The Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days Parade of Tractors kicks off the four-day celebration with over 200 tractors making their way from Hesper, Iowa, a hamlet of fewer than 100 people to Mabel, MN, a village of 823 residents.
The Parade is Starting
Mabel Grenadiers Band
Leading the way is the local Grenadiers from Mabel, MN, a staple of area parades.
The Blue Ford Tractor
Ford 3000
The only blue tractor in the 2021 parade stood out among the red, green, orange, and yellow tractors, plus it is a small Ford tractor which brings back memories of the small tractor I drove as a young girl on the family farm.
Red, White, and Blue
John Deere 2520
The red, white, blue adorn many entries.
Multi-Generational Entry
Farmall 300
This entry tugs at my heart – a grandpa and his grandson.
Parade Characters
Quite the character as he always is in the tractor parade and has a wave and smile for everyone.
Wagon Rides
A favorite fall activity among farmers in this “neck of the woods” are the tractor rides, so it is no surprise that locals take advantage of parades to enjoy wagon rides with family and friends.
The Next Generation
What is your favorite color of tractor? Red, yellow, green, orange, or blue.
Cleans-Up Real Nice
A class act.
Women Drivers
Kandace Dahl, Hesper
Women have always driven tractors on the farm, now more and more of them are showing up in the Parade of Tractors.
Date Night
Date Night
A couple spending the evening on a John Deere tractor.
Tractor parades are a common occurrence in the Driftless region, so make plans to attend one. If you are invited to take a wagon ride, make sure to say yes.
The Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days celebration is the first weekend after Labor Day each year; the Parade of Tractors kicks off the weekend festivities on Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. in Hesper.
Enjoy the scenic beauty of Northeast Iowa while visiting the art studios of 41 talented juried artists.
The Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour is just around the bend. This year the dates are October 9, 10, and 11.
The studios are all within 40 miles of Decorah, and are open from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. What makes this tour special is that it is a self-guided tour.
There are 41 artists at 35 locations participating in this year’s tour.
Participants will enjoy visiting the colorful one-of-a-kind art studios of jewelers; acrylic, oil and watercolor painters; quilters; potters; weavers; woodcarvers; fiber and ceramic artists; bookbinders; mixed media artists; digital mixed media artists, woodworkers, who open their doors once a year to interested shoppers.
2026 Artists
Jennifer Fisher Jones
This is an opportunity to visit your favorite artists and meet new ones. You might recognize the following names: Jennifer Fisher Jones, Adam Jones, Paul Cutting, Jaclyn Jirak Wright, Jean Murray, James Murray, Nancy Sojka, Melissa Brown, Linda Canton, Jen Nahl, Paul Corbin, Rose Novak, Angie Herrmann, Elea Jordan, Frances Great-Kittleson, Paul Bauhs, Warren Shuros, Darla and Glen Ellickson, George Lowe, Carl Homstad, Josie Rose, Patricia Brice, Brian Malaise, Valerie Miller, George Blair, Linda Haugen, Velga Easker, Fred Easker, Rebecca Kobos, Andrew J. Wroble, Douglas Dawson, Susan E. Kuennen, Louis Christen, Jim Updegraff, Lisa Goodwin, Dawn Backes, Laurie Uhlenhake-Thompson, Doug Cole, and Keith Hunsberger.
Directions/Map
Don’t worry about getting lost as you explore the Driftless area of NE Iowa as the directional signage is the best you will find on any tour. Pick up a map at the Decorah Visitors Center, area businesses or download it from the event’s website, www.IowaArtTour.com.
Preview Event
To get a head start, plan to attend the preview event from September 4 through September 26 at ArtHaus in Decorah. The opening reception is Friday, September 4 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Spending a day at the Brownsville Overlook along the picturesque Mississippi River watching the Tundra and Trumpeter Swans arrive for their annual visit never gets old.
The best time of year to take a trip to Brownsville, Minn., to watch the swans in action is during the second week of November.
“When we hear his call, we hear no mere bird. We hear the trumpet in the orchestra of evolution.” ~ Aldo Leopold
Flight of the Swan
Thousands of these migratory birds stop each year to rest and refuel.
Swan Dance
Dance of the Swan
Watching them dive underwater and fly through the air is so much fun. It is truly an unscripted ballet. Their dance is never the same.
Swan Song
Interpretive Signage
Rebuilding Islands
Interpretive signage informs and answers questions.
What can you see?
Wow!
It is totally worth your time to take a peek through the mounted viewers at the Brownsville Overlook, plus they are free.
Jealous of this man’s camera lens? Yes.
Night was fast approaching at the Brownsville Overlook.
Mighty Mississippi River
You can see Wisconsin on the other side of the river.
Dinner Time or Supper Time?
A “damn” good burger at Shellhorn Bar & Grill
End your day with a “damn good” hamburger and the best French fries west of the Mississippi at Shellhorn Bar and Grill.
Fourth of July fireworks displays are a big deal in the United States! According to Wallet Hub 44% of Americans will attended a Fourth of July fireworks display in 2026. There are over 16,000 fireworks shows held each Fourth of July, and the cost of hosting a municipal fireworks display ranges from $10,000 to $50,000.
Hailed as the best firework displays in the Driftless Region of Northeast Iowa, Southeast Minnesota, Southwest Wisconsin, and Northwest Illinois include:
June 2026
Brownsville, Minnesota
Brownsville will celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks during the town’s annual Brownsville Days celebration on Saturday, June 27. The fireworks are set to begin at dusk, approximately 9:28 p.m. The fireworks will be set off in the field behind the ballpark.
Onalaska, Wisconsin
Head to Onalaska on Saturday, June 27, to enjoy a full day of live music, the popular family fun zone for kids, a cornhole tournament, and the “Salute to the 4th of July” fireworks show from 9:45 to 10:05 p.m. Admission is free.
July 3, 2026
Clermont, Iowa
2026 Skip-A-Way Fireworks will be held on July 3 at dusk. The Skip-A-Way Resort, 3825 Harding Rd., Clermont, is hosting the annual fireworks display. The event is open to the public!
Bluffton, Iowa
The Bluffton Resort and Bar will host a fireworks show at dusk on July 3 at 9:30 p.m. over the scenic Upper Iowa River. The reflections of the fireworks over the river are spectacular.
Festina, Iowa
Festina’s 4th of July firework display will take place on Friday, July 3, at dusk/dark. On Saturday, July 4, the day starts with a parade at 10:30 a.m. followed by a delicious tasting chicken dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Rushford, Minnesota
Visit Rushford for their “Celebrate 250th” event at Creekside Park on Friday, July 3. The festivities begin at noon with activities and ending with fireworks at dusk.
July 4, 2026
Hesper, Iowa
Hesper Nite Lite Fireworks
Join approximately 100 Hesper residents as they shoot off fireworks on Saturday, July 4, at dusk. This spectacular display of bright colorful lights is said to be one, if not the best display, in the area.
Canton, Minnesota
Minnesota’s first parade is scheduled to take place at 12:01 a.m. on July 4, followed by fireworks in Canton.
Eitzen, Minnesota
Eitzen’s popular Fourth of July celebration, July 3-4, culminates on Saturday evening with fireworks at dusk. In celebration of the country’s 250th Anniversary the fireworks display will be bigger and better. The fireworks will illuminate the sky from 307 Iowa Ave. The well attended celebration is hosted by the Eitzen Lions Club.
Galena, Illinois
The red, white, and blue comes alive in Galena on July 4 from 2 – 10 p.m.with food, live entertainment, and games. The annual parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. The fireworks show will light up the sky at dusk creating a rounding chorus of oohs, ahhs, and wows.
Lansing, Iowa
The scenic town of Lansing is putting on a huge fireworks show on Saturday, July 4th at 10 p.m. in celebration of the 250th anniversary. The show will take place at Strub property, 2095 Main Street.
Harmony, Minnesota
On Saturday, July 4, Harmony will host its annual fireworks display at North Park, starting at dusk. Presented by the Harmony Volunteer Fire Department and sponsored by The City of Harmony, First Southeast Bank of Harmony and Canton, Harmony Fireman’s Relief Association, and Harmony Conservation Club. Check out the town’s chamber of commerce Facebook page for a complete list of activities during the city’s four-day event.
Harper’s Ferry, Iowa
Join the residents of Harper’s Ferry on July 4 for a rip-roaring good time. The excitement will start at dusk.
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Ooh!Wow!Ahh!Beautiful!
On July 4, La Crosse will shoot off fireworks during the town’s annual Riverfest celebration, 100 State Street, in downtown La Crosse. The fireworks will simultaneously light up the sky and the Mighty Mississippi River at dusk. Stay for the Chad Erickson Memorial Fireworks Extravaganza at Riverside Park for a major fireworks display at 10 p.m.
Monona, Iowa
The volunteer fire department puts on the fireworks show in Monona, the Garden City of Iowa. The popular fireworks show is 100% funded with public funds. The show starts at dusk/dark on the Fourth of July.
Spillville, Iowa
On Saturday, July 4, the small Czech town of Spillville in northeast Iowa is promoting its 2026 Fourth of July celebration as “Small Town, Big Spark! The annual event will take place at the historic Inwood Ballroom & Riverside Park, 116 Bridge St. The festivities feature traditional 4th of July activities including a barbecue dinner, Little League tournament, 5K, bingo, kids’ games, and live entertainment. The day begins at 8 a.m. and ends with the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
Other Firework Shows
On July 4 at dusk head over to Harvest Farms Campground, Cresco for a night of bright lights.
The fireworks show in Riceville, Iowa is on July 4 and there will be fireworks on the Fourth in Decorah at the Winneshiek Raceway after the races.
Highlandville, Iowa, firework display is scheduled on July 11 and LeRoy, Minnesota, will be shooting off fireworks on July 17 in celebration of the town’s 150th Anniversary and the 250th Anniversary of the USA.
Oneota Film Festival, locally known as OFF, is unofficially recognized by the residents of Decorah, Iowa, as the first sign of spring.
Make plans, now, to attend the 2026 film festival. OFF is held the first full weekend in March. In 2026 it will held March 5 through March 8 in picturesque downtown Decorah.
The 2026 festival will introduce film enthusiasts to 60 plus documentaries that will be shown in seven unique venues throughout De!corah.
OFF’s mailing address is PO Box 15, Decorah, IA 52101, and their telephone number is 563-265-1646. For up-to-date information, please visit their website or Facebook page.
2026 OFF Traveling Film Festival Series
If you are anxiously waiting for spring, plan to attend the documentaries offered by OFF throughout the winter months in the surrounding communities of Spring Grove, Lansing, Cresco, Waukon, and Calmar. Visit oneotafilmfestival.org for up-to-date information on where, when, and what visit Oneota Film Festival or check back here. Pre-festival screenings are open to the public and free to attend, so there is no excuse not to attend. Following are the dates, times, and locations for this years traveling film festival series.
On Sunday, January 25 at 2 p.m. head to Pivo Brewery, Calmar, Iowa for a set of short films: Shoot, Shovel and Shut Up, Of Two Worlds, Castle Crisis, Nesting, and Dodgeball.
The date for the last one has not been finalized yet but When Maharishi Came to Town will be shown in February at the Town Theatre in Waukon, Iowa. As soon as I know the date, I will update the article.
What Is A Documentary?
Wikipedia defines a documentary film as “a non-fictional motion picture intended to “document reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction, education or maintaining a historical record”.
Documentaries are thought-provoking long and short films that force viewers to think outside the box. Documentaries may be about subject matters that you are familiar with or new topics you have never thought about.
They generate a range of emotions – sadness, laughter, surprise, excitement, relief, panic, anger, grief, shock, and others that leave viewers in a world of awe.
Documentaries force you to ask questions and encourage you to learn more.
Free Admission
Thanks to generous sponsors and donors, OFF has been a free event since its inception 16 years ago and continues to be a free event, making the event available to everyone.
There are costs to putting on a four-day event, so please consider becoming a member to support the festival. A bonus of becoming a member is that members are invited to VIP events throughout the year, plus members get to vote on their favorite film in the People’s Choice category.
Leadership
The year 2026 is the sixteenth year of the Oneota Film Festival. President Nancy Sojka leads a board of directors comprised of nine hard-working volunteers, whom work year-round planning the next year’s festival. 2026 board members are: Brenda Ramlo, Vice President and Volunteer Coordinator; Dennis Pottratz, Treasurer; Mo Valko, Secretary; Nick Zelenski; Nathan Dietzenbac; Alan Lerstrom; Laura Gentry; David Anderson; and Shannon Dallenbach-Durbin.
The festival employs a part-time creative director, Elise Skelenger, the organization’s only paid employee.
You will see the directors and Elise throughout the film festival. Stop and thank them for all their hard work.
Volunteers
OFF also recruits an army of volunteers who help throughout the event. One of the many benefits of volunteering is you get to see the films in addition to helping the film festival and the community. If you are interested in volunteering, visit oneotafilmfestival.org/volunteer to sign up. Volunteer positions needed are room managers, room hosts, doorkeepers, people movers for set-up and take-down, and greeters at the festival headquarters.
OFF volunteer, Deborah Bishop, introduces a film..
The Judges
The wide section of films will not disappoint as there is something for everyone, thanks to knowledgeable judges. The judges know their audience, and they understand what makes a good documentary. Imagine watching 100 or more films from September to December and having to select the films that will be shown. Judges are an important component of a successful film festival.
With so many films to choose from, I recommend reading the descriptions of the films at least two times and maybe even more. The films are normally shown more than once, so attendees have a chance to watch all the films. If you want to make sure that you get to watch all the films you want it is important to have a schedule.
Venues
The films are shown at seven of Decorah’s popular historic venues that have all been given a new lease on life. Every location is unique and offers a different flavor, which adds to the enjoyment of the film festival.
Attendees may have a favorite venue and only attend the films at that venue, or they might want to watch a film at each venue to watch their favorite documentaries. What a great opportunity to get to experience Decorah, NE Iowa’s gem.
Make sure to arrive early if you want to get a front-row seat. A film festival is not like attending church where everyone sits in the back.
T-Bock’s Upstairs
Drift: Strength and Yoga CenterAll Vet’s Club, Post 1977Hotel Winneshiek
Headquarters
If you have any questions, make sure to stop at the festival’s headquarters, located in the lobby of Hotel Winneshiek, 104 E. Water Street. There will be eager volunteers ready to answer your questions arnd direct you to your favorite film.
Hotel Winneshiek
Friends and Family
OFF is the perfect time to hang out with old friends, meet new friends, and spend time with family.
New FriendsOld FriendsOld FriendsOld Friends
Snacks and Drinks
If popcorn is served at a film festival, that is a plus. Over the years, OFF has served flavored popcorn from Decorah’s own Pinter’s Gardens and Pumpkins. Some venues sell food and drinks for your enjoyment, thus, introducing you to the variety of tastes that are found in Winneshiek County. At Hotel Winneshiek, festival attendees can purchase adult beverages and take them upstairs to the Steyer Opera House. Tip: The margaritas are made just the way a margarita should be with orange juice and a salted rim. Don’t forget to generously tip the bartender as she does an excellent job and is an elementary school teacher during the day.
Orange juice is key to any good margarita.
Meet the Film Director(s)
Make sure to hang around after the films to talk with the film director(s), whether they are onsite or attending the festival virtually. OFF offers time where attendees can chat one-on-one with the directors, providing opportunities to ask questions, get the film’s backstory, and sometimes there will even be members of the cast available to talk to.
2024 Director
Student film director, Noah Potvin. He was an 8th grade student in Decorah, Iowa when he created the short, Star Trek: Frontier in Diversity, that was shown at the 2024 festival.
Drake student and film director, Michael Veninga, 2024 OFF.
Directors at the 2024 OFF.
Create Your Own Itinerary
It is recommended that you plan your itinerary before the start of the festival. In 2025, there are over 60 films being shown over four days. It is a sure bet that if you do not lay out your schedule you will be disappointed. Some of them are shown more than once and in different locations, so plan out your schedule and carry your itinerary with you.
Not sure which documentaries to watch? Keep an eye out for the judges’ awards. Awards are generally announced a week or two before the festival.
Presenting this year’s 2026 Walter Ordway Best of the Fest OFF award winners are:
Best of the Fest – Documentary Feature (40+ min) – Budapest Diaries
Best of the Fest – Documentary Feature (40+ min) – Chanting of the Dunes
Best of the Fest – Documentary Feature (40+ min), Honorable Mention – Track Guy Movie
Best of the Fest – Documentary Feature (40+ min), Honorable Mention – Without a Pedal: A Bicycle Film About Snowboarding
Best of the Fest – Documentary Feature (40+ min), Honorable Mention – Mississippi Speed Record: An Epic Adventure
Best of the Fest -Documentary Short (less than 40 min) – From Sea to Shining Sea: Katharine Lee Bates and the Story of America the Beautiful
Best of the Fest – Narrative Feature (40+ min) – Beau Ideal
Best of the Fest – Narrative Short (less than 40 min) – Shoot, Shovel and Shut Up
Best of the Fest – Narrative Short (less than 40 min) – Fly Over
Best of the Fest – Honorable Mestion: Narrative Short (less than 40 min) – Choice
Best of the Fest – Animation – Castle Crisis
Best of the Fest – Experimental – Origin
Best of the Fest – Student Film: yer smacking
Best of the Fest – Student Film: Better So
Up-To-Date Information
Facebook is the perfect resource for keeping up-to-date on all things related to the OFF film festival. Follow along on the OFF festival’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/oneotafilmfest.
Future Dates of the Oneota Film Festival
OFF makes it easy to plan for future festivals by posting the dates in advance.
March 4-7, 2027
March 2-5, 2028
March 1-4, 2029
Midwest Film Festivals
Now that you are hooked on film festivals, below is a list of film festivals that are recommended by myself and fellow travel bloggers. Follow the suggestions described in this article for any festival you attend, and you are guaranteed to enjoy your experience.
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