creekside community playground

Last week I had the privilege to check out the new Creekside Community Playground in Rushford. Now, I understand that this blog is about things to do in our beloved WINONA, but hear me out, Rushford really isn't that far away from Winona. And I know your kids are going bonkers. Its almost the end of summer.
School supplies: purchased.
School shoes: waiting by the front door.
Aquatic Center: getting a little tired.
First day of school: can't come quick enough.

When a friend of mine suggested we take the kids to Creekside Community Playground in Rushford for a picnic, I was excited to get out of town, but wondering what the fuss was all about. I was pleasantly surprised. Apart from the fact that the weather could not have been more perfect the day we decided to go, the drive is short and gorgeous, and this park is brand new. And best of all, there is not ONE OUNCE of the dreaded pea gravel that plagues many parks in Winona. That is reason enough for me to travel to Seattle to play.
This park is not only brand new, but was built by the community of Rushford after their small town literally became an attraction akin to those at the Shedd Aquarium. The word on the street is that the children of Rushford helped to redesign it. And they did a pretty good job. There are lots and lots of play structures to play on, all quite safe, and many shady or sunny places to sit and watch the kids play. There are lots of different places to have a picnic; tables galore.
After us moms had talked ourselves out, and the kids had played till their heart's content, we scooted over to the Creamery for scoops of delicious ice cream. The Creamery might not be as schnazzy as a Coldstone, but the ice cream was yummy, the service was super, and the price was just right. (You can also get pizza there, but we opted for a picnic in the park.)
For a fun "summer's almost over" outing, head over to Rushford and check out their Park. You won't be dissapointed!

To get there, hop on 90 and take the Rushford exit. After a short drive, the park is about the first thing you'll see on the left. (How's that for some small town directions?)

Children's Festival

Lions Shelter down at Winona Lake, Winona. Thursday August 13, 5 PM-7 PM FREE TO ALL FAMILIES- come meet ELMO-and get a coupon for a free icecream cone, donated by McDonalds. Free icecones/cottoncandy, donated by J&J Entertainment, he also donated the bouncie houses, maze, and slide-and also a train ride. Home daycare providers donated FREE tattoos, face painting, and balloons. Even a clown will greet you when you stop by! HyVee and Midtown donated fun-size water bottles. COME CELEBRATE FAMILY UNITY---enjoy a picnic lunch-brought from home if you wish-no food is available except for what is listed above for FREE-----COME JOIN EMLO and WINONA COUNTY HOME PROVIDERS and have some fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Canoe Crazy Family Festival

Family Fest is this Saturday, August 15th from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s theme is “Canoe Crazy” to celebrate the exhibit: The Art of the Canoe. The event is free thanks to generous sponsorship by Winona National Bank.

In addition to seven craft activities, face painting, lunch and more- Wenonah Canoe will be there with over 15 canoes to allow families the opportunity to try out canoeing on the Mississippi River!



Hope to see you all there!

Please visit minnesotamarineart.org for more info!

ecfe fall term!

its the moment you've been waiting for all summer! ecfe classes are now open for registration for the fall term.

there are so many exciting opportunities to get involved in; too many to list here! look for your community education catalog in your mail box within the next few days. if its not there or you're not on their mailing list, swing on by the community education office located in central elementary (that's at 317 market street. you'll have to swing by bloedow's as long as you're so close.) the community education office will be happy to help you out and they have bunches of catalogs, just waiting to be taken home.
once you have your catalog, and want to enroll or just want a little more information, give glenda a call at 507-494-0913. but hurry, registration closes at noon on august 24th.

see you at class!