By Holly Johnson

Hormel Historic Home

It may be a little early to be putting events on your November calendar, but I hope you will consider blocking some time on either Friday, Nov. 22 or Saturday, Nov. 23, to attend the Holiday Open House at the Hormel Historic Home.

This is the 26th year that the home will be formally decorated for Christmas.

I still hear on a regular basis that there are people who have lived in Austin all their lives and have never been inside the Home. If that is you or someone you know we hope you will make plans to change that this holiday season. Here is a little teaser to entice you to make 2013 the year you visit.

A talented portion of the HHH Board of Directors have a very thorough plan to decorate each room of the Home and the banquet facility.  Led by Kim Guzman, this dedicated group of ladies will spend countless hours transforming the entire facility into a Christmas showcase.

Our 2012 People’s Choice Winner for best decorated room, Katie Brophy, will be adorning the dining room table with more from her vast collection of Christmas serving pieces.

The atrium will be filled with a rustic decor appropriate for all outdoor enthusiasts. Austin artists, Scott and Teri Wermager of The Table Saw will share their talent for woodworking with us by crafting unique display furniture for that space.  We will have furniture from Brick’s in the living room and special Christmas items from the Philomathian throughout the house. Other community merchants will also support this year’s event with creative decor donations or items on loan.

New this year is a traditional English Tea menu. Complete with cucumber sandwiches, scones, a variety of sweets and teas you will enjoy a leisurely time of refreshment. During your tour and dining experience several individuals and groups will entertain throughout the house. On Friday both Sue Radloff on violin and Peter Jacobs on the piano will perform. The Austinaires and Second Edition will perform on Saturday and theatrical readings will be offered on both days.

We currently do not have any pictures showing how the Hormels decorated at the holidays but I suspect their taste was simple and elegant. Come see how their home may have looked, enjoy some entertainment and snacks and start your holiday season off with a fun afternoon.

Join us between 1 and 3:30 p.m. on either day. Tickets are $15 and available at the HHH or online at www.hormelhistorichome.org.

Mower County’s Best Bartender Contest

Oct. 23, doors open at 5 p.m., competition is at 6 p.m.

Enjoy the creations of the competing bartenders and the live entertainment of Jesse Smith. $5 cover charge. Vote for your favorite.

Halloween Costume Dance for Kids

Oct. 27, 2:30 to 5 p.m. with costume judging at 4 p.m.

In conjunction with the Mower County 4-H, we are hosting this fun event for kids up to 12-years-old. Judging will be done in three age categories and prizes will be awarded by the 4-H group. DJ Sam Deyo will provide the music. Cost is $1 for each family member. Snacks will be available for sale.

Harris Piano Competition

Nov. 2

For the second year we will be hosting a piano competition for area youth. Kids aged 6-18 will compete for cash prizes and recognition. Guests this year will include MarySue Hormel Harris and Professor Dr. Andrew Hisey. The public is invited to hear from the top eight finalists who will compete for top honors starting at 3:30 p.m. at the Paramount. Both MarySue and Andrew will perform and talk about their musical careers. The event is free so please come and support these wonderful young artists.