Annual Trout Days Celebration Just Around the Corner

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Trout Days festivities in Preston, Minn., from May 17 to May 19.

The honored Grand Marshals for this year are Bob and Elaine Maust, shining examples of dedicated community volunteers. Their commitment is evident through their active engagement with the Preston Historical Society and their annual involvement in organizing the fall tractor ride. Bob played a pivotal role in bringing the Minnesota State Veterans Home to Preston and also served on the building committee for the Preston Methodist church. Meanwhile, Elaine has served as the treasurer of the church ladies organization for numerous years. Additionally, both have generously dedicated their time to participate in missionary trips to Honduras.

City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton extends an invitation to visitors, “Come to Preston for a weekend full of family-friendly activities, Trout Days kicks off with the EMS steak dinner Friday evening, followed by the kids fishing contest Saturday morning, the car show downtown, a huge vendor market, kids events and the parade at 4 p.m. Don’t forget to stick around for the fireworks at dusk. Come to Preston and grab a bite to eat whether it’s at the food truck or the local brewery, there are events for everyone to enjoy.”

New this year is a drive-through car show on Saturday, May 18, from 3-3:30 p.m. Participants will drive their vehicles around the front entrance loop of the Minnesota Veterans Home located at 1864 First Minnesota in the scenic hill overlooking Preston. 

The celebration is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a round of disc golf. You can choose between the new 18-hole Preston Disc Golf Course located at the intersection of Park St. and Jeremiah St. or opt for the 9-hole Preston ANYSPORT Disc Golf Course, conveniently located next to the fairgrounds.

Saturday evening from 5–7 p.m., immerse yourself in the captivating melodies of The Lonely Knees at the Fire Department Beer Garden. At 5 p.m. catch Brenda and Matt Stier’s performance at Trout City Brewing. Later from 8:00 p.m. until midnight, JT Gunslinger Duo will be performing at The Club.

Upcoming Bluff

Country Events

• Syttende Mai, May 15-19, Spring Grove.
• SEMBA Spring Grove Bluegrass Festival, May 17-19 Houston.
• Spring Valley Gravel Bike Race, May 18, Spring Valley.
• State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony, May 26, Preston.
• Party in the Park, May 31, Charles City, Iowa.
• Charles City Challenge Whitewater Fest, May 31-June 2, Charles City, Iowa. 
• Music on the Bluff, May 31, Whalan.

The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region.  

For information on upcoming town festivals and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining, and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.