Applefest 2024
2024-09-20 - 2024-09-22 | MN
The La Crescent Apple Festival was founded in September 1949 by Ralph Jones and Mel Hickenbotham, with the purpose of promoting La Crescent, its apple industry, and “putting La Crescent on the map”.
This year’s Applefest is September 20-22, 2024.
Click here to go to the Applefest website for a full listing of events.
We hope you will join us in celebrating!!

Applefest Orchard Tours
2024-09-21 12:30 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | La Crescent Hockey Arena, 520 S. 14th St, La Crescent, MN, 55947
Come join the La Crescent Chamber of Commerce as we explore Van Lin Orchards in La Crescent. You can pick apples and learn more about the amazing history of the orchard industry in La Crescent. Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Please sign up beforehand so we can plan. More information is below.

Pick up at 520 S. 14th St, La Crescent (by hockey arena).
Tours run every 15 minutes starting at 12:00pm. The last bus returns at 4PM
Admission is Free
Sign up here

Orchard Information

Van Lin Orchards is a pick-your-own orchard. They have fun activities for kids, including a corn maze. They also have a gift shop.

Contact chamber@explorelacrescent.com for more information.

Four Ways of Being a Woman Artist in a Man's World: A Driftless Regional Read Program
2024-09-24 18:00 - 19:00 | MN
For centuries, women were excluded from art academies, life drawing classes, and the career of professional artist. Even so, many women still found ways to learn to paint and much of their work is being rediscovered in our day.
In this virtual talk, award-winning author Erin Bartels will outline the life and work of four female artists in France in the late 1800s who, while contemporaries of one another, approached their art and their lives in different ways as they attempted to navigate societal restrictions and cultural expectations of what women should do and what they were even capable of doing. Then she’ll bring the issue into the present, unpacking the ways we all tend to restrict ourselves from creating and sharing our creations today, despite the fact that societal norms have changed and we enjoy unprecedented freedom to choose. She’ll also talk briefly about how her exploration of women artists made its way into her latest novel, The Lady with the Dark Hair.
Registration is required. Click this link to register and receive the virtual program link! >>> https://forms.gle/oBQEskvrFAfhdDgn7

Pint Size Polka with Mike Schneider
2024-09-26 15:30 - 16:30 | Wieser Park Pavilion, 1817 County 6, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Help protect the Polkasphere with Pint Size Polkas! Sing, clap, and dance along with the music, and enjoy trivia, jokes, and a special edition of “Name That Tune”. Activities will incorporate everything from folk tales such as Paul Bunyan & Babe the Big Blue Ox, to theme songs from popular movies and TV shows with environmental connections.

Nature, Poetry, Community, Modernity: Writing Our Complex Natural-Cultural Moment w/ Moheb Soliman
2024-10-05 13:00 - 14:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Through guided discussion and reading & writing prompts, we will consider how contemporary nature writers can navigate between the many disparate feelings evoked by our by our environment. Poet and artist Moheb Soliman will share his own process in writing HOMES, his critically acclaimed ecopoetic poetry book about the Great Lakes Region. This program is free and open to the public and sponsored by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Cars and Coffee Tour
2024-10-12 | Affogato Lane Coffee Co., 28 N. Walnut St., La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Houston County Chamber Collaboration Cars & Coffee Tour
Sip and Showcase!
Join us on Saturday, October 12, 2024, to tour Houston County in your Classic Car and enjoy a great cup of coffee at several coffee shop locations.
Complete a Punch Card and be entered into a drawing!
To register and receive a route map, please email mellingson@caledoniamn.gov by September 30th.

Canine Miscommunication: Are We Setting Our Dogs Up For Failure?
2024-10-19 10:00 - 11:30 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Join Kerrie Hoar, owner of Crimson Hound, LLC, and La Crescent Animal Rescue for an enlightening session on canine body language and what you can do to understand, communicate with, and advocate for your dog. Grab your tickets now! All proceeds go to La Crescent Animal Rescue.
Kerrie Hoar, M.S., CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT, FDM, FFCP is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and Dog Trainer with her own local business: Crimson Hound LLC

Carve Your Clan: A Stonecarving Workshop with Jeffrey Tibbetts
2024-10-26 13:00 - 16:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Join us for this special workshop which blends ceremony, culture and art to deliver a unique hands-on experience. During this three-hour class participants will carve a physical representation from a natural material while developing an understanding of the Ojibwe world view. This workshop is free and open to the public, ages 14+. Registration is required; scan the QR code or click the link to sign up.
This Legacy-funded event is part of our Driftless Regional Read programming. Legacy programs are made possible thanks to the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, and Minnesota residents like you!

Lions Halloween Brat Fry
2024-10-31 11:00 - 17:00 | MN
La Crescent Lions will have brats, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, soda, water, etc from 11am to 5pm on Halloween Day. The location is Quillins parking lot.

La Crescent Businesses Trick or Treat Event
2024-10-31 15:00 - 17:00 | MN
Greetings from ESB Banking & Insurance,
We are excited to continue sponsoring the La Crescent Businesses Trick or Treat Event. This will be year #24!
WHEN: Thursday October 31st, 2024 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM.
Where: La Crescent Businesses
Contact Becky at ESB Bank for details. rduerwachter@esbbanking.com or 507-895-2227

La Crescent Lions Club Sportsman's Raffle
2024-11-01 17:30 - 22:00 | La Crescent Area Event Center, 595 Veterans Parkway, La Crescent, MN, 55947
Doors open at 5:30p.m. First drawing at 6:30p.m.
$30 per ticket – available for sale at Thorson Graphics or call Chris at 608.769.4907
Free food and beverage at event included with raffle ticket.
Various side raffles available throughout the event.
Please join us for our 10th Annual event!

Wall of Excellence
2024-11-03 17:00 - 20:30 | La Crescent Area Event Center, 595 Veterans Parkway, La Crescent, MN, 55947
The Lancer Wall of Excellence recognizes staff, alumni, and friends of the La Crescent-Hokah School District who have contributed significantly to the community or career. This award is given out each year.
To nominate an individual, please click here to fill out a form electronically at https://www.isd300.k12.mn.us/page/district-300-foundation or print and complete a form and submit it to district300foundation@isd300.k12.mn.us.

Scrapbooking Party
2024-11-07 18:00 - 20:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Bring any printed photos, stickers, or fancy pens you want to use to put together a scrapbook page! We’ll have 12 x 12 scrapbook paper available and some stickers & supplies. Enjoy tea or hot cocoa and listen to relaxing music while you work! Geared toward teens & adults; all are welcome!

Apple Valley Gifts Holiday Open House
2024-11-08 11:00 - 17:00 | Apple Valley Gifts, 329 Main St, La Crescent, MN, 55947
Starting Friday, November 8th-Saturday November 16th, 2024. 20% off any one item. See store for details and exclusions.

Lunch and Learn with Minnesota Main Street
2024-11-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Corky’s Pizza, 25 S Walnut St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Minnesota Main Street Staff will present the basics of what makes Main Street communities successful, and an introduction to the Main Street 4-Point Approach.
Cost is $10.00 (includes pizza and a drink)
Seating is limited to the first 30.
RSVP to Brian Meeter at chamber@explorelacrescent.com

Happy Dancing Turtle Presents: Bears
2024-11-14 16:00 - 17:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Perfect for late fall/early winter, we discuss the different types of bears, what type of bears we have locally, and what a year in the life of a bear looks like. We’ll also play a game where we scavenge to find enough food for winter and try out a blubber glove to see why a fat layer is so important!

Before Oppenheimer, There Was Wilhelm
2024-11-14 18:00 - 19:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
The La Crescent Public Library will host author Teresa Wilhelm Waldof on Thursday, November 14th, 6:00pm at the Community Building.
Learn about the Iowa chemist whose scientific innovation helped end WWII. Through the book WILHELM’S WAY, author Teresa Wilhelm Waldof reveals the largely untold story of her grandfather, Dr. Harley Wilhelm, the humble Iowa State College chemistry professor whose scientific breakthrough saved the Manhattan Project.
During her presentation, Teresa will share stories of Dr. Wilhelm’s life and scientific contributions, as well as the fascinating history behind the Ames & Manhattan Projects, and the founding of the Ames Laboratory.
This event is a part of the 2024 Minnesota Author Tour, organized by SELCO (Southeastern Library Cooperating) and funded through Minnesota’s Legacy Amendment Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Finding Your Third Place with Author Richard Kyte
2024-11-19 18:00 - 19:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Your first place is home, your second place is work, your third place is where you socialize. However, many adults today find themselves without a third place of their own. Join local author Richard Kyte for a discussion on his new book FINDING YOUR THIRD PLACE, which takes an exciting new look at the essential gathering spaces in our society where friendships are formed, relationships are nurtured, and the tapestry of community is woven.
Pearl Street Books will be selling copies of the book after the program. This event is part of our Driftless Regional Read programming, Art and the Driftless Region.

Healthy Holiday Desserts: A Nutrition and Cooking Demo
2024-11-23 13:00 - 15:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
This cooking demonstration will focus on healthy desserts. The holiday season is filled with desserts and sweet treats! Come learn how to make some whole-food, plant-based desserts. Healthy desserts are a good way to indulge and still consume whole grains, beans, and fruit! To help us provide enough food for all to enjoy, please register your attendance here: https://forms.gle/odnjzmHYaNFGrVks7
This activity is funded by the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Cooperative Agreement Number U24LM014070 with the University of Iowa, Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, and the University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences Library System.

Storytime for Adults: I Snow You Are, But What Am I?
2024-12-03 18:30 - 20:00 | TimeOut Tavern, 444 N Chestnut St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Join us to hear your favorite local librarians and performers read some of our favorite short stories and essays at TimeOut Tavern in La Crescent. This month’s theme focuses on all things winter!
For ages 21+ only. Caution: stories may include adult content.
Listener discretion is advised. Registration is not required.
This program is free to attend, but please support our business partners by purchasing food and/or drink. Thank you!

An Evening with Marcie Rendon: Anishinaabe Author, Poet, and Playwright
2024-12-05 18:30 - 19:30 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Join us at the Community Building for a conversation with the author of the Cash Blackbear series, Anishinaabe mystery writer Marcie R. Rendon!
Pearl Street Books will be selling copies of Marcie’s books, which she will be available to sign after the program.
MARCIE R. RENDON is an enrolled member of the White Earth Nation, author, playwright, poet, freelance writer, and community arts activist. Rendon supports native artists, writers, and creators to pursue their art, and is a speaker for colleges and community groups on Native issues, leadership, writing. As the creative mind behind Raving Native Theater, Rendon has also curated community created performances such as Art Is… Creative Native Resilience, featuring three Anishinaabe performance artists, which premiered on TPT (Twin Cities Public Television), June 2019.
This program is sponsored through a community collaboration grant with the City of La Crescent and the La Crescent Area Historical Society thanks to the MN Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Houston Holidazzle
2024-12-07 09:00 - 18:00 | Houston Public School, 306 W Elm Street, Houston, 55943, United States
Houston Holidazzle 2024 Dashing Through the Snow 1 mile fun run/walkFREE TO ENTER THIS YEAR/FUN PRIZES TO THE FIRST 50 PARTICIPANTS TO REGISTER THE DAY OF THE RACEDecember 7, 2024 at 9:30 AM (Registration starts at 9am)This years theme is “GRINCH”Whether you want to dress up as the classic green grump,Cindy Lou Who, or one of the merry Who’s from Whoville, wecannot wait to see your creative take!Strollers and pets welcome!*Registration is FREE this year but come at 9am to register on December 7th & get fun prizes for the first 50 participants to sign up.Questions?-email prkeehner@gmail.com.*After the race, stay for the Houston Holidazzle, starting in the high school at 10 AM
Evening ends with a parade and lighting up the park.

HOLIDAY TRAIN
2024-12-10 14:00 - 15:00 | 215 So Chestnut St. La Crescent, in the parking lot, 215 So Chestnut St., La Crescent, MN, 55947
Join us to celebrate the holidays! Please bring a donation for the La Crescent Food Shelf.

Hygge for Hot Reads (Silent Book Club)
2025-02-06 18:00 - 20:00 | La Crescent Public Library, 321 Main St., La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Hygge (hyoo-ga) is a Nordic word that basically means “cozy”. Stay cozy at the library after hours for our Silent Book Club, Hygge for Hot Reads! Wear your comfiest clothes, bring a blanket & a good book, and enjoy a warm beverage, quiet music, & silent reading time.
Hot Reads for Cold Nights is our winter reading program for grown-ups. Fill out book reviews to earn prizes & raffle entries for the grand prize:
~ 1st & 2nd book reviews: Hot cocoa & raffle entry ~ 3rd book review: Hot cocoa, raffle entry, & mug ~ Grand prize: Affogato Lane gift basket ~

Valentine Chocolate Sale
2025-02-13 15:30 - 18:00 | La Crescent Public Library, 321 Main St., La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Order chocolate for Valentine’s Day and support your local library at the same time! The Friends of the La Crescent Library are hosting their annual Valentine Chocolate Sale at the library on Thursday, Feb. 13th 3:30-6pm. Pre-orders are strongly encouraged – call (507) 895-4047 to order before Feb. 3rd. The assortment of homemade chocolates and fudge are pre-plated. Plates are $15 each.

Planning Meeting For All School Reunion
2025-02-20 18:30 - 20:00 | La Crescent-Hokah High School, 1301 Lancer Blvd., La Crescent, Minnesota, 55947, United States
La Crescent-Hokah ALL SCHOOL REUNION
A small group of “Old Lancers,” (The Spirit of the Sixties Scholarship Committee) are hoping, before it’s too late, to have a La Crescent-Hokah ALL SCHOOL REUNION!
The spring of 2026 will mark 60 years since our first graduates, the Class of 1966, received the first-ever diplomas issued by District #300!
We’ve got a date selected: The weekend of July 18, 2026.
We’ve made initial contact with the City of La Crescent and with the La Crescent-Hokah Schools. They have both expressed enthusiastic support!
Now, in order to make this happen we need help! We need individual community members, alumni, school staff, city officials, civic groups, Apple Fest folks, and business people.
We need leadership, ideas, enthusiasm, and financial resources.
We will hold our initial organizational meeting on Thursday, February 20th, at 6:30 in the media center at La Crescent High School.
If you cannot attend but are interested in contributing your thoughts/help in the planning process, please reach out to us.
John Haugan
jdhaugan@gmail.com
507-429-0426
Linda (Tikal) Gasper
ddtikal@gmail.com
608-385-6671
Our last All School Reunion was in 1991. That reunion was a boost for our entire community. It renewed relationships, and we had a great time!
Please spread the word, and we look forward to seeing you on the 20th!
John D. Haugan
Class of ‘66
Linda (Tikal) Gasper
Class of ‘68

Annual Chamber Member Dinner, Celebration, & Live Auction
2025-02-22 17:00 - 21:00 | Pettibone Resort, 333 Park Plaza Dr, La Crosse, 54601, United States
Join us for an evening of delicious food, great company, and exciting auction items, all while celebrating our members and the incredible achievements of our local business community.
✨ Highlights include:

A tasty dinner
Live auction with exclusive items
Networking with fellow members and community leaders

Timeline:

5PM: Social Hour, Cash Bar, Raffle Baskets
6PM-6:45PM: Buffet Style Dinner
6:45-End: Program and Live Auction

RSVP today to reserve your spot and be part of this special celebration! Tables are $300

Documentary & Dialogue
2025-02-27 18:00 - 20:30 | Corky’s Pizza, 25 S Walnut St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Join us for a documentary showing and discussion of “Separated: Children at the Border,” the inside story of what happened to immigrant children separated from their parents at the border. The film explores the impact of a “zero tolerance” policy, and how various policies have dealt with minors at the border. Following the viewing, we’ll have a discussion led by the Refugee Response Team from Prince of Peace Church.
Run time of the film is 1 hour and is rated for ages 14 and up. Discussion questions, further reading and viewing materials, and resources will be provided at the program.
This event is free to attend and sponsored by the La Crescent Public Library and Refugee Response Team of Prince of Peace Church. We encourage attendees to support our venue partner, Corky’s, by purchasing food and drink if you are able.

Oline Muus: The Life and Legacy of a Norwegian-American Feminist
2025-03-12 18:30 - 19:30 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Join the La Crescent Public Library for a book talk with Kari Lie Dorer, the editor & co-translator of Muus vs. Muus: The Scandal that Shook Norwegian America.
Oline Muus was many things: Norwegian Immigrant, pastor’s wife, mother, and valued member of her rural Minnesotan Lutheran congregation. But when she sued her husband to recoup her inheritance, she gained notoriety throughout Norwegian America and beyond.
Kari Lie Dorer holds the King Olav V Chair of Scandinavian-American Studies at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN.

Bringing Light into Darkness.
2025-04-09 17:00 - 19:30 | La Crescent-Hokah High School, 1301 Lancer Blvd., La Crescent, Minnesota, 55947, United States
La Crescent Lions & Rotary Clubs invite you to attend an important community event on Suicide Prevention on the evening of April 9th. We are working with Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center, La Crescent-Hokah High School, and other sponsors, for this Bringing Light Into Darkness event.
We need volunteers to help serve the free meal, but we also want to encourage all our members to show support by attending the event.
We get it; suicide prevention can be a difficult topic, but the conversation is important – not just in our schools – but throughout our community. Come share a meal, walk through our Resource Fair, and watch a documentary about a young suicide survivor, Emma Benoit, who will then be part of a panel discussion following the documentary.
You can come for just the meal and resource fair or stay for the whole event. You will learn ways you may be able to help a grandchild, a friend, or a neighbor. Counselors will be available throughout the evening to assist as needed.
April 9th Schedule: 5pm – 6pm Free Meal and Community Resource Tables, 6pm – 7:30pm Showing of “My Ascension”, 7:30 – 8:30pm Panel Discussion Featuring Emma Benoit.
