Postcards

We travel through western Minnesota and visit with people who are making an effort to observe the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Dakota Conflict. Witness a widespread movement in our region to learn about and understand this historic event.

Ride along as we take a look at the LTD Memorial Ride and Tribute to the Troops, two motorcycle rides in Minnesota that aim to make sure fallen soldiers are never forgotten. Hear country music artist Rockie Lynne sing his “Songs for Soldiers” as he shares his inspiration for starting Tribute to the Troops, which began right here in Minnesota.

Experience the beauty and tradition of Native American art and dance. Join us in Granite Falls to hear the pounding drums and bright regalia at the Upper Sioux Wacipi. Then, we visit artists Rodney Bercier and Joe Whitehawk to learn about their respective crafts.

Taste history in the making; 34 years of Minnesota wineries using cold hardy grapes. The people and the grapes are resilient against the freezing temperatures here! We will visit three unique wineries, from Fieldstone Vineyards at the historic Ford Garage building in downtown Redwood Falls, to orchards at Glacial Ridge Winery in Spicer and conclude at Morgan Creek’s underground winery in New Ulm.

You don’t have to travel far to experience beautiful art. See the artistic side of rural Minnesota as we take a look at the spectacular colors of the Kaleidoscope Gallery in New London, head to southern Minnesota to visit the non-profit Nobles County Art Center in Worthington and catch exhibits at two different galleries in Marshall, including the MAFAC and SMAHC galleries.

Join us for a performance by Minnesota Music Hall of Fame artist Roger Kodet with swinging songs from the Big Band era. Then, hit the dance floor for some foot-stompin’ fun at Larry Olsen’s Annual Music Fest in Lake Benton, Minnesota. Also, get to know the Chord-Ayres, a male vocal group who got together simply for the love of singing. Hear them perform a patriotic Veteran’s Day concert.

Over 30 years ago, Sonshine founders started the Christian music festival with little more than donations and faith. Now the festival has grown to one of the largest and most popular in the country. We’ll learn about the history, struggles and surprises throughout the years of this inspirational music festival that helped put Willmar, Minnesota on the map.

When Dean and Kathy Weckwerth bought the abandoned Frank Lake Covenant Church for a dollar, it was just the beginning. See how Thein Moving Company relocated the fragile building from rural Murdock, Minnesota to its new location outside Benson to serve an uplifting new purpose. Plus, experience a holy restoration of the beautiful St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Olivia.

Take a look inside the preservation efforts of two former state hospitals in Minnesota. First, visit the historic Willmar State Hospital and see its transformation into a productive business community: the MinnWest Technology Campus. Then, tour an architectural masterpiece, the Kirkbride building in Fergus Falls, where the Friends of the Kirkbride are fighting to keep it standing.

No need to leave the land of 10,000 lakes to find great artists, Minnesota has a plethora! Check out the inside story of two artists in our local region and the unique Potato Eaters Gallery in Willmar, Minnesota.

Ballrooms have a fabulous musical history starting with the Big Bands of the 30's and 40's to the famous artists of the 50's through 90's—the ballrooms in western Minnesota had them all. Hear stories of those who attended the Fiesta Ballroom in Montevideo and those who attend a surviving ballroom, the Lakeside, in Glenwood.

Take a ride on a steam engine in Rollag, Minnesota, at the annual Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion, held every Labor Day weekend since 1954. Find out what it means to catch “the steam bug” as have so many visitors that return every year. Plus, tour the immaculately preserved and extensive End-O-Line Railroad Park & Museum in the small town of Currie, which draws visitors from all over.

Get a taste of local pastries at the Benson Bakery, a family-owned and operated business for over 80 years. See how Minnesota is honoring the memory of three conservation officers killed in the line of duty more than 70 years ago. Hear the story of how a small-town farm boy, Glen Johnson, went from starting the Lake Lillian Crier to working for the U.S. Treasury under President Johnson.

Join us for a trip along the Upper Minnesota River Valley for the annual Meander Art Crawl! This unique tour features over 40 artists in our region using a variety of different mediums and themes.

This episode looks at the role fine arts played in developing a public liberal arts college in Morris in 1960 and the vision key individuals had in creating an active arts community.

This behind-the-scenes look at WeE Fest follows-up on last season’s Postcards story about the country music festival. Learn what it takes to prepare for over 48,000 people throughout the three-day festival at the Soo Pass Ranch in Detroit Lakes.

Learn about Somali culture in Willmar, MN. Community member, Mohamed Sayid, invites us into his daily life and explains his family traditions. We also hear a tune from Somali musician, Aar Maanta, and take a trip to the Center Point Mall.

Meet Connie Lee, a former Nashville country artist and owner of the local restaurant Tennessee Roadhouse in Alexandria. Plus, catch an energetic performance with Connie Lee and Friends at the Roadhouse. Then, we hear from an emerging young talent, Josie Nelson, also from Alexandria. Also see Glenwood artist Rikki Sneddon paint and collage in her home studio.

Detroit Lakes has more to offer than WeFest and country music. Hear unique artists that come from this northwestern Minnesota city like the laid-back, bluegrass jams of Hardwood Groove or the folk melodies of Caroline Smith. Plus take a look at the historic Holmes Theater and sample some local art.

Experience the musical history and talents of three Minnesota Music Hall of inductees: Johnny Holm, Michael Johnson and Sherwin Linton.