Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
Over the past year, the Spring Grove Syttende Mai planning committee has been hard at work organizing new events for this year’s Syttende Mai celebration, running from May 15 to May 19.
“The Grand Parade is definitely a highlight for me,” expressed Syttende Mai Treasurer Rennae Collins. “It’s a crowd favorite as well.”
The Grand Parade, commencing at noon, kicks off at Red’s IGA, travels down main street and ends at the school.
Returning this year is the Wisconsin 1st Brigade Band, last seen at Syttende Mai in 2017. The group will perform during the Grand Parade, on Saturday from 1-2 p.m. at the City Park, and at 5 p.m. at the Giants of the Earth Heritage Center. On Sunday, catch them at 9 a.m. at Trinity Church.
New for those aged 50 and above is chair volleyball at the Legion, courtesy of Senior Dining.
The first step is to purchase a souvenir button for each family member. Proceeds from button sales go to the Athletic Boosters. Buttons, priced at $10, are available at Kwik Trip and Red’s IGA in Spring Grove. Each button is numbered, with three lucky winners drawn on Sunday, May 19, receiving cash prizes.
The Giants of the Earth Heritage Center presents the exhibit “Honestly, Integrity, Humility: Olaf Kjome Exhibit” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Fat Pat’s Brewery, a local favorite, will open its doors at its new location on Thursday, May 16 with limited hours throughout the festivities.
Younger attendees will enjoy laser tag and the hyperspace gaming trailer on Saturday at the city park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FunkyToonz will also be on hand to sketch caricatures at the city park on Saturday, adding to the fun.
Handicap parking is available in the municipal parking lot behind Merchants Bank.
Upcoming Bluff
Country Events
- SEMBA Spring Bluegrass Festival, May 17-19, Houston
- Trout Days, May 17-19, Preston
- Root River Triathlon, May 18, Houston
- Spring Valley 100 Bike Race, May 18, Spring Valley
- State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony, May 26, Preston
- 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.