Red Wing's Great Pumpkin Weigh-off and Festivals

Red Wing, MN Arts and autumn go hand and hand, and Red Wing will celebrate the arts with a series of festivals from mid-September through mid-October when the fall colors paint a spectacular palette along the Mississippi River. An added attraction to Red Wing’s fall lineup is the Great Minnesota Pumpkin Weigh-Off September 26th in which growers from five neighboring states and two local greenhouses will vie for the largest pumpkin The event will be held in Baypoint Park from 9 am to 4 pm and will include pumpkins from local farmers, apples, cider, cotton candy and caramel apples and chocolate from Red Wing Confectionary. Live music, pumpkin carvers and festive fall vendors will add to the ambiance.

The downtown area will be also be served by Historic Trolleys throughout the season. Be sure to get off at the historic St. James Hotel for a meal at the newly renovated Veranda Café and Patio and cross the street to visit the new Red Wing Shoe Museum, which features the World’s Largest Boot which stands 16” tall.

The fall arts festival lineup starts with the Diversity Festival to be held September 12 from 10 am to 4 pm in Red Wing’s Central Park where diversity-themed art works by 30-40 area artists will be on display and auctioned off. Entertainment includes The Tinta Wita Takoja Drum Group. For updates visit www.redwingarts.org.

The following week the Eighth Annual Studio Ramble takes place September 19-20 in a dozen Red Wing studios. The show runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm. Thirty area artists will display works in their personal studios as well as in more public locations including The Anderson Center and Stoney End Hobgoblin Barn. For a guidebook listing all artists and locations, contact visit www.studioramble.com.

The finale of the fall arts season is the 43nd Annual Fall Festival of Arts October 10-11th. This juried arts fair features over 100 artists along the streets of Red Wing during the height of the fall colors season and draws over 8,000 visitors. Hours are Saturday 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday, 10 am to 4:30 pm. For more information, contact the Red Wing Arts Association at 651-388-7569 or www.redwingarts.org.

Visitors to Red Wing are discovering a new Minnesota tradition – Award Winning Wineries. Minnesota is part of the new Upper Mississippi River Valley American Viticultural Area and Red Wing’s Cannon River Winery and Falconer Vineyards lie within the Three Rivers Wine Trail along the Mississippi, St. Croix and Cannon Valley rivers. In fact, Falconer Vineyards just won the 1st International Cold Climate Wine Cup for its Frontenac Port. Stop in and try a glass.

The Uffda Shop will be offering Tastes of Scandinavia each Saturday in October. Stop in for tasty treats ranging from waffles and almond cake with Lingonberry jam to Lefse and Krumkake. It’s the perfect time to pick up supplies for holiday baking. Visit www.uffdashoponline.com for more information.

Artisans and collectors of all stripes appreciate the history and value of Red Wing Pottery and Red Wing Stoneware. Be sure to check out the Red Wing Pottery Shops on Old West Main Street, where you can purchase pottery and watch potters at work daily. Red Wing Stoneware is located just north of town on Hwy 61. Its salesroom is open daily, while factory tours are offered weekdays at 10:30 and, 1:00 & 3:30 pm. For more information on these artisan products visit www.redwingpottery.com and www.redwingstoneware.com.

While visiting Red Wing, take advantage of the beautiful accommodations including the historic St. James Hotel, which offers special lodging packages, bike trekking or golf packages throughout the fall season. The St. James features several award winning restaurants, including The Port, the Veranda Café and Patio, Clara’s Gifts and Coffee and Jimmy’s Pub which features entertainment on weekends.

Red Wing also is home to several romantic Bed and Breakfasts, a wide variety of unique shops, antique stores and restaurant and coffee shops to suit any appetite or budget. Whether you want to stroll down Main Street, walk along the riverfront in Levee Park or climb Barn Bluff for terrific exercise and views of grandeur, this river town offers something for everyone. For a complete list of all fall arts activities, times and locations, or for other Red Wing area attractions or for lodging assistance, contact the Red Wing Visitors and Convention Bureau at 651-385-5934, 800-498-3444 or visit www.redwing.org.

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