Explore La Crescent

Soul Collage
2024-04-06 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Join the La Crescent Public Library in kicking off our celebration of National Library Week!
What is SoulCollage®?
It is an expressive arts practice done individually or in community. Founded by Seena Frost, it is a simple creative process that is simultaneously deep and profound. It is a way to “tap into” your deeper authentic self and discover your inner wisdom which may well surprise you!
Through the process of SoulCollage you learn to access and trust your intuition and create cards that are the unique and wonderful story of you. It inherently has a depth of personal meaning that guides the exploration of your life’s questions and sets direction for living into the answers.
You do not need any artistic abilities to do SoulCollage. If you can cut and glue pictures, you are good to go!
Carmel Irving, MTh, MSW, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and Life Coach based in Onalaska, WI. Carmel has extensive experience in using expressive arts for healing, self-discovery and well-being. Carmel is a trained SoulCollage® facilitator who is passionate about sharing this creative, playful, and transformative process with others

Final Four Lancer Softball Fundraiser
2024-04-06 16:00 - 22:00 | Sports Hub, 25 N Walnut St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Join Softball Boosters for our 3rd year of watching the final four basketball games on the big screens!
Final Four boards for both the men’s and women’s teams, games, and raffle prizes including meat, cash, and local gift cards.
Enjoy food, drinks, friends, and help support the Lancer Softball program 💚

Book Bingo Night
2024-04-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Swing Bridge Pub, 595 Veterans Parkway, Suite 200, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
We’re celebrating National Library Week with a fun game night of bingo! Bring your friends, family, or just yourself to Swing Bridge! Get a bingo, win a book! This is a family friendly event, with prizes available for all ages. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

La Crescent Live 2024 Kick-Off Event
2024-04-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Wieser Park Pavilion, 1817 County 6, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
You are Invited to a fun-filled social with music, snack, & drinks!
Friday, April 12, 2024
5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m.
Wieser Park Pavilion
Please join us as we:
* Thank our founding sponsors
* Reveal our exciting summer concert schedule
* Share easy ways YOU can help
Bring a Friend!

Author Talk with Cathy Coats
2024-04-13 11:00 - 13:00 | Ho-Chunk Nation Three Rivers House, 724 Main St., La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
Join the La Crescent Public Library and the Ho-Chunk Nation for an author talk with Cathy Coats about her new book, To Banish Forever: A Secret Society, the Ho-Chunk, and Ethnic Cleansing in Minnesota. We will gather at the Ho-Chunk Nation Three Rivers House (724 Main St, La Crosse) – food will be provided. Pearl Street Books will be selling copies of the book after the program.
About the book: In 1863, after the end of the US–Dakota War, a group of white men living in Mankato formed a secret society, the Knights of the Forest. At the beginning of every meeting, members recited their ritual pledge: “I sincerely hope this meeting may be profitable to each one of us, and that we may go forth from this Lodge stronger and braver in the determination to banish forever from our beautiful State every Indian who now desecrates our soil.”
The Ho-Chunk people, who had not participated in the war, occupied a reservation about two miles south of Mankato on some of the state’s richest agricultural lands. The Knights, determined to claim these lands for their own profit, advocated for the removal of the Ho-Chunk, who had already been forced to move three times. Exploiting the fears of white people living in the area at the end of the brutal war, the Knights sent armed men to surround the Ho-Chunk reservation, threatening to shoot anyone who crossed the line.
Cathy Coats is a Metadata Specialist at the University of Minnesota Libraries, Twin Cities. The book is published with the Minnesota Historical Society Press. This program is co-sponsored by the La Crescent Public Library and the La Crescent Area Historical Society in partnership with the Ho-Chunk Nation La Crosse Youth and Learning Center.

Lancer Football Comedy Night
2024-04-13 18:00 - 21:00 | La Crescent Area Event Center, 595 Veterans Parkway, La Crescent, MN, 55947
Come join us for a hilarious night of laughter at the La Crescent Area Event Center! Our Lancer Football Comedy Night is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone and leave you in stitches. Get ready to enjoy a side-splitting evening filled with top-notch comedians and non-stop laughter. This in-person event promises to be a blast! So gather your friends and family, and get ready for a night of unforgettable entertainment. Don’t miss out on this uproarious event!
**18 and older suggested**

Get tickets at: https://lancer-football.ticketleap.com/lancer-football-comedy-night/details

ABLE Fun Night 2024
2024-04-19 18:00 - 21:00 | La Crescent Area Event Center, 595 Veterans Parkway, La Crescent, MN, 55947
Fun Night is ABLE’s largest fundraising event of the year with proceeds supporting our organization’s vision of an inclusive community where everyone belongs. Money raised is used for a variety of things to support the people at ABLE including outings, supplies, adaptive equipment and to pay for other necessities to help our people supported live full and vibrant lives.
Tickets are $25 per person and include entry into a drawing for one of two $250 cash prizes, dinner, keg beer and non-alcoholic beverages.
Table sponsorships are $500 for a table of 8 and includes table signage at the event, a pre-event Facebook post and recognition in any post event communications. Each table will also receive a special special door prize.
Tickets and table sponsorships can be purchase online or at our La Crescent or Caledonia offices.

Lancer Night Out - District 300 Foundation Spring Fundraiser
2024-04-26 17:00 - 23:00 | Valley High Golf Course, 9203 T-243, Houston, MN, 55943, United States
Live Music | Silent & Live Auction | Raffles
Courtesy shuttle by Ready Bus Company!
Food while it lasts!
Doors open at 5!
The Monday’s start at 7!
Tickets: $35
Contact any Foundation Board member or call 507-895-5051 to purchase.
50/50 Raffle
Silent & Live Auction
EXPERIENCES! Game Day, WI Dells, & more.
Gift Baskets & More!
The La Crescent-Hokah School District 300 Foundation is a vibrant, 501 (c) 3 charitable organization with the specific mission of positively impacting students and staff in the District. The Foundation continues to grow each day thanks to the generous support from citizens, community organizations, school district staff, local businesses, and major corporate partners.
The Foundation was created with a simple vision… to give staff an extra edge by helping to create exciting and innovative programs that enhance traditional school learning experiences, as well as by providing scholarships for students as they pursue higher education.
The La Crescent-Hokah School District 300 Foundation provides support annually in two specific areas:
* Apple Grants, which serve as an incentive for staff to go the extra mile for students in the District. Grants can be for projects and materials not covered by annual operating dollars such as book bags, enrichment experiences, teaching and learning activities, as well as various other much-needed items
* Scholarships

Fuel Your Body, Fuel Your Life: A Nutrition and Cooking Demo
2024-04-28 11:30 - 13:30 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Join us for a fun, engaging nutrition education series at the La Crescent Community Center. Fuel your body, Fuel your life is a proud partnership between the All of Us Research Program, Plant Partners, and the La Crescent Public Library. This series will be led by Anna Kitzmann, a member of Plant Partners, a Gundersen Health System volunteer employee group, which seeks to promote food is medicine. In addition to being a physician, Anna is a Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist with a plant-based nutrition certificate and has taught numerous Culinary Medicine classes locally. She is passionate about a whole-foods plant-based diet and throughout this series, you will learn how to prepare dishes that can elevate your health and wellness.
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.

Hindustani Concert with Sana Illahe
2024-05-03 16:30 - 17:30 | River View Vineyard and Winery, 32882 County Road 1, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
MOVED TO FRIDAY, MAY 3RD DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST.
Sana Illahe is a vocalist trained in Pakistani (Hindustani) tradition. She sings classical, semi and folk classical songs from the tradition that are centuries old and are passed on to her orally by her music guru in Pakistan. She also plays instruments such as the harmonium, surmandal and tanpura during her performances. In this concert, she will be joined by Luke Thering on the piano with some of their original compositions.
Apart from song writing, and composong, Dr. Illahe teaches in the Race, Gender and Sexuality Studies department of UW-La Crosse.
Luke Thering is a composer and pianist based in La Crosse, WI. In addition to solo piano compositions, he has written scores for theatrical productions including ‘The Elephant Speaks Jazz’ (2022) and ‘Mop Dog’ (2016). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Piano Performance & Music Theory / Composition from UW-La Crosse.
This program is sponsored by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, and is part of our La Crescent Community Read programming. Join us in learning more by reading along to Minnesota author, Nigar Alam’s “Under the Tamarind Tree.” Copies available at the library.

Applefest Button Reveal and Button Pre-Sale Special
2024-05-03 17:30 - 20:00 | Wieser Park
Join the Applefest Board, Royalty, 2024 Top 3 Button Candidates, and their families for an evening of celebration at Wieser Park Pavilion 1817 County Rd 6, La Crescent MN. Social Hour will start at 5:30 pm and button reveal will be at 6:30 pm.
This night ONLY, the 2024 Applefest Button is $5.00!

A Taste of India!
2024-05-11 17:00 - 19:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
La Crescent Public Library & the Cultural Heritage Association of India (CHAI) of La Crosse present a Taste of India! Join us for the open house between 5-7pm, with a welcome & storytime at 5pm and a cultural dance performance at 5:30pm. Visit a variety of interactive booths showcasing Indian clothing, spices, art, food, and beverage. All are welcome – fun for all ages!

Rain Gardens and Native Prairie Planting
2024-05-15 18:00 - 19:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
What Is a Rain Garden?
A rain garden is a depression in the landscape that is planted like a garden. Its purpose is to collect rainwater runoff and allow the runoff to infiltrate into the ground.
Join Jason Ludwigson – Sustainability Coordinator for the City of La Crescent – on May 15th at 6 p.m. to learn more about residential rain gardens.

La Crescent Community Read - Under the Tamarind Tree
2024-05-20 10:00 - 11:00 | La Crescent Public Library, 321 Main St., La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Join us for our La Crescent Community Read! Featuring Minnesota author, Nigar Alam, we’re giving away 50 copies of “Under the Tamarind Tree.” Nab yours at the library or check one out with your library card!
Find programs featuring Indian and Pakistani culture, join us May 25th for a visit with the author, and come to one of our book clubs at the library on May 20th at 10am or 6pm.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One night. Four friends. Countless secrets.
1964. Karachi, Pakistan. Rozeena is running out of time. She’ll lose her home—her parents’ safe haven since fleeing India and the terrors of Partition—if her medical career doesn’t take off soon. But success may come with an unexpected price. Meanwhile the interwoven lives of her childhood best friends—Haaris, Aalya, and Zohair—seem to be unraveling with each passing day. The once small and inconsequential differences between their families’ social standing now threaten to divide them. Then one fateful night someone ends up dead and the life they once took for granted shatters.
2019. Rozeena receives a call from a voice she never thought she’d hear again. What begins as an ask to look after a friend’s teenaged granddaughter struggling with her own demons grows into an unconventional friendship—one that unearths buried secrets and just might ruin everything Rozeena has worked so hard to protect.
Captivating and atmospheric, Under the Tamarind Tree shows us the high-stakes ripple effects of generational trauma, and the lengths people will go to protect the ones they love.
***
This community read is sponsored by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, along with the SELCO system.

Storytime for Adults: Secrets We Can't Keep
2024-05-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Swing Bridge Pub, 595 Veterans Parkway, Suite 200, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Why should kids have all the fun?
Join us to hear your favorite local librarians and performers read some of our favorite short stories, essays, and more at Swing Bridge Pub on the patio. Come early to grab a table and order food and drink.
For ages 21+ only. Caution: stories may include adult content. Listener discretion is advised. Registration is not required.

Author Talk with Nigar Alam
2024-05-25 10:30 - 11:30 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Join the La Crescent Public Library at the Community Building on Saturday, May 25th, 10:30am for a special opportunity to visit with author Nigar Alam! Her book, Under the Tamarind Tree, is our May Community Read. Stick around after this program for a book signing hosted by Pearl Street Books.
This program is made possible thanks to a grant from SELCO and Legacy funding. We’re able to give away copies of the book on a first-come, first-serve basis, so stop by the library to pick one up and join us for our Community Read events!

Applefest Man & Woman of the Year Nominations
2024-06-05 - 2024-08-16 | MN
Each year, La Crescent Applefest Board awards 2 outstanding individuals in our area as Man and Woman of the Year. Nominee names are kept and voted on for 3 years by the Applefest Board of Directors. Nominations can be sent to the Applefest Board from nominee peers, family members, friends, and coworkers. Recipients need to reside within the ISD #300 district and must be involved in volunteering for the community.
Nominations must be submitted by August 16th, 2024, for the prospective year for consideration. Nominations accepted after date will be included in the nominations the following year. Please note the presentation of the award is on the Saturday of Applefest, at Coronation.
If you know of someone that is deserving of this award, please complete the form at the link:

Welcome to Storytelling with the Bluff Country Tale Spinners
2024-06-08 10:30 - 11:30 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Kick-off Summer Reading Storytime with the Bluff Country Tale Spinners & La Crosse Storytelling Festival: WELCOME to Storytelling! Come hear wonderful tales told by expert storytellers and enjoy a craft time after the stories.
The La Crosse Storytelling Festival is the premier event in this area. We are committed to providing excellent storytelling experiences in the Coulee Region. It will be held on July 19 & 20, 2024 at the Pump House Regional Arts Center.
Check us out at:
https://www.lacrossestoryfest.com/ and
https://www.lacrossestoryfest.com/bluff-country-tale…/

The Pulse of the Planet: Big Rivers and Their Role in Sustaining Life with Dean Klinkenberg
2024-06-08 13:00 - 14:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Big rivers are one of nature’s greatest gifts, yet we fundamentally misunderstand them. We see them as a threat when they run high, but otherwise value them mostly for what we can move on top of them. Big rivers are complete systems that move and circulate water and nutrients, creating and sustaining life from the smallest microorganisms to the largest predators. They work because the water, trees, grasses, rocks, and sand provide homes and sustenance for fish, mammals, rodents, insects, birds, and so much more. We need big rivers, for the life they create and sustain, for their beauty, for the sanctuary they offer from the stresses and demands of modern civilization. Big rivers also remind us that we are just one part of a big and complex world, one that we need to take care of for our own survival.
Dean Klinkenberg is a St. Louis-based writer who focuses much of his writing and research on the Mississippi River. He has driven virtually all of the Great River Road, hiked and canoed the river on multi-day expeditions, and cruised on the American Queen steamboat as a guest lecturer. He is the author of the book “The Wild Mississippi: A State-by-State Guide to the River’s Natural Wonders”. Dean is a longtime partner in the Mississippi River Network (MRN), a coalition of organizations advocating for healthy and resilient river ecosystems.

Digital Scavenger Hunt with Master Naturalist Joni Welda
2024-06-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Wagon Wheel Bridge Trail Head, 33 South Walnut, La Crescent, MN, 55947
Join us for a Digital Scavenger Hunt on Wagon Wheel Trail in La Crescent! This nature walk is led by Master Naturalist Joni Welda. Use digital cameras to take photos of nature as you walk along the trail. We’ll meet at the Red Bridge in La Crescent, starting on the side by ESB Bank.
Cameras provided. Wear comfy clothes, walking shoes, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Hillbilly Rocketship
2024-06-12 17:30 - 19:30 | 322 S 1st St, La Crescent
La Crescent Lions Club presents this free concert that will take place in the green space behind the La Crescent Public Library. A temporary concert space is being created with you in mind and we can’t wait to experience live music with you in the heart of La Crescent! Please make plans to join us! To learn more about our first featured band of the 2024 Summer Concert Series, check them out here… www.hillbillyrocketship.com

Minnesota Author Tour Welcomes Kao Kalia Yang
2024-06-13 18:00 - 19:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
The La Crescent Public Library is THRILLED to host author Kao Kalia Yang on June 13th at 6pm at the Community Building! Her visit is part of the SELCO Library Minnesota Author Tour.
Yang’s work crosses audiences and genres to center the Hmong experience in America. Her books have won multiple awards and include The Late Homecomer, The Song Poet, The Most Beautiful Thing, and her latest, Where Rivers Part: A Story of My Mother’s Life. The book is a memoir about her mother’s life as a child in war-torn Laos, a young wife and refugee in Thailand, and an immigrant parent in the U.S.
Join us for a talk with Kalia and book signing after the program. Pearl Street Books will have copies of Yang’s works available for purchase at the event.
This program is sponsored by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund in partnership with the SELCO Library System.

The Magic of Isaiah Presents: Adventures in Reading!
2024-06-17 14:00 - 15:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Join magician, juggler, & comedian Isaiah Foster and his friend Manual as they guide you through a magical & fun reading adventure! Learn the importance of reading through fiction, nonfiction, & magic, and get excited to check out books at the library. Adventure Begins at YOUR Library!

Lunch and Learn: City Council Update
2024-06-18 12:00 - 13:00 | TimeOut Tavern, 444 N Chestnut St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Join us at TimeOut Tavern for our next Lunch and Learn as we welcome city Council Member Cherryl Jostad, who will be providing us with a variety of city updates as well as informing us about ways we can get involved with and be more informed about the city of La Crescent. Lunch details to come. Plan to spend about $10-$15 for lunch.
RSVP Brian at chamber@explorelacrescent.com

Applefest Button and Apparel Sale at the La Crescent Farmers Market
2024-06-18 16:00 - 19:00 | La Crescent Area Event Center, 595 Veterans Parkway, La Crescent, MN, 55947
Applefest is September 20-22, 2024. Come see us at the Farmers Market and get your Applefest button now for only $7! Prices will go up in August. This is a great opportunity to check out some Applefest merchandise as well.

POP PICNIC
2024-06-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Wieser Park
Prince of Peace will have a Community Picnic at Wieser Park.
All are invited to attend.
Rain Location: Prince of Peace Fellowship Hall

Storytelling 101 for Kids
2024-06-20 10:00 - 12:00 | La Crescent-Hokah Elementary School, 504 S Oak St., La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
This program is provided by Sandbar Storytelling Festival in partnership with La Crescent Public Library.
Storytelling 101 is a workshop for children to learn the in’s and out’s of storytelling!
Most Suited for: Ages 7+
Katie Knutson will be in Winona for a Summer Residency this upcoming June 19-22! These events are FREE and Open to the Public, and will NOT require tickets/reservations.
Katie is a professional storyteller based in Minneapolis, MN. She has performed on 3 continents, is a skilled Teaching Artist and Workshop Leader, and is currently the Executive Director of Northeast Storytelling. Katie is an Arts Integration Specialist and promotes Social Justice through Storytelling.
We are proud to announce this program is offered free of charge, made possible through grant funding awarded by: Winona Community Foundation
Sponsored by: AmericInn by Wyndham- Winona
To view the full schedule, visit our website at https://sandbarstorytellingfestival.org/box…/education/

Dan Sebranek and Mary with Wayne Beezley
2024-06-26 17:30 - 19:30 | MN
La Crescent Lions Club present this free concert that will take place in the green space behind the La Crescent Public Library. A temporary concert space is being created with you in mind and we can’t wait to experience live music with you in the heart of La Crescent! Please make plans to join us! To learn more about our musician, check out his website at: dansebranek.com

Graphic Novel Book Talk
2024-06-27 15:00 - 16:30 | La Crescent Public Library, 321 Main St., La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Learn about a variety of graphic novels and comic books with UWL English Professor Ryan Friesen! After the presentation, hang out at the Makerspace to make your own comic book & characters!

Friends of the Library Front Porch Sale
2024-06-29 10:00 - 13:00 | La Crescent Public Library, 321 Main St., La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Support our Friends of the La Crescent Public Library and shop our Front Porch Sale!
$4/bag All proceeds help support the library!
