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This year marks the 10th anniversary of Founders Day being held in downtown Caledonia. The celebration has grown from a one-day to a three-day community celebration filled with memorable homegrown activities. Previously held at the county fairgrounds, the event was moved downtown 10 years ago to support local businesses. Today, the focus remains firmly on the city’s historic downtown.
Festivities kick off Thursday evening, June 12, with St. Mary’s School Summer Bash, featuring music, games, a dunk tank, and walking tacos.
A popular event is the Cheeseburger Drive-Thru, hosted by the American Dairy Association, which takes place on Friday night, June 13, from 5-8 p.m. at the fairgrounds.
“We truly feel that there is something for everyone,” shared event organizer Helen Olson.
Saturday, June 14, starts off with the Caledonia Fire Department Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast, held from 7-10 a.m. at the fire station. Don’t miss the annual fire department’s water fight Saturday afternoon in front of the fire station.
New this year is Krazy Dayz, a one-of-a-kind street sale on Kingston Street featuring over 20 pop-up vendors. Expect vintage items, artisan goods, handmade crafts, furniture, skincare products, crocheted items, baked goods, candles, dog treats, clothing, and more. In addition to the vendors, there will be live glassblowing, music, free outdoor games for adults and kids, permanent jewelry, and temporary tattoos.
Also new this year is a scavenger hunt. Sign up at the beer tent by 12 p.m. Teams of two will search throughout the city limits to locate pieces of Caledonia’s history.
Saturday also includes the annual 5K Run/Walk and the popular Randy Klinski Memorial Car Show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The beer tent opens at 11 a.m., and a bean bag tournament will take place during the day. The Founder’s Day Parade steps off at 4 p.m.
Enjoy live music Saturday night at the Main Stage featuring Bruce & Virgil followed by the Jay R. Brink Band.
Kids will enjoy the Children’s Outdoor Adventure Funfest at Gazebo Park – activities, crafts, games, inflatable fun, climbing wall, tie-dye, and snacks from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A sawdust pile at 1 p.m. at Gazebo Park and kid’s activities from 4:30-8 p.m. on Main Street will round out the day.
Upcoming events in Bluff Country
• Free Iowa resident fishing, June 6-8, Iowa waters
• Rhubarb Festival, June 7, Lanesboro
• Rhythm by the River, June 12, Preston
• Art in the Park, June 14, Lanesboro
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.
Kim says
Hi Charlene,
It was very nice to see that Community Spirit Caledonia’s Outdoor Adventure Funfest mentioned in your article. Thank – you. However, we will be at Gazebo Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. We are their every year. All of our activities are free, and no one charges for anything at this event. People think that we are Founder’s Day but we are an independent group of women who brainstorm ideas, create a theme, design the tents, raise funds and make sure every all details are planned out, we are only able to do this with the help of our community. We would greatly appreciate it if you could clearly state our event’s times. As it appears in the column, “Founder’s Day Celebrates 10 Years” it appears that the kids things will happen 4:30 onward, they will for Krazy Dayz, The Children’s Outdoor Funfest Sponsored by Community Spirit Caledonia, runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gazebo Park. Thanks
Jodi Wiemerslage says
Hi Charlene. Thank you for the great post. I grew up in Caledonia and my dad was actually one of the people who started Founders Days many moons ago. Way more than 10 years. Maybe we can catch up with my family and friends sometime to recap the history and honor the hard work of those who continue to put in so much time. Talk Soon. Jodi (Cooper) Wiemerslage