To those who say, “There are no entertaining events in this area,” I say “Look around. You can get your fill of entertainment right here. Consider what the area has to offer from the end of May through July.

At Memorial Day time there is the Lady Vestey Victorian Festival with games, foods of all kinds, parade, crafts, historical programs and even a machine to create your own teddy bear.

At the end of May many communities host alumni reunions. Memorial Day services are held in almost every community. There are two great lakes within about 50 miles of each other which offer boating, fishing and camping, plenty of other entertainment. Jewell County has two smaller lakes in between the two larger lakes. The Jewell County State Lake provides great kayaking and successful fishing. A second small lake east and a little south of the Jewell County Lake, is called Emerson Lake. Located at the west edge of Jewell is has walking trails and fishing along a picnic shelter.

Two weekends ago there was the 150th anniversary Burr Oak celebration. Burr Oak celebrations come along every five to 10 years. This one drew a crowd of more than 2,000 people. It had a large parade, music, games, tours, contests, shows, tasty foods and dancing. An annual event held in Mankato, this past weekend was called the Mammoth Fest. It also drew people entertaining them with music of all kinds, pictures, food and a parade. That same weekend, an annual car show was held in Belleville. There the cars made their own parade up the main street. A third event was held in Downs, the annual Downs Days where music, food, parade and carnival rides were offered.

There will be a slight break in the entertainment offerings as wheat harvest will be keeping most everyone busy, as the farmers reap rewards for their labors. Then it’s back to the entertainment as the birth of this country is celebrated, either on, right before or after, July 4th. Several communities have their way of drawing people to celebrate this great occasion. Two towns within Jewell County, Jewell and Burr Oak, hold 4th of July celebrations with a lot of good food, and of course, a large fireworks display. Superior, offers a wonderful fireworks display along with a fun run in the morning. Both Waconda and Lovewell Lakes will have fireworks shows. Nelson has two-days of special events to celebrate the founding of our country.

West of Lawrence there is small lake known as Liberty Cove.

Mid-July there is the annual Jewell County Threshing Bee, where antique vehicles, antique tractors and farm machinery from days past are brought into the Mankato City Park. There are craft booths, food, music, a parade, and demonstrations held. From early July through the first of August, the area is busy with 4-H shows and county fairs which provide events and add more entertainment.

If a person is still hankering for more entertainment, during the coming fall, the annual Corn Show is held at Jewell with more music, foods, a parade, displays and shows.

There’s plenty of things to do in our area if we just look around.