walks
Jerry Macken – Strongest Man Contest
Jeff Peterson – Strongest Man Contest
Tom Eckdahl – County Park Events
Sgt. Rob Miller – Special Services
Joshua Grenell – Disc Dog Frisbee
Judy Hickey – Fiddle Contest
Jeanie Michelizzi – Rideability Event
Catherine Aagenes – Words Players
Joanne Markee – Bed Races
Kay Frick – Bed Races
Jackie Foley  - Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
Nancy Berning – March of Dimes Golf
Harley Flathers – Parade Scripts
Brent Ackerman – Parade Scripts
Elizabeth Ritman – Library Bookstore
Eric Straubmiller – Comm. Band Concert
Dennis Stotz – Park & Recreation
Mike Schaber – Park & Recreation
Carole Brown – Executive Director
Harley Flathers – Breakfast on Farm
Ken Levos  – Breakfast on Farm

Four added to board

Four new members of The Celebration of a City Board, the governing body of Rochesterfest, has four new members. They are outgoing Rochester city councilman Bob Nowicki, Small Engine Specialists owner Fred Wright, Tami Timbeross of Elcor Realty and Annie Stensrud of Think Bank.  They replace Nora Dooley, Glen Larson, Steve Browning and Mitch Stevenson, who all resigned from the board. Here is how the board looks now: 
New Board Members
  Bob Nowicki, retired Rochester IBMer, outgoing Rochester City Councilman, Rochesterfest volunteer co-chair, Rneighbor board president, member of Kiwanis, Dyslexia Institute and Marine Corps League.
  Fred Wright, owner of Wright’s Small Engine Specialists, Rochesterfest beer co-chair, Rochesterfest Lumberjack chair.
  Tami Timbeross, Elcor Realty, Rochesterfest volunteer for several years.
  Annie Stensrud, 8-year employee of Think Bank. Works as a banker after serving as financial rep and loan service collector.
Other Board Members
  Laurie Ackerman, KROC Music on Wheels & Kid Again Fun Shows
  Charlie Brannon, Proprietor of Crown Restaurant & Lounge and Eastwood Grill
  Derrick Chapman, Post-Bulletin pressman
  Eric Crockett, Mayo Clinic director of radiology
  Ellen Hamernik, Boys & Girls Club Dir. of Organizational Impact
  Steve Kazeck, Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office
  Dewey Johnson, retired IBM, 2009 Rochesterfest chair
   Kak Johnson, retired teacher,  2009 Rochesterfest chair
  Teresa Puetz, University of Minnesota Rochester program director for continuing education and professional development
  Jodi Yanda, Department of Employment and Economic Development
  Bob Brown, retired sports editor, Post-Bulletin, 2008 Rochesterfest chair 
  Donna Bussell, Rochester Mayor’s office
  Kathy Davis, retired teacher
  Alan Dekeyrel, Corporate Web Services
  Rita Duda, KTTC/KXLT Television, 2010 Rochesterfest chair
   Dennis Hanson, Rochester city council president, 2004 Rochesterfest chair
  Ginger Holmes, 2000 Rochesterfest chair
  Andy Krogstad, Mayo Civic Center, 1999 Rochesterfest chair
  Kelly Nelson, Home Federal Savings Bank
  Tasos Psomas, Pannekoeken Restaurants
  Dee Schemmel, retired, Building Safety Dept.
  Judy Swenson, Community Education retired
  Greg Walters, Minnesota Energy, 2003 Rochesterfest chair
  Ardell Brede, Rochester Mayor
  Chuck Canfield, retired Rochester mayor
  Chuck Hazama, retired mayor Rochester 2002 Rochesterfest chair
  Pete Solinger, retired Rochester City Council  

Rochesterfest Bed Race for IHN

Location:  Central Park - 1st Ave & 2nd St NW

Time:  8:00 a.m. - noon

Cost: Minimum of $150 per team of 5.  Teams solicit donations

Details:  Proceeds go to the Interfaith Hospitality Network.  The theme is Make a Bed, Make a Difference.  Awards given for most money raised, fastest bed, most original bed and team spirit.  Deadline is May 27th.  Check www.ihnbedrace.org for details

Sponsor:  KTTC TV

Rochester Kennel Club K-9 Carnival

Location: Cooke Park  722 7th St NW

Time:  9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Cost:  Free

Details: Agility and obedience demos, games, prizes, micro-chip clinic, dog product vendors, dog psychic, information on classes, grooming and health

Sponsors:  Rochester MN Kennel Club, Star of the North Chinese Shar Pei Club, Rochester Feed & Country Store

Oxbow Park/Zollman Zoo - "Feed the Critters"

Feed the Bear - 10:00 a.m.

Our resident black bear is awake and hungry once again! Join us as we share some natural history facts about black bears. We will tempt her with a wide variety of foods. What will she eat first? Come to this program to find out! Recommended for all ages.

Feed the River Otters - 1:00 p.m.

Get set for some fun! Watch the otters catch live minnows and suckers in their pond. A great lesson in learning how the natural world works first hand! Recommended for all ages.

Raptors - 3:00 p.m.

Come and learn more about the spectacular birds of prey that inhabit our area. We'll share facts about their natural history as well as provide you with tips on how to identify these birds in the field. Recommended for all ages.

Rochester's Strongest Man

Location:  Mayo Field Parking Lot, 403 East Center St

Time:  11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Cost:  $6.00 adults & teens, 12 & under free, $1.00 discount with Rochesterfest Button

Details:  Events - 1.  Head to Head Loading Medley, 2. Head to Head Clean & Press, 3. Head to Head Farmer's Walk, 4. Deadlift TBD, 5.  Chain Drag & Tire Flip, 6. Stone over bar for points.  For more information visit http://www.strengthauthority.com

Sponsors: Grande Bail Bonds Corporation, FOX 47 TV, ZROCK 107.7 & 103.9, Hiller's Flooring America

Tours of Historic Mayowood Mansion - 3720 Mayowood Rd SW

100th Anniversary

60 Minute Tours

Location:  Mayowood Mansion

Time:  11:00 a.m., noon, 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Cost:  $12.00 adults, $5.00 children 15 and younger

  A $1.00 discount with a Rochesterfest Button

 Web: www.olmstedhistory.com

June Dog Jam Frisbee Dog Event

Location: Soldiers Field West - 300 7th St SW

Time: Noon

Cost: Free

Details: Bring a chair and enjoy the region's best Frisbee dogs in two days of Frisbee dog action.

Web: JuneDogJam.com

Sponsor: Cross Fit Progression - cfpfit.com

Rochester Community Band Concert in the Park

Location:  Central Park 1st Ave and 2nd St SW

Time:  2:30 p.m.

Cost: Free - donations accepted

Details:  Rain site - Lourdes High School Auditorium

Hambone Blues Jam Music Festival

Location:  History Center of Olmsted County, 1195 West Circle Dr SW

Time:  Noon - midnight

Cost:    $20 at the gate

Details: 12 bands, food & beverage vendors, artist/crafters village, free parking on site

Web site:

www.hambonemusicfestival.com

Saturday Bands - Headliner - Trampled Under Foot, Scottie Miller Band, Davina & The Vagabonds, Curtis & The Kicks, Deb Brown Band, Trent Romens Band, Key Lime Special, Doghouse Jon & the Misbehavers

Sponsors:Schott Distributing, Pepsi, Northwest Campers

Much Ado About Nothing - Words Players Theatre

Location:  Soldiers Field

Time:  7:00 p.m.  See Friday listing

Web: www.northlandwords.org

Rochester Civic Theatre

Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Location:  Rochester Civic Theatre

Time:  7:00 p.m.

Cost:  $25.00 adults, $15.00 students

Details:  visit www.rochestercivictheatre.org or call 507-282-8481

Chester Woods Park - Summer Solstice Hike

8378 Highway 14 E, Eyota, MN

Time: 9:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Cost: Free with a Rochesterfest Button or $5.00 vehicle entry permit is required.

Details: Hike the 2.4-mile Dam Overlook Trail and learn the history and facts behind Chester Woods Park dam and Bear Creek reservoir. This is a great opportunity to view the abundance of wildlife throughout the woodlands and prairies. Bring a sack lunch and enjoy a picnic at the Dam Overlook. Special accommodations can be made for senior participants by calling the Park Staff at 507-287-2624. Meet at the boat ramp.

Sponsor: Olmsted County Parks Department and Friends of Chester Woods

Ecumenical Service

Location:  Christ United Methodist Church

                 400 5th Ave SW, outdoor courtyard

Time:  11:00 a.m.

June Dog Jam Frisbee Dog Event

Location: Soldiers Field West

Time: Noon

Cost: Free

Details: Bring a chair and enjoy the region's best Frisbee dogs in two days of Frisbee dog action.

Web: JuneDogJam.com

Sponsor: Cross Fit Progression cfpfit.com

Guided Walking Tour of Historic 4th Street SW

"A Stroll on Old College Street

Location: 

Time: 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $10.00 plus a Rochesterfest Button

Details: Advance registration and payment required. Call the History Center 507-282-9447.  Tours are guided by Ken Allsen and last two hours.  Two miles are covered at a leisurely pace. Participants will be told location and parking site when they register.  Tours are conducted rain or shine.

Sponsor: History Center of Olmsted County, Joyce Walker of Edina Realty, The Restaurant

Much Ado About Nothing , Words Players Theatre

Location:  Central Park 1st Ave & 2nd St NW

Time:  2:00 p.m. See Friday listing

Carillon and Bagpipe Concert

Location:  200 1st Street SW - Annenberg Plaza

Time:  4:00 p.m.

Cost:  Free

Details:  The concert will include music by the Carillon and the Rochester Caledonian Pipe Band.

Treasure Hunt

This year's treasure is a medallion, hidden somewhere in the city of Rochester, on public property (but not on a golf course, cemetery or any private property). It is in plain sight. Find the treasure and win $500.00.  Extra clue at Trade Mart Furniture Center

Sponsor: Trade Mart Furniture Center

Rochesterfest Food Vendors

Location: Civic Center Drive SE

Time: 11:00 a.m.

30 Great Food Vendors

Noontime Entertainment

Location: Civic Center Drive Stage

Time: 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Details: The Annie Lawler Band

Sponsor: Heartland Tours, Media - FOX 47 KXLT TV & KROC AM

PossAbilities Ice Cream Social

Location: Central Park, 1st Ave & 2nd St. NW

Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Cost: Food & carnival games

Details: Ice Cream Social with carnival games, bounce house, music by Big Band and food.

web: www.possabilities.org

Sponsors: Kemps, Home Federal Savings Bank, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Teen Night

Location: Civic Center Drive Stage

Time: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Details: 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. DJ - music, KROC Music on Wheels - location main stage

6:00 - 10:00 p.m. National Guard Climbing Wall - grassy area in front of Rochester Civic theatre

6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Photo Booth - Near the main stage

6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Trivia Contest - 1 prize - pickup and return forms to Info Booth by 9 p.m. Must be present to win.  Pick up prizes on stage.  Winner will be announced

6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Scavanger Hunt - 1 prize - pick up and return forms to Info Booth by 9:00 p.m. Must be present to win, pick up prizes on stage, winner will be announced

6:30 p.m. Eating Contest - Prizes! Strawberry whip cream Pannekoekens - 1st place - 12 months of pannekoekens, 2nd place $10, 3rd place

7:30 - 8:45 p.m. Hypnotist - main stage

6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Cash Cube - Prizes! located near the main stage

Sponsor:  University of Minnesota - Rochester, Apache Mall, Olmsted County Deputy Sheriffs' Association, Dover Firemens Fund, Pannekoeken, National Guard,Media Sponsor KROC - FM

Much Ado About Nothing , Words Players Theatre

Location:  Soldiers Field East

Time:  7:00 p.m.

Details:  See Friday listing

Treasure Hunt

Catch the clues on local media, find the treasure and win $500.00. Extra clue at Trade Mart Furniture Center

Sponsor: Trade Mart Furniture Center

Rochesterfest Food Vendors

Location: Civic Center Drive SE

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Million $ Hole In One Golf Shoot Out

Location: Hadley Creek Golf Learning Center

48th Street & Hadley Valley Road N.E.

2441 Hadley Valley Road

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Cost:  $1/ball,

          Rochesterfest Button Discount - 1 free (extra) ball for each $10 spent

Details:  Two sessions per day. Prizes awarded to top finishers in each session.  Closest to the pin in each session competes in the Championship Shoot Out.  A hole-in-one during the Championship wins $1,000,000! Or the closest to the pin wins $1,000.  A putting contest will run with prizes awarded in the Final Putt Off

Sponsors:  Sterling State Bank, University of MN - Rochester

Tours of Historic Mayowood Mansion - 3720 Mayowood Rd SW

See listing on Saturday

 Web: www.olmstedhistory.com

Noontime Entertainment

Location: Civic Center Drive Stage

Time: 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Details: Shaia Dance Collective Middle Eastern dance, Greg Herriges, World Musician, Fred Astaire Ballroom, Latin dance, Bosnian Cultural Dance, Dyana Obando Meyer, Latin Dance, Rhythm Nation, International Percussion, Asian Fusion, Bory Chhunn

Sponsor: Heartland Tours, Media - FOX 47 KXLT TV & KROC AM

Fishing Contest

Location: Foster Arend Beach,
37th Street & East River Road

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Details: For ages up to 15. Win prizes, bring your own pole

Sponsor: Park & Recreation Department

Special Tour at Historic Mayowood Mansion - 3720 Mayowood Rd SW

100th Anniversary

A Closer Look:  Trifles, Trinkets and Treasures

Location:  Mayowood Mansion

Time:  3:00 p.m.

Cost:  $12.00 adulte, $5.00 for children 15 and younger

  A $1.00 discount with a Rochesterfest Button

Details:  Tour will allow partifcipants to learn more about specific interesting artifacts from the mansion.  It will include many items not normally on display.

Web: www.olmstedhistory.com

Over the Edge

Location:  Broadway Residence and Suites - 15 1st St SE

Time:  3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Details:  Media Day, see your favorites rappel down the side of the hotel.  This is a fund raiser for the Boy Scouts

www.gamehavenbsa.org

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

Location:  Mayo Park East (behind Civic Center)

Time:  4:00 p.m. Registration and Rallly 6:00 p.m. Walk

Cost:  $25.00, $5.00 off with a Rochesterfest Button

Details:  2nd Annual event.  This is an "International Men's March to end domestic violence".  Men literally walk one mile in high heels!  Men Wanted!  Form a team, Women Welcome!

Sponsor:  Women's Shelter  www.women's-shelter.org

Celebrity Game Night

Location: Civic Center Drive Stage

Time: 6:30 p.m.  Play the games" Min-it 2 Win-it" and "Don't Forget the Lyrics", Karaoke to follow.

Details: Join the celebrities on stage to play the games and win prizes.  Can you sing? Let's hear you, join the crowd and participate in Karaoke following the games.

Sponsor:  MLT Group   Television sponsor FOX 47 KXLT TV, Radio sponsor KROC

Special Tour at Historic Mayowood Mansion - 3720 Mayowood Rd SW

100th Anniversary

Nooks and Crannys Tour

Location:  Mayowood Mansion

Time:  7:00 p.m.

Cost:  $12.00 adults, $5.00 for children 15 and younger

  A $1.00 discount with a Rochesterfest Button

Details:  Visitors will explore areas of the mansion that are not part of the regular tour, such as the ballroom, pipe organ echo chamber, laundry and more.

Web: www.olmstedhistory.com

Over the Edge

Location:  Broadway Residence and Suites - 15 1st St SE

Time:  9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Cost:  $1,000.00

Details:  Watch as people rappel down the side of the hotel.  This is a fund raiser for the Boy Scouts.

www.gamehavenbsa.org

Treasure Hunt

Location: Have you found it yet?

Details: Track the elusive Treasure and win $500! Extra clue at Trade Mart Furniture Center

Sponsor: Trade Mart Furniture Center

Special Mayowood Mansion Hillside Garden Tour - 3720 Mayowood Rd SW

100th Anniversary

Location: Mayowood Mansion

Time:  10:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.

Cost:  $12.00 adults, $5.00 for children 15 and younger

  A $1.00 discount with a Rochesterfest Button

Details:  Olmsted County Master Gardner's will lead tours of the hillside gardens.  Visitors will learn about the pools and gardens.

Rochesterfest Food Vendors

Location: Civic Center Drive SE

Time: 11:00 a.m.

30 Great Food Vendors

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Location: Public Library Auditorium

Time: 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Unusual and Special Book Sale

Location: Library Lobby

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

All week a free book with a Rochesterfest Button

at the Friends of the Library Bookstore

Sponsor: Friends of the Library

Million $ Hole in One Golf Shoot Out

Location: Hadley Creek Golf Learning Center

48th Street & Hadley Valley Road N.E.

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Cost:  $1.00 per ball,

          Rochesterfest Button Discount - 1 free (extra) ball for each $10 spent

Details: See Tuesday listing

Sponsors: Sterling State Bank, University of Minnesota - Rochester

Noontime Entertainment

Location: Civic Center Drive Stage

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.

Details: Kubat's Polka Presentation

Mark Kubat, drums, Larry Rysavy, concertina, Jason Dobrinz, drums

Sponsor: Heartland Tours, Media - FOX 47 KXLT TV - KROC AM

Wasioja Civil War Days

Lunch with Abraham & Mary Todd Lincoln

Location:  Hubbell House Restaurant - Highway 57 Mantorville

Time:  Noon

Cost: $25.00 per person in advance - call 507-635-2331

Details: Period attire encouraged

www.civilwarmn.com

Lunch & Bus Tour to Historic Mayowood Mansion - 3720 Mayowood Rd SW

100th Anniversary

Location:

Time:

Cost:  $12.00 per person A $1.00 discount with a Rochesterfest Button

Details:  A bus will bring participants from downtown Rochester to tour the first floor.  A box lunch will be included.  This will run just over an hour.  Please call the History Center at 282-99447 for reservations.

"10 Who Make A Difference"

Location: Civic Center Drive Stage

Time: 1:00 pm

Sponsors: KTTC-TV & United Way of Olmsted County Volunteer Center

Web: www.kttc.com

Guided Walking Tour of Historic 4th Street SW

A Stroll on Old College Street

Time: 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $10.00 and a Rochesterfest Button, Advance registration and payment required

Details:  Call the History Center of Olmsted County at 507-282-9447

Sponsor: History Center of Olmsted County, Joyce Walker of Edina Realty, The Restaurant

Nooks and Crannys Tour at Historic Mayowood Mansion - 3720 Mayowood Rd SW

100th Anniversary

Location:  Mayowood Mansion

Time:  3:00 p.m.

Cost & Details - see Tuesday listing

Rochester Civic Theatre

Showstoppers & Otherwise Actors

Location:  Rochester Civic Theatre

Time:  4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Cost:  Free

Details:  www.rochestercivictheatre.org or call 507-282-8481

Rochester Kiwanis Parent/Child Free Fair

Location: 1st Street SE 100 block

Time: 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Cost:  Free

Details: Moonwalk, Ball Crawl, "A-Maze-ing" Castle, Merry-go-round, Sand & water tables, "Let's Build Something Together" with Lowes, Drawing for bicycles from Wal Mart

Sponsors:  Kiwanis Clubs of Rochester, Lowes, and Wal Mart

Family Fun Night

Location: Civic Center Drive SE

Time: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Details: On stage at 5:30 p.m. the Amazing Hoopsters Family with spectacular hulahoop tricks.  Train rides on Civic Center Circle, Fire Department "put out a fire", Miss Kristen Storyteller, Tennis for kids in the circle, Children's Museum of Rochester, Kids ID, Noodles and Co. Make and Take Crafts, Oxbox Park animals, Little Dudes and Divas, Luau Party, Clown Roundup, Boys & Girls Club, Kids On the Go, Rochester Area Family Y, and Boy Scouts display. .Make a memory with your family

Sponsor: Olmsted Medical Center,  Media Sponsor: KTTC TV, 102.5 "The Fox" KMFX

Rochesterfest Fiddle Contest

Location:  Civic Center Stage

Time:  6:30 p.m.

Details:  Fiddle contest for all ages.  For information and to register click on "Fiddle Contest" or call 507-292-0576

Trifles, Trinkets and Treasures at Historic Mayowood Mansion - 3720 Mayowood Rd SW

100th Anniversary

Location:  Mayowood Mansion

Time:  7:00 p.m.

Cost & Details - See listing on Tuesday

Much Ado About Nothing - Words Players

Location:  Soldiers Field

7:00 p.m. See Friday listing

Treasure Hunt

Location: Has it been found yet?

Details: Track the elusive Treasure and win $500!

Sponsor: Trade Mart Furniture Center

Rochesterfest Food Vendors

Location: Civic Center Drive SE

Time: 11:00 a.m.

30 Great Food Vendors

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Location: Public Library Auditorium

Time: 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Unusual and Special Book Sale

Location:  Library Lobby

Time:  10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

All week a free book with a Rochesterfest button in the

Friends of the Library Bookstore

Sponsor: Friends of the Library

Million $ Hole in One Golf Shoot Out

Location: Hadley Creek Golf Learning Center

48th Street & Hadley Valley Road NE

Time: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Cost:  $1/ball,

          Rochesterfest Button Discount -1 free (extra) ball for each $10 spent

Details:  See Tuesday listing

Sponsors:  Sterling State Bank, University of Minnesota - Rochester

Thursdays on First & Third Summer Market & Music Festival

Location: Peace Plaza & First Ave

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

June 9 - September 1

www.downtownrochester.mn.com

Sponsors:  Coca-Cola, Go Rochester Direct, HGA

Noontime Entertainment

Location: Civic Center Drive Stage

Time: 11:30 - 1:15 p.m.

Details: Swing Street

Sponsor: Heartland Tours, Media - FOX 47 KXLT TV & KROC AM

Nickel Carnival

Location: Graham Arena, Olmsted Country Fairgrounds

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Details: Fun games for kids! Games cost a nickel.

Sponsor: Park & Recreation Department

kidDISCO

Location: Rochester Art Center

40 Civic Center Drive SE

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m

Cost: $3 per child, adults free. Children must be accompanied by adult.

          $1 discount with Rochesterfest Button

Details: A dance party for the whole family with DJ's spinning music geared especially for kids.  Costumes are encouraged with prizes awarded for all age groups.  Families can also view current exhibitions, create funny masks and screen print their very own kidDisco logo t-shirt or poster.

www.rochesterartcenter.org

Sponsor: Rochester Art Center

Rochester Civic Theatre

Live Music

Location:  Rochester Civic Theatre

Time:  6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Cost:  Free

Details:  Visit www.rochestercivictheatre.org or call 507-282-8481

Wasioja Civil War Days

Dinner with Generals Grant, Lee and Custer

Location:  Hubbell House Restaurant - Highway 57 - Mantorville

Time:  6:30 p.m.

Cost:  $50.00 per person - in advance - call 507-635-2331

Details:  Period or historic attire required

www.civilwarmn.com

Sponsor:  Friends of Wasioja

Country Night

Location: Civic Center Drive Stage

Time: 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Cost:  Free

Beer garden opens at 4:00 p.m..

Details: Featuring:  Iron Horse Band

Web: www.ironhorserocks.com

Sponsor: Canadian Honker Restaurant & Catering and VFW Post 1215

Beer garden sponsor: Budweiser

Media sponsors:  FOX 47 TV

Much Ado About Nothing , Words Players Theatre

Location:  Central Park 1st Ave & 2nd St NW

Time:  7:00 p.m. see Friday listing

Annie

Presented by the Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota & Think Mutual Bank

Location: Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Road SW

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $8.00 - $25.00

          Rochesterfest Button Discount $1 (must show Button)

Details: Fifth annual fully staged musical with cast, crew, and pit orchestra of youth and adults from all over the region

Sponsor:  Think Mutual Bank

Web: www.honorschoirs.org

Hot Air Balloon - Moonglow

Location:  Mayo Civic Center Circle

Time:  Dusk

Details:  A moonglow of hot air balloons featuring balloons from ReMax and Roscoe's

Friday, June 24

Wasioja Civil War Days

Location:  Wasioja - Intersection of County Road 16 and County Road 9

Time:  Grounds open 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. daily

Cost:  Reenactment Fees - $12.00 adults, $8.00 students, 0 - 11 Free,  3 day Pass $30.00, Students $20.00

Details: Union and Confederate soldiers encampment, Battalion and Bayonet Drills, Cavalry, Horse-drawn Limbers with Cannons, Fife and Drum Corps, Medical Demonstrations. Reenactment of three battles - Snodgrass Hill, First Battle of Bull Run/Manassas, Battle of Appomattox.

www.civilwarmn.com

Sponsor:  Friends of Wasioja

Million $ Hole in One Golf Shoot Out

Location: Hadley Creek Golf Learning Center

2441 Hadley Valley Rd NE

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Championship to follow         

Cost:  $1/ball,

           Rochesterfest Button Discount -1 free (extra) ball for each $10 spent

Details:  See Tuesday listing

Sponsors:  Sterling State Bank, University of MN - Rochester

Rochesterfest Food Vendors

Location: Civic Center Drive SE

Time: 11:00 a.m.

30 Great Food Vendors

Noontime Entertainment

Location: Civic Center Drive Stage

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Details: LP & The 45's

Sponsor: Heartland Tours - Media - FOX 47 KXLT TV & KROC AM

Rochester Civic Theatre

Live Music

Location:  Rochester Civic Theatre

Time:  6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Cost:  Free

Details:  Visit www.rochestercivictheatre.org or call 507-282-8481

Grand Parade

Location: Click here for parade route

Time: 6:15 pm start

Details: Over 100 units! The Jaycees of Rochester put on the Parade.

Sponsor: THINK Mutual Bank   Media sponsor:  KTTC TV

Annie

Presented by the Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota & Think Mutual Bank

Location: Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Road SW

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $8.00 - $25.00

         $1 Rochesterfest Button Discount (must show Button)

Details: Fifth annual fully staged musical with cast, crew, and pit orchestra of youth and adults from all over the region.

Sponsor:  Think Mutual Bank

Web: www.honorschoirs.org

Fabulous Friday Night Dance

Location: Civic Center Drive Stage

Time: 8:30 p.m. - midnight

Details: Featuring:  Smokin' Whiskey Band

www.smokinwhiskey.com

Budweiser Beer Garden opens at 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 25

Country Breakfast on the Farm

Location: Little Valley Dairy

Owned by Donny & Holly Thompson

5562 County Road 10 Northeast, Plainview

Free bus ride from Century High School if one in your group has a Rochesterfest Button

Time: 6:30 am - 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Adults $5, children 5 - 12 - $3, under 5 FREE

Tickets available at the Rochesterfest Information Booth June 20 - 24

Details:  Enjoy a pancake breakfast.  Horse drawn wagon rides, a petting zoo and educational agricultural displays and exhibits will be available.  Handicap parking and restrooms provided.

Sponsor: Rochester Ag Committee, Olmsted County Farm Bureau Federation

Get Your Rear in Gear 5K

Location:  Mayo Civic Park (behind Civic Center)

Time:  8:00 a.m. - noon.

Cost:  $25 Adults

Details: Registration at 8:00 a.m. Event will promote awareness and raise funds to fight Colon Cancer

Wasioja Civil War Days

Location:  Wasioja - intersection of County Road 16 and County Road 9

Time:  Grounds open 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Cost:  Adults $12.00, Students $8.00, 0 - 11 Free, 3 Day Pass Adults $30.00, Students $20.00

Details:  Union and Confederate Soldiers Encampment, Battalion and Bayonet Drills, Cavalry, Horse-drawn Limbers with Cannons, Fife and Drum Corps, Medical Demonstrations. Reenactment of three battles, Chckamauga - Snodgrass Hill, First Battle of Bull Run/Manassas, Battle of Appomattox

www.civilwarmn.com

Sponsor:  Friends of Wasioja

Rochester Has Talent

Location: Civic Center Drive Stage

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Jugswaw Puzzle Contest

Cost:  $20 for team of four

Teams of 4 will have 1 hour to work on a 500 piece puzzle.  Winning team, 2nd and 3rd place will share the money.  We will accept 15 teams.  Puzzles courtesy of Games by James.  You may keep the puzzle.  Click on "Contact Information" on the menu or contact Lackerman@charter.net.

Rochester Has Talent

Time:  11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Details: The mid-day Talent Show will allow walk-on talent to be center stage.  Hiller's Flooring America and Rochesterfest would like to invite you and or members of your group to perform a unique stage talent.  Talents need to be within 3-5 minutes and require very little set up to keep the fun rolling.  Promote yourself - promote your talent - promote Rochester!  To reserve your time slot contact Laurie - Lackerman@charter.net or click on "Contact Information" on the menu to send us your information

Sponsors:  Hiller's Flooring America   TV sponsor KTTC TV

Cascade Animal Medical Center & Inn Open House

Location:  Cascade Animal Medical Center- 4020 27th St NW

Time:  11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Cost:  Free

Details:  Paws & Claws and Safe Haven adoption day, bake sale, dog wash, food & beverages. Games & prizes for kids. The Olmsted Co. K9 unit will do demonstrations beginning at 12:30 p.m.

All proceeds go to Paws & Claws and Safe Haven . www.cascadevets.com

Sponsors:  Merial, Novartis, Pfizer, Midwest Vet Supply

Pony Up with RideAbility

Location:  Rochester Feed and Country Store 5 11 1/2 St SE

Time:  11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Cost:  Admission Free, $5 for assisted horse rides

Details: Games for children.  The main attraction will be the assisted horse rides provided by volunteers.  Proceeds will go to support RideAbility.  Lunch for $2.00 hot dog, lemonade.

Sponsors:  Rochester Feed and Country Store

Fourth Annual Dachshund Dash

Location: In front of Mayo Civic Theatre

Time: 2:00 p.m..

Cost:  $5.00 per dog in advance, $7.00 day of event.   All proceeds go to Paws & Claws

Details:  Come and watch the races!

Call the Rochesterfest Office at 507-285-8769 for registration form.

Sponsors:  Post Bulletin Co., Long Dog Apparel

Rochester Water Shows

Location: Foster Arend Park

Time: 4:00 p.m.

Details: A water ski thrill show. Show skiing is unique to the Midwest.

On the web: www.rochesterwaterskishow.com

Zumbro River Community Festival

Location: Camp Victory, 5812 403 Ave, Zumbro Falls

Time: 4:30 p.m.- 10:30 p.m.

Cost:  Free

Details: This is a free family event with inflatable slides, moon walk, face painting, wagon rides around camp, climbing wall, sumo suits, T-ball batting cage, Speed throwing cage, bean ball toss, Dunk tank, obstacle course, Basketball challenge, 2-person Jousting and mini-golf.  Muliple live music groups, Wood Carver demonstration, Oxbow Park animals and a Magician presentation.  There will be new and quality used items , gift certificates , guided canoe trip available at the Silent Auction.   There is also a spectacular Fireworks display at dusk.

First Time Ever - Minimal-charge events - EuroPower Bungee Jump Trampoline and Paint Ball Target Zone.

Proceeds provide camp scholarships for disadvantaged Rochester area children.

www.campvictory.com

Sponsor: Camp Victory Ministries

*** 6th Annual Best Ball Golf Tournament to benefit Camp Victory Scholarship Fund will be held on June 10, 2011 Noon Shotgun Start

Rochester Civic Theatre

Live Music

Location:  Rochester Civic Theatre

Time:  6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Details:  Visit www.rochestercivictheatre.org or call 507-282-8481

Much Ado About Nothing , Words Players Theatre

Location:  Central Park 1st Ave & 2nd St NW

Time:  7:00 p.m.

Street Dance - featuring "Warrant" nationally known American glam metal Band

Opening act - After School Special

Location: Civic Center Drive Stage

Time:  7:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Cost:  $10.00 in advance (Tickets available May 3), $15.00 at the gate.  A $2.00 discount with a Rochesterfest Button

Purchase advance tickets to be entered into a drawing for a "Meet and Greet" prior to the concert

Details:  Warrant takes the stage at 9:30 with  songs from their 2x Platinum Cherry Pie and gold album Dog Eat Dog.

7:00 p.m. we will begin charging at the gate.  A sweep will be conducted for persons in the area at that time.

Warrant Web Site: www.warrantrocks.com

Sponsor:Treasure Island Resort and Casino, Media sponsor KTTC TV, Laser 101.7 KRCH-FM

Annie

Presented by Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota & Think Mutual Bank

Location: Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Road SW

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Cost: $8.00 - $25.00

          Rochesterfest Button Discount $1 (must show Button)

Details: Fifth annual fully staged musical with cast, crew, and pit orchestra of youth and adults from all over the region. 

Sponsor:  Think Mutual Bank

On the web: www.honorschoirs.org

Sunday, June 26

6th Annual Rochesterfest Tri-Club Auto Show & Swap Meet

Location: South Mayo Park 401 4th St SE

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Cost: $4.00

         $1 Rochesterfest Button Discount

Details: Vehicles $10.00, $7.00 if preregistered, Swap $10.00 per 10 x 10 space

 Percentage of profits go to local charities

Sponsors: Anderson Sand Blasting and Painting, McNeilus Steel  

Wasioja Civil War Days

Location:  Wasioja - Intersection of County Road 16 and County Road 9

Time:  Grounds open 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Cost:  Adults $12.00, Students $8.00, 0 - 11 Free, 3 Day Pass - Adults $30.00, Students $20.00

Details:  Union and Confederate Soldiers Encampment, Battalion and Bayonet Drills, Cavalry, Horse-drawn Limbers with Cannons, Fife and Drum Corps, Medical Demonstrations.  Reenactment of three battles - Chickamauga - Snodgrass Hill, First Battle of Bull Run/Manassas, Battle of Appomattox

www.civilwarmn.com

Sponsor:  Friends of Wasioja

OMC Regional Foundation Croquet Field Day

Location:  Rochester Golf & Country Club - 3100 Country Club Road SW

Time:  Registration at 10:30 a.m. Brunch 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Rules review, 1:00 p.m. games begin

Cost:  $150.00 per team of two

Details: Prizes awarded for Best Dressed, Best Hat, and Best Team Theme.  To register visit www.omcrf.org/about/events or call Michelle Maeder-Hickey at 507-292-7202

Walking Tour of Historic Homes

A Stroll on Old College St.

Time: 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $10 plus a Rochesterfest Button

Call the History Center 507-282-9447

Sponsor: History Center of Olmsted County, Joyce Walker of Edina Realty, The Restaurant

Much Ado About Nothing , Words Players Theatre

Location:  Central Park 1st Ave & 2nd St NW

Time:  2:00 p.m.  see June 18 listing

Annie

Presented by the Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota & Think Mutual Bank  

 Location: Autumn Ridge Church 3611 Salem Road SW

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Cost: $8.00 - $25.00

          Rochesterfest Button Discount $1 (must show Button)

Details: Fifth annual fully staged musical with cast, crew, and pit orchestra of youth and adults from all over the region.

Sponsor:  Think Mutual Bank

Web: www.honorschoirs.org

1860's Baseball

Location: History Center of Olmsted County - 1165 West Circle Drive SW

Time: 4:30 pm

Cost: 2 Bits (25 cents)

Details: 1860's base ball played as it was meant to be played. 1860 rules played in period uniforms using replica bats and balls.  Hens vs Chicks ladies exhibition followed by Roosters vs Roadrunners.  Concessions available.  Raffle drawing - need not be present to win.

Sponsors: US Bank, Automotive Recyclers, Media sponsors KROC AM, FOX 47 KXLT-TV