Good Morning from The Depot!

Hello members, local residents and friends, 

I hope everyone is staying warm in these very cold days. I for one am utilizing my layers and bundling up as much as possible while keeping the 30-degree future coming in a week front of mind.

Things are a bit more quiet at the Visitors Center these days, but we do get folks in from time-to-time. I recently met a couple who only just heard about Lanesboro, and came to town to scope out a spring/summer bike trip. And I have had multiple conversations with people who are looking to relocate to Lanesboro.

So we are preparing for the year to come, compiling materials for the Annual Meeting, (which is next Tuesday, please join us, details below) including the packet which should be live later today, and the fun surprises and reveals we'll have for that. Additionally we are compiling a co-op advertising packet, planning out our social media outreach, developing our volunteer program and gearing up for our big re-branding work that we'll undertake this year.

Last but not least, in addition to the regular business that will take place at the annual meeting, the board will have an update on the executive director search! I for one am very excited. Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Jonathan Levine

Volunteer at the Visitors Center!

I don't think it's much of a secret that the best part of this job is greeting visitors and helping them plan the perfect trip, be it for an afternoon or a week, helping people plan their activities, where to eat and what to do is a lot of fun. Everyone is so nice, and so thankful. And you'd be surprised at how many folks come with preconceived notions that it's very helpful to have local folks fix those conceptions!

Whether you have time once a week or once a month, we can use your help. All you need is a love of Lanesboro, a passion for people and few spare hours and you can really help.

Also, members, this is a great opportunity for some fresh word-of-mouth advertising if any of your employees, friends, or family have some spare time that you simply don't, folks are free to wear uniforms, shirts, etc for a place they work.

If you're interested in learning more. Feel free to reach out to me (Jonathan) directly: [email protected], 507-467-2696 or fill out this form. And please if you know someone who would be good for the job, pass the form along to them.

Important Announcements

Join us for 2024 Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting of the Members!

Who: All LACC members are invited!

What: LACC 2024 Annual Meeting

When: Tuesday, January 23 at 5pm

Where: Cedar Valley Resort's Rustic Hearth Event Center (905 Bench St, Whalan, MN 55949)

Why: To present highlights from 2023, approve the 2024 annual budget, elect new board members, and unveil the 2024 Visitor Guide!

We're excited to be meeting in person once again! Please plan on attending as all voting and board elections will happen in person at the event this year. Per LACC bylaws 20% of the membership must be in attendance for a quorum to conduct business at the annual meeting.

On the agenda for this year's annual meeting:

• 2023 year-in-review
• 2023 financial report
• Presentation of the 2024 budget for approval
• Election of new board members
• Unveiling of the 2024 Visitors Guide

RSVP To the Annual Meeting!

Another Email is Forthcoming with links to the meeting packet (agenda, 2023 profit and loss statement, 2024 budget) to review before the meeting.

RSVP To the Annual Meeting!

The LACC Board of Directors Needs You!

There are four board seats up for election this year, including three seats with 3-year terms and one seat with a 1-year term.

You will be able to choose which term you would like to be considered for when nominating yourself. There will be a separate vote for the 3-year terms and the 1-year term.

If you are interested in nominating yourself for one of these open seats on the LACC Board of Directors, please click the button below and fill out the form before January 20th.

Nominate yourself for a Board Seat

Come to the Legion, eat fish, fight cancer.

On Saturday Jan 13th starting at 5 PM the Lanesboro American Legion Post 40 will host it's regular Fish Fry. Enjoy some battered and fried fish and support a good cause. This is a part of the Annual Eagles Cancer Telethon that will take place live at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester. As a part of those festivities, The American Legion Post 40 here in Lanesboro will be selling fish for $14 dollars with all proceeds going to the telethon fundraiser.

Save the Dates

Celebrate Nancy and Jack Bratrund

Nancy and Jack Bratrund have done so much for the Lanesboro Community, burt now it is time for them to move to Lake City, MN, to be closer to family. Founders of Mrs B's, (now Hotel Lanesboro), one of the first B&B's in the State, come celebrate all their wonderful contributions to the community.

Join us this Sun, Jan 21 from 2-4 PM at the Sons of Norway Lodge.

Text Link

Ribbon Cutting: Driftless Fiber Arts

What: Driftless Fiber Arts Official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

Where: Driftless Fiber Arts (Formerly Cheryl's Fabric Garden) 108 Coffee St. E, Lanesboro MN

When: Sat Feb 3. At 1 PM

Lovebirds in Lanesboro February 9th-11th!

Celebrate Love in Lanesboro! Come on down to Lanesboro the weekend before Valentines day for a city-wide celebration of all things Love. Be it romantic, platonic, familial or other. Lanesboro loves, love, and we we love to show it! Details are still forthcoming, with more things being added by the day. But stay tuned to this space for more details as they get finalized.

Upcoming Ticketed Events

Needy Dog is Playing Live at the St. Mane!

On Saturday January 20th at 7 PM Lanesboro will be treated to an evening of contemporary acoustic music with Ann and Andy Lowe, AKA Needy Dog.

For Ann and Andy, it’s all about drawing rich, complex harmonies from a mixture of original music and songs by their favorite artists. Their music is accompanied by guitar, harmonica and banjo and is best characterized as contemporary acoustic folk. Performing under the moniker, Needy Dog, the duo are a share a mutual love of harmony and complementary guitar work. Their songs are deep, honest reflections on their lives and experience, and sure to touch their fans. They have recorded five CDs between the two of them. “Time Will Take Us” is their most recent CD and features Ben Winship, Ross Martin and Brian Wicklund.

Tickets are $20, $15 for Lanesboro Arts Members.

Please note:

• The St. Mane Theatre box office will open at 6:00 p.m. the day of the event. Tickets will also be sold in-person beginning at that time.
• Each ticket purchased with a bank card will be charged an additional processing fee of $0.99. Patrons can avoid this processing fee by paying via cash or check in the Lanesboro Arts Gallery, or before the event in the St. Mane Theatre lobby.
• If you are unable to purchase tickets online or need additional assistance, you may try calling 507-467-2446 to purchase a ticket over the phone during business hours. Tickets are also sold in-person during business hours at Lanesboro Arts Gallery.
• We will have a list of the ticket buyer names at the box office beginning at 6:30 p.m. If the buyer and their guests arrive together, no physical receipt or proof of purchase is needed in order to be admitted to the event–we will have a list!
• Alternatively, attendees can present a printed copy of the ticket PDF the ticket buyer was e-mailed or simply pull it up and present it on a smart device.
• Lanesboro Arts is committed to accessibility for all people. Learn more about our access services.

Eagle Bluff Presents: Dinner on the Bluff.

"Beavers: the Animal, the Myth, the Legend" by Dr. Steve Windels

Saturday Feb 10

5pm-7:30pm

Tickets-$75 per person (includes presentation and 4 course meal) with a $15 optional wine pairing add-on

Bevers are a pretty smart for a dumb animal. Dr. Windels will speak on the natural history of beavers, from the outsized impact they can have on their environment and ours, to how their families are structured. The talk is sure to be a fascinating one.

Dr. Steve Windels is an award-winning wildlife biologist who has worked with moose, wolves, deer, muskrats, eagles, cormorants, loons, and of course, beavers. Originally from a small town in Northwestern Minnesota, Steve has been fortunate to have traveled widely to study and work on wildlife conservation issues in Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. For the last 20 years, he has been a wildlife biologist with the U.S. National Park Service where he continues the longest-running beaver study in North America in Voyageurs National Park. He’s also a stand-up comedian on the side so expect to have fun.

Dinner Menu

• Amuse-bouche: Crostini, Caramelized Onions, Cheese, Pickled Beets, Chives
• 1st course: White Bean Soup, Kale, Mirepoix
• 2nd course: Pasta, Smoked Sausage, Broccolini, Garlic Cream Sauce, Parmesan, Garlic Toast
• Dessert: Chocolate Cake, Orange, Chocolate Chards

Tyler Shipton is the Executive Chef and Owner of Junipers Restaurant in Lanesboro. His culinary journey took him from bluff country to the Twin Cities where he worked at Travail Kitchen and Amusements for years before he decided to embark on his own journey and was one of the opening Chefs and owners of Minneapolis’ Borough. In 2015, he moved to the west coast, with a desire to explore the food scene. After spending several years as an Executive Chef of various top restaurants along the coast in San Diego, the pandemic forced Chef Tyler and fiancé Ame back to the farm he grew up on, and together, the duo founded Juniper’s.

Get your tickets on the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Centers Website here.

Ear to the Ground

Lanesboro Arts is hosting the 2024 Juried High School Art Show through January 28 in its gallery. The 2024 Annual Juried High School Art Show celebrates the immense creative talents of local high school students! This show will be on display at the Lanesboro Arts Exhibition Gallery. See artwork created by 9th-12th grade students from Chatfield, Fillmore Central, Lanesboro, Mabel-Canton, and Rushford-Peterson High Schools. The show features a variety of art works, including paintings, drawings, stained glass, mixed media sculpture and more.

On Saturday, Jan. 20, Lanesboro Arts presents Ann and Andy Lowe, AKA “Needy Dog” at the St. Mane Theatre at 7 pm. Performing original music from their “Time Will Take Us” and “Truckin’ Along" albums as well as some new songs, Ann and Andy will move you with their soulful harmonies, complementary guitar work and personal lyrics. Tickets are on sale now for $20 ($15 Lanesboro Arts Members). For Ann and Andy, it’s all about drawing rich, complex harmonies from a mixture of original music and songs by their favorite artists. Their music is accompanied by guitar, harmonica and banjo and is best characterized as contemporary acoustic folk. Performing under the moniker, Needy Dog, the duo share a mutual love of harmony and complementary guitar work. Their songs are deep, honest reflections on their lives and experience, and sure to touch their fans.

Lanesboro Arts Presents: How I See Now an exhibition of paintings by Eddie Hamilton at the Lanesboro Arts Exhibition Gallery. “How I See Now” is a collection of layered, impressionistic paintings that showcase diverse landscapes that share a unique sensory connection. These paintings are inextricably tied to Eddie’s decision to stop using alcohol. In doing so, he experienced a newfound, heightened sensory and emotional connection to the natural world around him. This show will run from February 3rd to March 31st, with an artist’s reception Saturday, February 3 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Enjoy conversation with the artist, live music from Kristin Eggen, and light hors d'oeuvres.

Winter Rock Climbing is back at Eagle Bluff! Learn the fundamentals of Rock Climbing as you work to reach your climbing goals on the 30 foot-high indoor wall with routes that suit every level of climber. No prior experience required, as the indoor wall offers over 35 routes, ranging from beginner to expert. The 30-foot wall has various features including multiple overhangs, cracks and a chimney. Eagle Bluff staff will be there to provide belay services and ensure safety and success. Climbers of all ages are welcome. Eagle Bluff will provide harnesses and helmets. Climbing shoes will be available if desired, but tennis shoes work fine. Personal climbing shoes are allowed, but please refrain from bringing in any other outside equipment (i.e. harnesses, chalk, belay devices). Tickets are $10 a person and can be purchased here.

Eagle Bluff's winter educational and culinary events- Dinner on the Bluff are back! This year they'll be series will feature experts speakers on Beavers and Whooping Cranes. These events are awesome opportunities for celebrating nature, supporting a great organization, connecting with nature loving folks and learning something new. First up on Saturday, Feb 10- Beavers: the Animal, the Myth, the Legend will feature Dr. Steve Windels (bio above) and cover everything from how beavers effect the environment to how they build dams, to how they structure families. Then on the Saturday March 16th, the International Crane Foundations Stephanie Schmidt will present "Whooping Cranes in the Easter Migratory Pattern." In the 1940’s, Whooping Cranes, once native across North America, faced near extinction as a result of increased threats from habitat loss, hunting, and more. It wasn’t until 2001 that Whooping Cranes returned to the eastern United States following a collaborative reintroduction program led by the International Crane Foundation (ICF). Learn about the work the ICF has done and continues to do to help support these endangered animals.

Both 4 course Dinners will be provided by Juniper's Owner and Executive Chef Tyler Shipton (bio above) and will feature his signature style of elevated but familiar food. Tickets to the Beaver Dinner can be purchased here. And for the Crane Dinner purchase tickets here.

Sons of Norway presents Norwegian Movie Afternoon. Saturday, Feb 3 2-4 pm. Come join the community for this free event a Norwegian themed movie will be screened and snacks will be provided (but you can bring your own too!) the event is free and open to the public. @ The Sons of Norway Hall.

Winter Famers Markets have been a great success so far, and there are more coming up! Be sure to save these dates Saturdays: Feb 10, March 9th, and April 13 from 10 am- 1 pm. We've gotten some great bread, some good seasoning and other caned foods are on offer. Swing by the Sons of Norway and grab yourself some winter farm fresh food!

Jokes on Tap at Sylvan Brewing continues its year-round mission of bringing laughs to Lanesboro. Join hosts Ryan Stock and Andy Holt at an evening of hilarity, a regional comics showcase their talent, try out new material. Watching comedians work in real time is a real treat and this show always delivers. If you want to try your hand at stand-up, arrive a little early to check in with the host to sign up! Otherwise just show up early to get a seat, grab a pint, and get ready for some laughs! No cover charge. The next Jokes on Tap is Friday, Jan. 26

Sylvan Brewing’s Workshop Series is back. Just about every Sunday, local artists, makers, teachers and crafters teach workshops on various things they like to make! It's always a good time, and a great way to while away a winter afternoon.

• Are you better with your words than you are your hands? Then save Sunday January 21 from 1:30-3:30 PM as the Driftless Poet Society will lead a free Poetry Writing workshop for anyone 10 years and older, because anyone and everyone can write poetry! In this workshop, participants will write a “Where I Am From“ poem with assistance from members of the Driftless Poet Society. (Free-Will donations to the Society are welcome). 
• Then on January 28th at 1:30 pm Learn to make Sami inspired Braided Bracelets with Liz Bucheit from Crown Trout Jewelers. Liz is a nationally acclaimed and award winning jewelry and an expert in Norwegian and Viking inspired techniques. The dramatic landscape of northern Scandinavia is that of the midnight sun, northern lights and the Saami, a nomadic tribal group that follows the migration of the reindeer. Traditional Saami jewelry incorporates elements of their northern landscape – softened reindeer leather, braided pewter wire and sculpted antler. Cost is $45 per person for materials, payable to Liz at the time of the class.
• On Sunday Feb 4th from 1:30-3:30 join Becky from Driftless Fiber Arts will teach you how to make this easy bulky scarf. You can choose from a variety of yarn colors - opt for your local team colors, create a unicorn-inspired scarf, or go more traditional. You do you! $15 dollars for materials, payment due directly to Becky at the time of the class.

Space is limited for all workshops so be sure to register by stopping in the tap room when open, send an email to [email protected] or call 507-467-HOPS (4677).

Open Fly-Tying with the Root River Rod Co. at Sylvan Brewing is the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. This month, it's the 11th and the 25th at 5 PM. Join the guys from one of the nation's preeminent fly fishing shops and tie some fly's!  

Sylvan Brewing has had quite a musical year last year, and with a larger space, so too comes more tunes! On an average winter night, there’s nothing quite like a cozy night in Sylvan’s Taproom. Grab yourself Daisy, or a Sweetbender to warm up and gather with friends.  On Saturday Jan 27 local regional favorite Clay Fulton is embarking on quite the endeavor. Chatfield Center for the Arts has created a really fun pop-up concert tour with Clay Fulton on Saturday, January 27th to promote their February Chillfest! Clay will play a short set at each location so grab some friends to carpool with and caravan along! Clay will be at Sylvan Brewing from 2-230 PM before heading to Karst in Fountain.  Then as part of Lovebirds in Lanesboro, come down to the taproom some live music with Brenda and Matt Stier! Saturday Feb 10, from 6-8 pm. This crowd-favorite duo plays an eclectic mix of classic rock, folk, old and new country, and traditional Irish melodies - everything from Johnny Cash to Janis Joplin, so they have something for everyone!

It’s a new year, and the High Court Pub is continuing it’s rocking calendar throughout January. This Saturday Jan. 20 Mike Munson returns to the High Court Pub for a fun night of great music. Mike's performances are always a treat, so be sure to pop in for this one. But that’s not all! Sat Jan 27 Kid Dakota is back baby! Former artist of the year, Daren Jackson (Kid Dakota, Olympic Hopefuls) will be back at the High Court for an evening you truly don't want to miss. Then next month the music continues- with Fools Getaway on Sat Feb 3. They'll be bringing their roots rock, R&B, Pop & Country tunes to town. And on Sat Feb 10 Jason Helder is at the pub. The Mankato based singer will share covers of Dylan and Prine as well as his deep catalogue of through provoking original music.

Of course Tuesday Trivia continues uninterrupted at the High Court Pub. It will continue through ad infinitum, never ending through time or memorial. There are (normally) three rounds of (usually) 10 questions that truly fit that Goldilocks rule - fitting just right in the middle where it’s accessible to everyone, but still feels good when you get it right. Be sure to like and follow the High Court Pub on Facebook for weekly freebie questions of the week! Like and comment on those posts for a chance to win a free drink token. The winning team gets $25 in drink tokens and there are trophies and other prizes as well. Truly, a fun time will be had by all.

January topics include: On Jan. 23, we’re talking about the best new (ish) board game sensation “Villainous,” or at least I think that's what it is? Because that game rules. But knowing Wyatt, he will branch that out to be a broader set of subject matters, I am sure. Finally, we end the month with a bang- No S#!t Sherlock – so probably poop and Holmes.

The Lanesboro American Legion has a new line-up!: Monday is Soup du Jour, starting at 3 pm until it’s gone, and bucket beers, five beers for $12. Taco Tuesdays is two tacos with fixings for $6 from 3 to 7 pm. Ladies' night is Wednesdays and men’s nights on Thursdays see $1 off drinks, respectively. Meat Raffles are on Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30. Family Fun Day is Saturday with $1 kiddy cocktails, $1 off a large pizza and a variety of games.

Remember to swing by Granny’s Liquor every Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m. for a Complimentary Tasting.