Crookston offers several annual events for residents and visitors. Here, you can take a solo trip to view art created by some of Crookston’s own talent or go with the family to volunteer during the Christmas season.
Take a look at a few of the annual events that take place each year in Crookston and decide which one of these programs you and your family would enjoy the most.
Polk County Pioneer Day
Polk County Pioneer Day is an annual event sponsored by the Polk County Historical Society each September. Experience live music from local musicians such as the O’Neil Family Musicians, Alex Conwell, and the Woodpicks. There are also antique machines like fire trucks, tractors, and water pumps on display for all to see. The kids will love the Sun Country and You Petting Zoo, free wagon rides, and blacksmithing demonstrations.
Chalk It Up and Queen City Art Festival
Chalk it Up and Queen City Art Festival is also held each year in September in downtown Crookston. This annual event is sponsored by the Downtown Crookston Development Partnership, Crookston Kiwanis Pioneer 100s, and Crookston Rotary Club. There are several art-focused activities featured, such as interactive art stations, tie-dying demonstrations, rock painting, hair chalking, and much more. You’ll also have the opportunity to walk through various art booths and experience original artwork from local artists.
Along with the art displays and activities, there will be local food trucks and music played throughout the event. Admission to this festival is free.
United Way Soup and Chili Cook-off and Chocolate Extravaganza
You won’t want to miss the annual United Way Soup and Chili Cook-off and Chocolate Extravaganza held each October. This annual fundraiser for the United Way of Crookston features unlimited samples of soup, chili, and chocolate by both local restaurants and amateur cooks. Held at the Crookston High School, the fundraiser includes music performed by local musicians like the Valley Fiddlers.
Admission is free, but free-will donations are encouraged. Any donations will support several local non-profit organizations right here in the Crookston and Polk County communities.
Community Halloween Party
Be sure to add the annual Community Halloween Party to your calendar this year. This fun event held every October takes place at the Crookston National Guard Armory and invites 4th grade and younger children to wear a costume and enjoy Halloween. The only condition is, kids must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Admission is free, though they ask that each family bring a canned food item to help kick off the Crookston High School LEO Club’s annual food drive.
Chamber Celebration and Awards Night
Held each November, the Crookston Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a fun Celebration and Awards Night for local Crookston businesses and volunteers involved with the chamber. Awards are given in five categories — Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Lifetime Award, and Volunteer of the Year.
Winner of the Large Business of the Year needs to employ 50 or more people and have been in business for at least one year. Other criteria for this award include a significant increase in revenue, deployment of new technology, progressive human resource policies, commitment to environmental-friendly practices, and a growing workforce.
The Small Business of the Year award is given to a local non-manufacturing business that employs fewer than 50 people and has been in business for at least five years. These businesses are vital to the Crookston community and must meet specific criteria, such as utilizing unique marketing strategies, involvement in the community, and exceptional customer service.
The award for Entrepreneur of the Year is handed to a business that has developed an innovative product or valuable new service to better meet the needs of the Crookston community. Winner of the Lifetime Award is drawn from a distinguished group of long-standing professionals who have enriched the Crookston community and made a significant impact in the world of commerce.
The Volunteer of the Year award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding services to the Crookston Chamber of Commerce and the overall community. This person has gone above and beyond the normal responsibilities and created a lasting and beneficial impact for all Crookston area residents.
Community Christmas Food Baskets
Each Christmas, the Community Christmas Food Basket Committee prepares food baskets for those in need during the holiday season. This committee can benefit from food and monetary donations and volunteers to help assemble, fill, and deliver the baskets. About 10% of the annual food donations come from local sixth-grade students and churches around. Individuals, local businesses, and area organizations provide the rest of the 90% of food items needed. All food purchased for the gift baskets is done through local grocers and stores.
Monetary donations can be dropped off at the Trinity Lutheran Church office or mailed to the church at PO Box 598 in Crookston. Boxes for donations of non-perishable food items are also placed at various local churches. If you know someone who could use this food donation, call the Community Christmas Food Basket initiative (at 218-280-8026) to request a basket for them.
Santa Land
Santa Land is a fun and festive annual event hosted by the University of Minnesota-Crookston. Free and open to the public, the event features various student clubs and organizations from UMC who admirably put together a variety of holiday activities, crafts, and prizes for all children in the Crookston area. There will also be photos with Santa Clause, Mrs. Claus, and their elves. Along with the games and festivities, cookies and hot chocolate will be served.
Santa Land is sponsored by the Crookston Student Association and is held each December at the Northern Lights Lounge, Sargeant Student Center on the UMC campus.
Did you discover a new event to attend with your family or friends? Is there a favorite annual celebration or festival of yours that we forgot to add? If so, contact the team at Rydell Honda of Grand Forks to let us know. We’ll be happy to add it to our list.
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