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This summer Dave and Pam Kruger, owners of Empty Nest Winery of Waukon, are gaining recognition not only for their successful, expanding wine business, but also for their work in the Local Foods movement being selected as one of the “Faces of Northeast Iowa’s Farmers Markets”.
In the Spring of 2013, Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) opened an application process for a project to highlight farmers market vendors.  The organization received funding from a USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grant secured by the Iowa League of RC&Ds.  The project, a collaborative effort involving individual RC&Ds across the state, charged Northeast Iowa RC&D with selecting 10 applicants from its seven-county region to be profiled as the face of northeast Iowa’s farmers markets. These applicants were then interviewed and photographed by a professional photographer to capture each producer’s unique story.

by Bob Beach

The "Thunder in the Park" Civil War re-enactment event held in Waukon Friday evening, June 13 through Sunday afternoon, June 15 drew a good level of interest, despite rain forcing cancellation of the cannon night firing scheduled for Saturday evening. Although the battle lines were clearly drawn in the re-enactment phase of the weekend's abundant activities, all seemed to come together in peace and harmony for the Saturday evening dance and other relaxation times within the re-enactment camps, and all certainly came together to make the weekend what event originator Al Lyon called "a satisfying success." A total of 90 re-enactors took part in the battle events, with anticipation high to begin planning in August for next year's event. "We were pretty pleased for this being just our second year," Lyon said. "We plan to keep growing, but it takes some time to work out all the kinks when you start an event like this.

by Bob Beach

by Bob Beach

The annual New Albin Days celebration is scheduled to take place in the community of New Albin this weekend, Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 14. A wide variety of events is being scheduled, with a schedule of events available on Page 12A of this week's issue of The Standard.
This year's New Albin Days button (pictured with this article) that can be purchased for admission to most any of this year's events was designed by Jonah Reinke. The buttons are available for purchase at most New Albin businesses and on the festgrounds at this year's event.
The crowning of Miss New Albin will take place Friday, June 13. Entry forms for the Miss New Albin Pageant are available at New Albin Savings Bank or by contacting Jen Mitchell. Girls entering the contest must reside within the 52160 zip code and be between six and 11 years old.

The 2014 Allamakee County Dairy Parade traversed the streets of Lansing Monday, June 2, with a number of area businesses, families and organizations providing entries to pay tribute to the dairy industry and sharing not only their appreciation for area dairy producers, businesses and organizations, but also some of the dairy treats they produce. Photos by Andrea Kerndt. View and find out how purchase this photo and more in the Photo Gallery.
 

Allamakee County voters stayed the course in the Allamakee County Attorney's office, as current Allamakee County Attorney Jill Kistler won the Republican bid for that office in the Tuesday, June 3 Primary Election over challenger Julian West of Cedar Rapids. According to initial results not officially canvassed as of press time, Kistler received 485 (63.56%) of the votes cast, while West received 278 votes (36.44%).

One of the hottest country stars of the 1990s who is now making his way back into the music spotlight will be the headlining grandstand musical acts at the 161st Allamakee County Fair scheduled for July 16-20 in Waukon. Joe Diffie, known for chart-topping hits such as "John Deere Green," will own the grandstand stage Thursday, July 17 following an opening set from country rock conglomerate "The New Black 7," a group featuring Waukon native Jason Herman on guitar, all beginning at 7 p.m.

"Thunder in the Park,” a Civil War battle re-enactment, returns to Allamakee County this year after a successful debut in 2013, providing an opportunity to enjoy a fun and entertaining family weekend while experiencing a bit of American history. The event is being held in the Waukon City Park Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and June 15.
Saturday and Sunday admission is free to the public, and all are welcome to attend. Freewill donations will be accepted and applied to expenses of future events. This event is sponsored by many Waukon and Allamakee County businesses and non-profit organizations.