A chill in the air and a few rain showers did not dampen spirits or hamper another successful Volksfest celebration. The 5-day event was jam-packed with fun for the whole family. There was something for everyone beginning with pool games and the medallion hunt on Wednesday, June 11th and ending with a new event-a presentation by the National Eagle Center-on Sunday, June 15th.
Volksfest King and Queen, Mark and Sue Thomforde, and parade Grand Marshalls, Dave and Cindy Ryan were surprised when the honors were announced during the Miss Goodhue coronation Friday evening. The Ryans led the Sunday parade in a side-by-side and the Thomfordes rode in their own convertible driven by a granddaughter.
Miss Goodhue, Libby Thomforde (also Mark and Sue’s granddaughter), was chosen from a field of six girls going into their senior year. Attendants were Leetta O’Reilly and Macy Voth with Sofia Lodermeier picked as Miss Congeniality. Also participating in the competition were Madison Poston and Isabel Germann-Hutter, who said that even though she didn’t win, she had a lot of fun being a part of the judging and helping at weekend events. Royalty received scholarships from the Goodhue Chamber and those attending the coronation had a chance to win gift cards donated by The Bakery, J-Hill Promotions, The Depot, Blooms on Broadway, Goodhue Market, Royals Auto, Shear Enhancement and the Country Station. Coronation was followed by the Friday street dance featuring Fire at the Falls and Hairball.
Kids enjoyed a bounce house party at the school both days and a new event dubbed, “Touch a Truck” allowed a close-up look and inspection of emergency vehicles, a semi, skidloader, tractor and other equipment. Although there needed to be a last-minute schedule change, the pedal pull remains popular. The garden tractor pull down Third Avenue takes lawnmowers to a new level.
Those athletically inclined could participate in the annual Saturday morning Udder Run, Volleyball, basketball, or bean bag tournaments. There was no shortage of food options to refuel including St. Luke’s Concessions Saturday at GHS, the Wildcat Dance Team sponsored pulled pork sandwich meal Saturday in Rosie Park, and Lion’s brats and hot dogs, Big River BBQ, and other food trucks downtown. Dad’s Belgian Waffles were back at the Lion’s building Sunday morning and the St. Peter’s Church burrito breakfast on Saturday raised $1200.00 for the Goodhue Fire Department.
The medallion was eventually found under the home football bleachers by Chad Christianson and Dave and Jill Voth. More passive events included BINGO, a car show, quilt show, Craft and vendor show, community worship service, and a visit from Latsch, Wabasha’s National Eagle Center’s ambassador.
A brief rain didn’t stop Saturday night’s fireworks and street dance featuring Jesse Becker and the Neon Revival, Wild Bill and the Bruisers and country music headliner, Craig Morgan. The sun came out on Sunday after the dedication ceremony of the new veterans’ memorial and time to explore the museum - warming the expanded parade route and the fire department’s water fight.
Thank you to all the local businesses and organizations that planned, sponsored, and executed events and the many volunteers who made it all happen. Mark your calendars for June 12-14, 2026!
