Get your tickets to the Saint Paul Saints Community Night June 11?

If not, tickets are still available by traveling to https://bit.ly/3Lk1PCH and using “Cottage Grove” in the password portal. The Saint Paul Saints take on the Rochester Red Wings Saturday night at CHS Field.

In the meantime, Strawberry Fest is almost here. Dating back to 1984 with a brief hiatus for COVID, the annual festival kicks off June 16th at Kingston Park. The festival takes its name from the days when strawberry fields owned by Swanlund’s and Zywiec’s covered southwest Cottage Grove, according to event organizer Lori Olsen.

“They had fields all over,” she said of the area now giving way to development and new neighborhoods on Cottage Grove’s southwest side. Back in the 60s and 70s, people would come and pick berries. There was a time when the festival was called the Great Grove Get Together, but it reverted back to Strawberry Fest with time.

These days, meanwhile, the festival is run by a registered 501c3 staffed by volunteers. Olsen said it’s grown “immensely” over the last 10 years. From a car show to the doggie dash, to fire works, live music and a parade, Strawberry Fest will have something for everyone.

One thing new this year will be midwest wrestling, expected to be a big draw. There will also be an Elvis impersonator and a medallion hunt as well, for just a partial listing of the fun. Carnival tickets can be purchased at www. cottagegrovestrawberryfest.com, with five rides going for $12.50.

In addition, several booths will also be at the festival, as the StrawberryFest Marketplace takes to Kingston Park. Events for the Strawberry Fest Ambassador will also take place, along with strawberry pie eating, Cottage Grove Sings, and hot air balloon rides at $3 per person. More on the hot air balloon can be learned at the information booth during Strawberry Fest. Check back next week for a full event itinerary—and get those ride tickets!