2026 was a banner year for the Goodhue Volksfest. Aside from a storm threat that pushed the new Wednesday night pickle ball tournament to Monday, and a few passing showers, the weather was ideal. A full schedule of events entertained folks of all ages from near and far.
The first medallion hunt clue posted on Wednesday, June 10th and was quickly found the following morning by three of Michael and Dawn Klindworth’s daughters.
Friday afternoon activities included the kids’ Pedal Pull with 112 competitors, followed by the free bounce house party for kids up to age 12. Toddlers had their turn to bounce on Saturday morning.
Avery Tipton was selected as the new Miss Goodhue Friday evening. Pianist, Kaelynn Ryan provided background music and former Goodhue royalty, Allison Arndt and Ashley Sherden introduced the ten candidates, and later had them answer a random question in front of the crowd and four judges. Mike and Dorothy Lodermeier were chosen as king and queen to reign over the festival and Peggy Hinsch and Lana Heumann were recognized for their promotional efforts by being chosen as parade grand marshals.
Twin Cities area group, PopRocks provided the main entertainment on the street Friday night. Just one of many performers that could be seen in the bars or on stage over the weekend, the ensemble entertains with lively music and fun costume changes.
Saturday’s jam-packed schedule kicked off with the annual Udder Run, Road Rally, Burrito Breakfast, Car, Tractor and Quilt shows. The day was filled with sport events like a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, co-ed volleyball tournament, and beanbag tournament.
Cory and Amanda Ziemer of Mabel, MN came up from their home near the Iowa border to participate in the Gopher State pulling Club garden tractor pull. They plan to spend the summer travelling to 16 club pulls with their tractor named “Beaver Commander”. They bought the machine partially modified before doing more work to make it compliant with the weight and hitch-height requirements for competition.
Along with the touch-a-truck opportunities in the school parking lot, kids of all ages were able to pet llamas brought in by Wild Pyle Acres of Hay Creek on Saturday. Kids’ Coin Quest in Rosie Park Sunday morning was another new event for youngsters.
A photo booth near the food court on Saturday from 3-7 offered fun for the whole family. Food vendors included Little Piggies, Indigo ACAI bowls, Fiesta Mexicana, Wild West BBQ, Goodhue Lions, Grandma’s Cookies and more.
The Saturday night street dance once again drew the largest crowd as it featured country music star, David Nail and country legend, Lonestar. The Rochester branch of Twin City Security (TCS) has helped monitor the larger events, recalling only a few minor incidents in the past several years. The Goodhue County Sheriff’s Department and posse also keep things under control all weekend.
Sunday morning opened with the WELS area churches offering a community worship service at the high school and Dads Belgian waffle feed hosted by the Lion’s at the community center. Many local businesses and organizations participated in the afternoon parade as did the GHS Class of 1976 in celebration of their 50th reunion.
A cool and cloudy day turned warm and sunny just in time for the firemen to battle other departments while kids were delighted to play in the resulting overflow. Families then headed to Rosie Park for the last event of the weekend, Monty’s Traveling Reptile Show. Living up to its advertisement as “An interactive and educational experience featuring amazing reptiles from around the world”, it closed the festival on a high note.
Find more details in the accompanying photo descriptions, and the Goodhue Volksfest and Goodhue Jaycees Facebook pages.
