Happy Mother’s Day weekend! I hope we all take this opportunity to think about the incredible moms in our life. I know of a few who deserve some serious recognition.
Over the last year, my mom battled cancer, started her own company, and did a complete lifestyle change, which now includes yoga, fitness challenges, and a constant flow of exotic, homemade health drinks.
Since we’re both working from home more, we’ve been able to get more afternoon walks together, share books and ideas, and I feel so lucky to have such a strong and caring mother. She taught me to put people over profits, to be compassionate and generous. I wouldn’t be the person I am without her, and the world is better with her. After raising three kids, she’s finally able to start putting herself first, and I am so proud of her.
She’s not the only super mom I know. My sister is currently raising three little kiddos, including twins. They’re fast, they’re smart, and she is the most loving, creative, and hopelessly outnumbered mama I know. I don’t know how she does it. One evening of babysitting wears me out harder than a 10k. She’s astounding.
I have also gained another mom this year: my mother-in-law, who managed to raise my favorite person and look absolutely fabulous doing it.
She hosts birthday parties for cats and rocks a pink boa just as easily as her field boots. She is the life of the party and the one person you do not want to cross in a game of Aggravation. Not a lot of daughters-in-law get to say they’ve had a tinsel war with their mother-in-law. I’m a lucky one.
Every mom is magic.
I’m so fortunate to have my two amazing, smart, energetic grandmothers, who are always supportive and generous and full of advice. One continues to amaze me with her work ethic and grace. She is the best piano player a church could ever hope to have on the bench and the best margarita buddy to share a patio with. The other is retired yet still manages to have a busier schedule than I do; always teaching classes, writing books, swimming, sewing, planning trips and helping others. I hope someday to have half the grace and energy of my grandmothers.
I know moms who are entrepreneurs, business owners, and stay-at-home moms who do the work of raising kids full time, without breaks. I know single moms, moms who are artists, moms who are finding balance, moms who do the impossible every single day, without complaint and without thanks.
Every mom is magic. So, if you don’t hear it anywhere else, I want to say: Happy Mother’s Day. Whether you’re getting spoiled by someone else or treating yourself, make sure you have a wonderful weekend. You deserve it.
Friday
Unique Classic Cars on Basset Drive in Mankato will host their first Roll-In of the season! Featuring the Second-Generation Rockabilly Hall of Fame rocker Robby Vee and his rock n roll caravan, the roll-in starts at 9 a.m., and music kicks off at 10 a.m. S&B BBQ will be serving up fresh foods. Join in with your own ride, or just come to check out the others. All are welcome!
We’ve got lots of fun things for the kids! The Minnesota Kids Golf-A-Palooza will take over the North Links Golf Course in North Mankato. This FREE event encourages kids to explore golf. Whether you’ve never picked up a club before or you’re little one is ready to go pro, this fun event connects kids to PGA professionals and coaches to gain a love of the sport. This is a great opportunity to get your kiddo fitted with the proper equipment and get connected to local junior and family golf programs. The North Mankato Taylor Library has their May Craft With Me kits ready to go! This month kids ages 2-8 (and their adult helping hand) will be putting together DIY Handprint Keychains. Choose two paint colors when you register online or by calling or stopping by the library.
The St. Peter American Legion will host a Craft and Vendor Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday. Swing by to shop over a dozen vendors and enjoy a taco-in-a-bag from the St. Peter Auxiliary Unit 37 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a great time to check out downtown St. Peter and grab any last-minute Mother’s Day gifts.
Take in the arts! This is your last chance to check out Me’lange, the mixed media installation by Nina Robinson at the 410 Project. They’ll be open Friday and Saturday, 2-6 p.m. Catch live music all over town, with Billy Johnson on the patio at Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery starting at 6:30 p.m, Joe Tougas at the Circle Inn in Mankato at 5 p.m., Alpha and Omega at Indian Island Winery in Janesville starting at 6 p.m., and much more.
Saturday
Fit and Grit Training will be at Sibley Park for their Spring into Fitness series. This 4 week, 45-minute, full-body boot camp is the perfect way to spring into a more active lifestyle. All fitness levels are welcome, and modifications are encouraged. Classes are just $10 a day, and cash is accepted on-site. You can register for one class or sign up for the full series.
Moms can take a day off and enjoy their favorite wine! The Starkeller in New Ulm will host a Sip & Paint event. Sip something delicious while painting a cherry blossom or dragonfly theme. The fun starts at 10 a.m. Call or text Suzanne at (507) 339-1770 to reserve a space. Blue Earth is also hosting its 5th Annual Wine Walk. Wine, doorbusters, deals, and so much more, with all ticket sales going to support Women of Worth. Check out their page for more details.
The hardest part of Saturday should be picking out the tunes. We have something for everyone. Jesse Becker will be playing country music at Chankaska Creek and Winery beginning at noon. The Mankato Brewery will host Amy Manette, a dynamic jazz trio, who will take the stage at 4 p.m. You can catch Steele Prairie at The 507 at 6 p.m., Adria Barnett at the Blue Boat in Mankato, Another Time Around at the Westwood Marina Bar and Grill in Kasota starting at 7 p.m.
Need a laugh? The Looney Lutherans present “Young(ish) at Heart: Celebrating “Maturity” at the State Street Theater in New Ulm. It’s also comedy night with Natasha Pearl Hansen and friends at the Oleander Saloon in Mankato. This 21+ show is free, but seating is limited, so get there before the fun begins at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday
Happy Mother’s Day to every mother! Let’s celebrate everything you do. The Curiosi-Tea House in North Mankato will host Mother’s Day tea from 1-3 p.m. Enjoy a Mother’s Day themed afternoon, just $18 per person. Reservations are required as seating is limited. Head to their event page for more details. Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery will host Mother’s Day Brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with MOM-osas, brunch, and bingos. Check out their event page for more information. Indian Island Winery in Janesville is celebrating with Moms and Mimosas! Brandt Gardens & Greenhouse will be there with plants and pots for sale to create your own DIY kit. This event is perfect for plant moms!
The National Garden Bureau has declared 2021 The Year of the Sunflower, and the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota wants to celebrate! Stop by from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to plant a sunflower seed to take home and grow. Hint to all the dads: this is a great way to get the kiddos out of the house for a bit so mama can have some chill time!
Bonus: The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift
If you celebrate Mother’s Day, hopefully, by now, you’ve got a gift together. Flowers, wine, candles, chocolates, they’re all safe bets. But if you’re a spouse or child trying to think of the best gift to give mom, I have a secret trick to figure it out: ask. We tend to think asking ruins the surprise or somehow makes a gift less meaningful. But not all moms want the same things, and moms tend to put themselves last. So, if you want to give something that really makes her day, ask and don’t let her blow you off with, “Oh, I don’t want anything.” Ask, “What would make you happy?” The gift isn’t always the gift itself. It’s the opportunity for her to stop, think about herself for once, and then get what she actually wants.
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Weekend High Notes is a regular feature by Molly Butler. Molly covers weekend events, live music, and culture in the Greater Mankato Area. Suggestions are welcome using the MankatoLIFE contact form.
