Surveys from attendees of the Meander Upper Minnesota River Arts crawl reveal that more than 70% of them come from outside the five county area that is home to the Meander artists. That is good news for area hotels, gas stations and restaurants who serve the visitors to the area. The visitors are also a big reason why the Meander sponsors evening events for those coming to experience the area’s art studios during the day. This year, special events are being held in Granite Falls on Friday night October 1 and In Dawson on Saturday, October 2.
The Light Up the River Festival will take place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Granite Falls. It will feature live music performances and artist open houses from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the K.K. Berge building, the Falls Cafe and the Bluenose Gopher Public House — all located on Prentice Street. At 6:40 p.m. festival attendees will be asked to gather around a bonfire near the footbridge that spans the Minnesota River to drink hot chocolate and to witness a dancing performance on the footbridge starting at 7 p.m. From 7 to 8 p.m., an outdoor film will be shown followed by a DJ FNK “Get Lit” afterparty at the Bluenose Gopher. All the events are free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.visitgranitefalls.com.
On Saturday night October 2 at 7 p.m. there will be a concert featuring Country Classics with the Traveling Opry Show at the Memorial Auditorium at 601 9th Street in Dawson. Becky Schlegel will highlight the event. Schlegel is an award-winning singer-songwriter based in Olmsted County. Tickets for the concert will be available at the door for $15 for adults and $5 for students. For more information visit www.dawsonboydarts.com
The 2021 Meander Upper Minnesota River Valley Arts Crawl is held in a five county area stretching from Ortonville to Granite Falls on October 1, 2 & 3. This event features 41 artists exhibiting in and near the Western Minnesota Communities of Ortonville, Appleton, Madison, Milan, Dawson, Danvers, Montevideo and Granite Falls.
A
free brochure detailing the locations of Meander art studios and events can be
obtained by calling 1-866-866-5432. The brochure can also be downloaded at: www.artsmeander.com. More information can also
be found on the Meander Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MeanderArtCrawl.