Edgerton must seem like a sleepy town to the casual observer — should any happen by this off-the-beaten-path place in the southwest corner of Minnesota. But because I'm not a casual observer (some of my favorite relatives live there), I know that behind the brick buildings that line its three-block-long downtown is a grocery store that also happens to sell blue Delft plates, wooden shoes and imported mints and a meat market that produces the most delicious ring bologna and dried beef I've ever tasted, from cattle that graze on nearby grassy fields.
I also know that come July 12-13, Edgerton will have extra verve when it hosts its annual Dutch Festival. The rodeo, fun run, car show and other weekend activities have drawn people from around the region for 64 years. Children from Hatfield chase after candy tossed from floats during the parade; farmers from Chandler talk about crops over a barbecue dinner at the town park.
In communities all around the state, similar rituals play out as residents set aside a weekend to take a communal deep breath and rejoice in summer — and their town. There's Karl Oskar Days in Lindstrom, in the St. Croix River Valley, July 11-14; Bay Days in Silver Bay and Beaver Bay, along the North Shore, July 12-14; and Potato Days in Barnesville, in northwestern Minnesota, Aug. 23-24, and many more.
Such events are a nice reason to hit the road, which is why Travel highlights one upcoming event each week. Still, I know we're missing some annual gems. Help us out by sending information about your favorite summer festival to travel@startribune.com. We'd love to celebrate your town with you.
Send your questions or tips to travel editor Kerri Westenberg at travel@startribune.com, and follow her on twitter @kerriwestenberg.
