Spirit of Community: many events during the year
By Ryan Gueningsman
Delano Herald Journal Managing Editor
Folks in Delano wanting to celebrate the spirit of community need not look far, as there are many events and occasions to do just that.
Annually, there are many gatherings for people to come together and enjoy fellowship, fun, and in several cases – food.
Delano’s best food offerings are brought to one place at the Taste of Delano, which takes place annually at Central Park in early August. The Taste of Delano grew from an idea of the Delano Area Chamber of Commerce Task Force, which was created to help businesses through Highway 12 construction in 2008 and again in 2009.
Hailed as offering “food from around the world, along with family-friendly fun,” the event has been solidly growing its first three years in existence. The 2011 Taste of Delano will be Wednesday, Aug. 3.
For one low cost, people are able to participate in all of the food tasting and activities at the event, once admission is paid. There has been no cost for activities or food during the event.
Along with food from a majority of Delano’s restaurants, there has been face painting, a moon walk, balloon animals, hair and nails, cotton candy, snow cones, a clown, popcorn, and booths with food and wine sponsored by local businesses.
Other features at past events included a massage chair from White Birch Therapeutic Massage, pony rides provided by Mount Olive Lutheran Church, and caricatures by Rollie Starry at the Delano Herald Journal booth.
The task force created the “Delano: Open for Business” campaign, providing directional signs, maps, restaurant guides, and other activities.
“I think it’s complimentary of what we’re doing to support our businesses,” said co-organizer John Tackaberry before last year’s event. “It’s about supporting all businesses in Delano – and we can’t do it without you. The only reason businesses survive is because of the people.”
A sample of food offered at the past two taste events includes: from the Delano American Legion – ribs, soup, brownies; from El Cazador – chips and salsa, ground beef, guacamole; from Chun Mee – egg rolls, chicken wings, fried rice; from Applebee’s – dessert poppers; from JukeBox – artichoke dip; from B’s on the River – hog roast; from Subway – subs and cookies; from Apple Jack Orchard – apple crisp; from Three Crows – Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream; from Coborn’s – cheese with wine pairings, bratwurst, salad; from Dave’s Town Club – mini burgers, homestyle pizza; from Pizza Ranch – Alfredo sauce pizza with chicken and broccoli; and also offerings from Edie Mae’s Eatery and Peppermint Twist Drive In, with wine tasting by Delano Wine and Spirits and Woodland Hill Winery.
Relay for Life in Delano
From: Brea Atkinson
American Cancer Society Wright County representative
Relay For Life is a life-changing experience that helps us celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and to fight back against a disease that takes too much.
This unforgettable event raises awareness and funds to save lives, help those touched by cancer, and empower people to fight back against this disease.
The Relay For Life would not be possible without the incredible dedication of our teams, team captains, sponsors, and committee members. A special appreciation to committee members Ann Hayes, Ann Sheely, Bernie Kittock, Betsy Farrier, Christine Klemp, Heather Green, Heidi Voss, Holly Shrupp, Jamie Pogue, Jeanie Pilarski, Julie Strobl, Kathy Nordling, Laura Hermann, Mary Alston, Mary Erickson, Nancy Larkin, Neva Stoebner, Nicky Schmidt, Rhonda Zappa, Shelli Hess, Tess Heikes, Darlene Hayes, Nancy Ganzel, Sarah Farniok, Shirley Scheuble, and Girl Scout Troop 11695, as well as, to our fearless co-chair Lynn Bartels.
Anyone interested in getting involved on the committee or as a team for the 2011 Relay For Life can contact the American Cancer Society at (651) 255-8760 or e-mail our committee at Delano.relay@gmail.com.
Other events and celebrations
In its 22nd year, the Delano Area Chamber of Commerce Community Expo was Saturday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tiger Activity Center at the Delano High School. Nearly 1,000 Delano area residents visit the expo each year.
The expo serves as a platform for businesses and local organizations to greet neighbors, meet potential customers, generate new contacts, distribute materials, increase recognition, and network with other businesses.
Branches of the chamber of commerce also organize the community’s Fall Harvest Festival in September, and the Christmas tree lighting in downtown Delano Thanksgiving evening.
Of course, there is also Delano’s Fourth of July Celebration, which is dubbed Minnesota’s oldest and largest.
Also, a new event on the Delano scene is the “Old-Fashioned Christmas in Downtown Delano,” sponsored by the newly-created Delano Arts and Culture Council.
