Winona, Minn.

Visit Winona on Friday for a Capital City for a Day celebration as part of the state's sesquicentennial. The day begins with a sunrise ceremony at 5:45 a.m. and a Winona Dakota Unity alliance reconciliation event at 8:15 a.m. in Lake Park. A flag-raising ceremony and a presentation by Gov. Tim Pawlenty will be held at 7:45 a.m. at City Hall. Also that morning, visitors can learn about the early history of American Indians in Winona. In the afternoon at Lake and Levee parks, visitors are invited to a community conversation and discussion group, poetry readings, a picnic and other family activities. The celebration ends with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. (1-800-657-4972; www.visitwinona.com).


A time and two places to celebrate Norway Wanamingo, Minn., Stoughton, Wis.

Syttende Mai, a celebration of Norway's Constitution Day, will be highlighted Saturday during festivals in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

In Wanamingo, festivities include an Uff Da parade, a coronation of King Ole and Queen Lena, pancake and waffle breakfasts, live music, dancing, cultural exhibits, a log-house tour and other events. The festival officially begins Monday with a troll (treasure) hunt (1-507-824-2490).

A large celebration in Stoughton runs Friday through next Sunday with two parades, rosemaling (floral painting), folk dancing, sporting events, exhibits and more (1-608-873-7912; www.stoughtonwi.com).


Carve out time for chocolate Burlington, Wis.

Chocolate aficionados will gather for a full weekend of chocolate and more during a Chocolate Festival May 23-26 in Burlington, Wis. Indulge in chocolate delights, wine samples, carving and cooking demonstrations and four entertainment stages at the festival grounds across from Echo Park. Other events include a carnival, garden art show, children's activities, treasure hunt, fireworks (at dusk Friday,) boat races and a Memorial Day parade at 9 a.m. Monday. Festival hours are 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday and noon to 8 p.m. Monday (www.chocolatefest.com; 1-262-763-3300).

COLLEEN A. COLES