Press Releases

Press Release

Contact: Northfield Convention and Visitors Bureau
www.visitingnorthfield.com
Phone: (507) 645-5604 or (800)-658-2548
Executive Director: kathy@northfieldchamber.com

For Immediate Release:

Girls Nite Out - May 6
Gather your girlfriends for a fun night! Shop the eclectic, one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques in Northfield’s historic downtown and enjoy fabulous sales, giveaways, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments in the stores as well as dining-out specials, followed by live entertainment at The Grand Event Center, recently voted one of The Knot’s Best of Weddings 2010 Winners for Reception Venues in Minnesota.
952-465-1626

Rice County Steam & Gas Engines, Inc. Annual Shows - May 28-29 | September 2-4
The Memorial weekend swap meet and flea market features a tractor pull, consignment auction, food and other special events. The Labor Day weekend show features a parade, tractor pull, flea market, games, food and other activities. Itinerary for the Steam & Gas Engines Show
Dundas Showgrounds
Three miles south on Highway 3
507-645-4336
www.ricecountysteamandgas.com

NORTHFIELD, MN Nov., 2010 - Candles illuminate the boulevard for a magical evening stroll in the storybook Christmas town of Northfield at its 12th annual Winter Walk on December 9th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and the holiday memories continue all weekend long! Find a full itinerary at http://www.visitingnorthfield.com/.

12 Holiday Cheers:
1. Music is in the air - In the small town that hosts the world-renowned, nationally broadcasted St. Olaf Christmas Festival each year, it’s hard not to join in song. Caroling groups greet young and old with classic favorites in the streets and cozy shops of the historic downtown. Hear the majestic sounds of trombones, sweet jazz, and folk guitar as they add to the spirit of the holidays.

2. Art, Art, and more Art! - Studios, galleries and art co-ops are sprinkled throughout the town. Find unique holiday gifts from local and regional artists such as turned-wood, handmade clay bowls, and mixed media to name a few.

3. Dance performances - NAGCracker (the Northfield Art Guild’s off-shoot of the classic ballet) debuts, and modern dance ensembles hit the streets with their lively movement.

4. Culinary delights - From fine chocolate samples to Krumkaka demos to sweet breads like Yule Kage or German Butter Stollen, there’s something for everyone’s taste. Try the Swedish meatball dinner with lefsa and fruit soup — many tasty restaurant specials are going on. To sweeten the deal, enjoy homemade almond butter, mint bark and peanut brittle.

5. Fun for the whole family - Activities are around every corner. Try making an ornament or button, check out the model train exhibits, step into a live, interactive nativity scene, go on a horse-drawn wagon ride or get your photo taken with the infamous James-Younger Gang!

6.  Santa and his helpers, Rudolph, and Frosty the Snowman - It just wouldn’t be the same if they weren’t there for those rosy-cheeked, bright-eyed children eagerly waiting in anticipation and wonderment. Pictures available on Santa’s lap.

7. Shopping at its best - Experience the many fine boutiques and shops that range from vintage wares to modern collections. Gift drawings, free wrapping, tasty treats and holiday drinks are found inside. http://nddc.org/

8. Beauty everywhere - Window shop from decorated storefronts all aglow with the lure of the season and marvel at the magnificent Christmas Tree which stands in Bridge Square … it’s a nostalgic scene simply warm and inviting — a merry meander indeed!

9. Activities all weekend long - The fun doesn’t have to stop - there’s even more happening over the weekend: Breakfast with Santa, Jingle Bell Run, St. Olaf String Concert, Christmas Tea …. Find more at http://www.northfieldchamber.com/visiting_northfield/events.php and http://northfieldguide.com/

10. Weekend stay-over packages - From “Shop and Save” to “One Price for All,” the Northfield area welcomes your Winter Walk Weekend stay. Find Travel Packages at http://www.visitingnorthfield.com/packages.html

11. Express route to Winter Wonderland - Northfield’s Metro Express is your ticket to this winter getaway destination. Pickups are made from several stops throughout the Twin Cities. See ALL our transportation options at http://www.visitingnorthfield.com/transport.html

12. And the last reason to come — It’s sure to be a jolly, good time!

For a full list of Winter Walk Weekend events, go to http://www.visitingnorthfield.com/ or call (800) 658-2548.

Media Communications by Acheson Creative.

PR Archives

Northfield Art Crawl
South Central Minnesota Studio ArTour
Northfield's First Annual Market Fair Fall Festival
Experience the authenticity of autumn in Northfield this season!
Of a Higher Caliber - Northfield Celebrates the Defeat of Jesse James Days
Rice County Steam and Gas Engine Show
Outlaw Run
Boutique Crawl in Downtown Northfield
Riverwalk Market Fair Hosts Special Event
Bridge Chamber Music Festival Announces 12th Season
Northfield to Host Vintage Band Music Festival
Crazy Daze
Attention! Music & History Buffs!
The Northfield Garden Tour
Northfield's June Highlights
Geocaching, May 2010
Girls Nite Out, May 7th 2010
Northfield's Top Events in 2010

Overview

Northfield, Minnesota — Yesterday & Today
Sought out for the river that runs through it, Northfield was founded by John W. North in 1855 with the purpose of milling the Cannon River. Fields of rich, golden wheat and the river’s natural power brought national acclaim to this small town for producing the finest of flour. Today Malt-O-Meal operates the mill, and the delicious, sweet aroma of hot cereal permeates the town’s atmosphere.

In addition to industry and agriculture, Northfield’s early settlers had high ideals in the areas of religion and education. Northfield is home to two nationally ranked colleges: St. Olaf and Carleton, both initiated by religious organizations. St. Olaf is recognized internationally for its music ensembles, and the St. Olaf Christmas Festival which broadcasts around the world is one of Northfield’s most treasured events. Both colleges contribute to the culture and diversity of the town and are an integral part of the community.

But this charming, quaint river town was not without its troubles. In September of 1876, the James-Younger Gang sauntered into town stirring up some real commotion. What was supposed to be another textbook robbery was foiled by noble Northfield citizens who bravely stood their ground — marking an end to the Old West, as it was known. Today the Defeat of Jesse James Days is attended by approximately 150,000 people and is the largest all volunteer-run celebration in the state of Minnesota. Many books have been written on the subject and stories still echo down the Outlaw Trail.

With all of its high hopes and struggles, Northfield’s past and current success is largely due to the character of its people and their deep sense of community. More important than the noted literary, political and industrial leaders that lived in Northfield is the town’s commitment to itself. People give freely of their time and talents for the betterment of this community.

This attitude has set in motion the fine attractions, recreation, arts and culture and events which still flourish today. Enjoy a wide array of dining and lodging possibilities. Come for an event — stay for the experience!

Northfield Notable Items

Awards, Recognition and Notable Items about Northfield
True West Magazine awarded Northfield’s Defeat of Jesse James Days reenactment
as "Best Re-enactment of the West" multiple years

Cowling Arboretum has been ranked by Runner's Magazine as the top place to
run in Minnesota, and one of the top 10 in the country

Willingers Golf Club was rated one of the top 20 courses in Minnesota by Golf
Digest

The Garden of Quiet Listening at Carleton College is rated as one of the top 10 in
the United States by the Journal of Japanese Gardening

The American Bus Association (ABA) awarded Northfield’s Defeat of Jesse
James Days as a Top Event for group travel in the United States

The Grand Event Center is listed in The Knot Best of Weddings 2010 Winners for
its reception site

Northfield Trivia
Find out fun facts.

Media Coverage

Annual Winter Walk is Thursday evening South arts briefs - Star Tribune, December 7, 2010
Northfield welcomes visitors to annual holiday happening - Rochester Post-Bulletin, December 6, 2010
Unique holiday event: Northfield's Annual Winter Walk - examiner.com, December 2010
Snow Business is Good Business in Northfield - KSTP TV-Minneapolis and St.Paul, December 2010
12th Annual Winter Walk in Northfield! - examiner.com, December 2010
Northfield Making History with Podcast Tours - The Minnesota Preservationist, Nov/Dec 2010
Winter Walk - Minnesota Parent, December 2010
Northfield Gears Up For the Holidays - Rochester Post-Bulletin, November 19, 2010
Northfield has makings of a charming weekend - Star Tribune, October 19, 2010
History from beyond the grave - Full Moon Cemetery Stories - Star Tribune, October 2010
ArTour features local works of art - Rochester Post-Bulletin, October 15, 2010
November Getaways - Midwest Weekends, October 2010
Northfield announces first annual Market Fair Fall Festival - Owatonna People's Press, October 2010
A trail of flavors south of the Cities -Star Tribune, October 2010
Market Fair Fall Festival - Star Tribune, South arts & leisure briefs, October 12, 2010
5 Minnesota Cities Among 100 Best For Young People - myfoxtwincities.com,
September 21, 2010
As Northfield celebrates, a closer look at Jesse James - MinnPost.com,
September 10, 2010
Defeat of Jesse James Days - Vita.mn, September 9, 2010
Jesse James reenactor on reliving the gang's defeat - MPR, September 7, 2010
Defeat of Jesse James Days - Star Tribune, South arts & leisure briefs, September 7, 2010
This Weekend: Jesse James Days in Northfield - examiner.com Minneapolis,
September 7, 2010
10 Of The Best Things To See & Do In Northfield -wcco.com, September 2010
Jesse James musical returns to Northfield -MinnPost.com, August 31,2010
Ride explores Jesse James' escape route -Rochester Post-Bulletin, August 2010
Riverwalk Market Fair hosts special event - Owatonna People's Press, August 2010
Bridge Chamber Music Festival - Star Tribune, South Arts Briefs, August 10, 2010

Vintage Band Festival in Northfield - the classical post e-news MPR, Summer 2010

Vintage bands toot horns in Northfield- Rochester Post-Bulletin, July 29, 2010

Bandtastic Festival - Star Tribune, July 2010
Big Woods: Yesterday and Today - The Minnesota Preservationist, July-August 2010
Northfield's Riverwalk Market Fair- Minneapolis Food Examiner, June 2010
Quick Bites: Take a Trip to Northfield - Rochester Post-Bulletin, July 2010
Greetings from Northfield - A look at Northfield's cultural heritage. The Minnesota Preservationist, July-August 2008
The Garden of Quiet Listening - Carleton College’s Japanese garden and its roots. Southern Minnesota Magazine, Summer 2008
Tracking Down Jesse James - Stories of the James-Younger Gang on the Outlaw Trail. Southern Minnesota Magazine, Fall 2009
A Winter Walk to Remember - A magical holiday evening in Northfield. Southern Minnesota Magazine, Winter 2009
Walking in the footsteps of Jesse James on the Great Northfield, Minnesota Raid - Denver Historic Destinations Examiner, May 2010
Geocaching at Nerstrand Big Woods - Owatonna People's Press, May 2010
Northfield’s Outlaw Run - Motorcycle rides in southern Minnesota. Southern Minnesota Magazine, Spring 2010
Minnesota/Wisconsin Travel & Rec. Directory
The Vintage Band Festival - Music & history combined! Southern Minnesota Magazine, Summer 2010
The Northfield Garden Tour - A blend of art and nature. Owatonna People's Press, June 2010
Quick Getaways - (all within 150 miles of major Midwest cities). Midwest Living, August 2010

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