Whether it be in River Falls or Hammond, it might be worth getting in the car and driving for a few-songs-worth to take in these events this weekend or next around the area:
— Its time again soon for that two-day fall festival in River Falls that celebrates all things bacon, pig-themed activities for the entire family, live music, merchandise from local artists, vendors who make forays into finding all kinds of ways to use this favorite meat, micro-brews that wash down the meat, and more. Come to this year’s Bacon Bash and sample bacon-inspired dishes that are dished out by local restaurants and food vendors. Then cast your vote for the People’s Choice Winner, who may go on to the national or even world food competitions, as the RF event has gained the hard-to-come-by status as a “super” qualifier elite event.
The third annual Bacon Bash that was held last September was called a “porktacular” success with more than 16,000 attendees, much bigger than the entire town. The sponsors invite you to join them again Sept. 17-18, 2016 as they continue to celebrate America’s favorite fried meat.
This year the event will get a kick-off by conducting a drop off rooftops — dubbed “When Pigs Fly” and featuring stuffed plush pigs flung from a couple of stories up to the street below. That event will reoccur throughout the weekend.
As far as the music on Saturday, its actually the Sunday’s Regret band from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., The Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League from 1:30-4:30 p.m., Kyle Koliha from 5-8 p.m.
Playing Sunday are Wade and Ella from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and Everett Smithson from 1:30-4 p.m.
Throughout the event can be found local craft beer and wine, a Kids Activity Area and a Car and “Hog” Cruze-In (Sunday only). For most all of these activities, there is free admission to the public.
Another highlight is courtesy of the Belle Vinez Winery, called Comedy & Corks, with music by the Chris Silver Band and comedy by Todd Andrews. Advance tickets for $25 are available at Belle Vinez Winery, Riverwalk Square and the Chamber of Commerce office. The event again is held at 5 p.m. Friday.
— The River Falls Community Arts Base (CAB) will present its 21st “Art on the Kinni,” an annual fair on the banks of the Kinnickinnic River just behind downtown River Falls — always on the weekend after Labor Day, and in this case going all-day Saturday, Sept. 10, until 5 p.m. Art on the Kinni (AOK for short) features some 70 juried artists and at least 10 musical events, so if you like variety this might be for you. And there is an art tent for the kids, the “Budding Artists’ Bridge,” featuring students/artists just beginning their arts careers, and lots of food choices.
— The 20th annual Running of the Llamas parade and festival — use your imagination — will be in Hammond on Saturday, Sept. 10. Just know that dogs aren’t allowed, but llama art is and can be purchased. The event goes from 11 a.m. until at least 7 p.m., when those tired llamas can finally call it a day. The parade is at 2:30 p.m. and the run itself at 3 p.m.