Visitors can milk cows, watch draft horses plow the fields and check out antique farm implements during a demonstration of early farming techniques in Dakota County from 1-4 p.m. May 4 at the Dakota City Heritage Village at the county fairgrounds in Farmington.

"The Origin of Food," co-sponsored by the Heritage Village and the Dakota County Historical Society, will also feature John Day, a fourth-generation farmer from Castle Rock Township. Attendees can also visit the village's 22 historic buildings, take free trolley rides to and from the planting field, and partake in a grilled pork chop dinner for $6.

Admission to the event is free. The fairgrounds are at 4008 W. 220th St., Farmington.

ROSEMOUNT

'Diamond dance' on tap

The Dakota County Historical Society is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a "diamond dance" featuring swing tunes and a 1939 theme on May 3 at the Rosemount Community Center.

The theme is "Great Movies of 1939: The Biggest Year in Hollywood's History." Swing dance lessons by the University of Minnesota Ballroom Dance Club will be from 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. The Bend in the River Big Band will entertain from 8-11 p.m. Guests are invited to dress as a favorite characters from 1939 movies. Food and cocktails will be available for purchase and a prize raffle will be drawn.

The event is 6:30-11 p.m. The community center is at 13885 S. Robert Trail. Tickets are $15 if reserved before April 26 and $20 afterward, including at the door. Call 651-552-7548 for advance tickets. For more information, see www.dakotahistory.org.

STAFF REPORTS

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