Owl festival boosts economy of far southeastern Minnesota community of Houston

The Associated Press
March 7, 2014 at 4:35PM
As of last week, more than 200 snowy owls have been spotted in Minnesota this winter. Snowy owls often hunt during the daytime. They prefer to inhabit open farm lands where they often perch on power poles, farm buildings, and even on the ground.
More than 200 snowy owls have been spotted in Minnesota this winter. Snowy owls often hunt during the daytime. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

HOUSTON, Minn. — Lots of folks will give a hoot about the far southeastern Minnesota community of Houston this weekend.

The International Festival of Owls is expected to draw nearly 2,000 visitors Friday through Sunday to the city of 979 people.

It's a treat for bird lovers and a boon for local businesses. Cross Roads Cafe owner Dorothy Moldenhauer tells the La Crosse Tribune (http://bit.ly/1jVl447 ) the festival weekend more than triples her business. She expects to serve customers from all over the U.S. and has already had some international visitors.

The cafe and other Houston businesses are decorated with hundreds of owl drawings from all over the world, submitted for the festival's owl drawing contest.

The festival offers a number of educational programs, including live owl displays and a Friday night Owl Prowl.

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