Spring Valley EDA

Tools for Economic Growth in Spring Valley, Minnesota.

Spring Valley EDA News

Young Runners Excel at 2021 Ag Days 6k

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Teens made a strong showing in the Ag Days 6k race on the Spring Valley trail Saturday, Aug. 21, as a 16-year old had the fastest time.  Cole Kruegel was the first finisher in the 2021 race with a time of 24:19. Two other teens were close on his heels, though, as Andrew Imm finished second with a time of 24:39 and Garrison Hubka took third with a time of 24:57. The three Spring Valley teens are all 16 years old and members of the Kingsland cross-country team.

The first female across the finish line was Jenna Steeves, 32, of Milford, Connecticut, with a time of 27:12.  She is the daughter of Steve Tammel, who volunteered to drive the bus full of runners to the starting line. Steeves was also the female winner in 2018, the last time she ran the local race.

A teen winner is a repeat of the last Ag Days 6k trail race. The Ag Days race wasn’t held in 2020 due to the pandemic. In 2019, Treyton Lanning, 14, of Chatfield, became the youngest ever winner of the race, which became a 6k race on the trail in 2013. Previously the race was 5k in length and the course was on roads in Spring Valley, starting at Spring Creek Park.

Since then, the race has started on County Road 8 near the city camping area with runners heading onto the paved trail and following it all the way to Willow Park. The course is 3.72 miles long.

Kruegel previously played football in the fall, but last season he was allowed to play football and run cross-country for Kingsland. This year, he is focusing solely on cross-country. However, in cross-country meets this year, Hubka is usually the one in front of the Kingsland High School cross-country team. At a Hayfield invitational meet Sept. 9, Hubka took first and Kruegel finished second overall in a field of a dozen teams.

A total of 49 runners signed up for the 2021 race. There were plenty of young runners as 16 of them, or nearly a third, were age 18 or younger. The field even included a 9-year-old, Carson Smith of Spring Valley. Every age group was represented up to the 60s, which included three women older than 60.

Age group medal winners, not including the overall winners, are as follows:

Youth 14 and younger: Dalton Pischke of Elkton and Kylie Meyer of Spring Valley.

Age 19 and under: Imm and Susan Mettler of Spring Valley.

Age 20 to 29: Isaac Watson of Spring Valley.

Age 30 to 39: Dan Hershberger and Heather Betts, both of Spring Valley.

Age 40 to 49: Nils Wahlander and Angela Boysen, both of Spring Valley.

Age 50 to 59: Bruce Meyer and Sarah Kohn, both of Spring Valley.

Age 60 to 69: Sharon McGill of Stewartville.

Volunteers included Dave and Marlene Foster at the finish line, Kristi Mettler at the registration table, and Brenda and Matt Stier and Pam Phillips at the aid station. Tammel also officially started the runners and the Kingsland School District provided a bus to transport the runners from Willow Park to the starting line.

Next year’s race will be held Saturday, Aug. 20, with plans to run the same course. Any suggestions for improvement are welcome.  Also, don’t forget the Frozen Feet 4k during Christmas on Historic Broadway Avenue on Dec. 11. This is a fun run that supports Kingsland youth football.

 

 

 

Click Here to View 2021 Ag Days 6K Run Results

 

 

Stellar 181 Taphouse to Open Saturday, July 31st in Historic Downtown Spring Valley, MN.

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Stellar 181 Taphouse will be opening its doors, this Saturday July 31st, at 120 North Broadway, in historic downtown Spring Valley, MN. After being delayed due to COVID-19, Stellar 181 will offer local and area residents a fun, relaxed place to gather, explore some unique chef-prepared food offerings, and enjoy one of 20 tap craft beers, or a selection of seltzer, wines, and cocktails from around the tri-state area.

“With COVID, this has taken a lot longer than we initially planned,” admits Alex Slifka, who owns the new venture with his wife Jenn. “This weekend will be a soft-opening limited to craft beers only, and just two of our feature menu items, the street tacos and brats, but we are excited to finally be able to sit at the bar and have a beer!”

Stellar 181 Taphouse is the latest venture of local entrepreneurs Alex and Jenn Slifka, who own four adjacent buildings along Broadway including those that house Chateau de Chic, Chic by Chateau, Some Like It Hot Cakes and Catering, and now Stellar 181 Taphouse. All four of these businesses are connected via the original, late 1800’s walk-through doorways. “It really provides an inviting and unique experience,” says Chris Hahn, EDA Director for Spring Valley. “Once you enter, you can get your hair done, shop for clothes and gifts, grab a coffee and a sweet treat, or pull up a seat at the bar for a meal and local craft beer, all without walking back out the door.”

“Alex and I love trying new and interesting beers,” says Jenn Slifka, “but in our area, you have to go to a brewery for that experience.  We are trying to create a place where people can try a variety of beers from different local breweries all in one place!”

The idea of Stellar 181 came about as a way for Alex Slifka, a contractor and wood craftsman, to spend a little more time near home doing something he truly enjoys. Alex has experience in the restaurant industry both in operations and as part of the team of craftsmen that have created many of Southeastern Minnesota’s popular restaurants and micro-brewery spaces. When the chance to purchase the fourth building in the row presented itself, the Slifka’s seized the opportunity. The result is a beautifully renovated, historic 1880’s building with original wood flooring and tin ceilings, combined with new, custom-built furniture and fixtures creating a warm relaxed space to enjoy with friends.  “This is what happens when a carpenter wants his own bar,” jokes Alex, as he stands in the middle of the new space, looking at all the little details still needing attention, “there is even a little space out back for a small patio,” he adds.

In addition to the vast selection of local beers, seltzers, and wines, Stellar 181 Taphouse will also provide a full menu of chef-created, chef-prepared food. “We are excited to share our new menu items with the community.” adds Jenn, stating that hiring a chef and creating a truly unique menu was a priority from the start.  “We want to offer a unique experience with fresh and exciting menu options, and of course we will have craft beer recommendations to pair with many of the menu items,” she adds with a smile, “Good food, good drinks, and a great atmosphere!”

Stellar 181 Taphouse will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 3:00 PM to close, and will offer a full food menu, with craft beer pairings. Make sure to like and follow them on Facebook at (1) Stellar 181 Taphouse | Facebook to stay up to date with the latest beer selections, menu offerings, and schedule of events, or contact Stellar 181 Taphouse via phone at 507-208-1621.

 

 

EDA Community Update: Summer May Be Half Over, But Spring Valley Has Plenty of Fun Still To Come!

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The 4th of July is over, but that doesn’t mean that summer is winding down. The best is yet to come in Spring Valley, MN.  Here are just a few of the exciting things taking place in Spring Valley in the coming months:

Valley Christian Center (VCC) hosts Music and Activities with “Six Mile Grove”, at Spring Creek Park on Friday, July 16th, from 6:00-8:00 PM. Be sure to check out what promises to be a fun evening with the VCC.

The 5th Annual Fins and Films Festival is returning to historic Downtown Spring Valley, MN, this summer, on July 30th and 31st! For the past five years (excluding 2020), The Fins and Films festival has celebrated the cars and culture of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s with a Classic Car Show and Cruise, Live Music, Pin-Up Contest, Grass Drags, Crate Box Derby, and even a Drive-In movie, all right in the heart of downtown Spring Valley. Make sure to like and follow Fins and Films on Facebook for the complete list of events and sponsors, and download the Crate Box Derby registration form online at www.springvalleyeda.org.

The Spring Valley Area Community Foundation (SVACF) is hosting Music in the Park, on Sunday, August 15th, featuring LP and the 45’s, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.

Ag Days Is Back! This year’s events start on August 16th and go through the 22nd. Complete with the Car Show and Little Huskers 1K Kids Run, Adult 6K run Street Dance and Parade! Be sure to visit www.springvalleyeda.org  and register online for the Adult 6K Run and the Little Huskers 1K Kids Run.

The Stellar 181 Taphouse, located at 120 North Broadway, plans to open its doors this July! Stellar 181 Taphouse will feature various craft beers from around the area and a full menu of delicious things for you to try. Make sure to like them on Facebook at Stellar 181 Taphouse, and check for updates and progress.

Some Like it Hot Cakes and Catering, located at 112 North Broadway, is also completing its renovation this later July! Be sure to check out the new Coffee Bar and choose from various tasty treats, including various flavors of gelato and a couple of sorbets. They also plan to offer plant-based gelato (like Strawberry Almond Crisp) for those looking for a vegan or dairy-free option.   Follow them on Facebook at Some Like It Hot Cakes & Catering 

Hop & Barrel Brewing Company of Hudson, WI will be opening a second brewery in Spring Valley this Fall! Hop & Barrel announced its expansion via social media this past weekend upon securing the downtown Spring Valley location, on the corner of Broadway and East Jefferson St., formerly home to Sheldon Plumbing and Heating. “We like to say that Hop and Barrel is a community center that sells beer,” say co-founders Justin Terbeest and Brian Priefer. “Hop & Barrel Spring Valley will have its own unique character,” adds Terbeest, “but the underlying theme will be a community center with beer.” To learn more about Hop & Barrel Brewing Company, visit hopandbarrelbrewing.com and make sure to follow the progress on Facebook at @hopandbarrelspringvalleymn.

 

Does your business or organization have a Spring Valley event planned? Let us know, and the Spring Valley EDA can add it to the Community Calendar on our website and even help with registration if needed! Email: Director@SpringValleyEDA.org, or call Chris Hahn at 612-327-9729.

 

Hop & Barrel Brewing Company to Open Second Brewery in Spring Valley This Fall

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Hop & Barrel Brewing Company of Hudson, WI, will be opening a second brewery in Spring Valley this Fall!  Hop & Barrel announced its expansion via social media this past weekend upon securing the downtown Spring Valley location, on the corner of Broadway and East Jefferson St., formerly home to Sheldon Plumbing and Heating.

“We like to say that Hop and Barrel is a community center that sells beer,” say co-founders Justin Terbeest and Brian Priefer. “Hop & Barrel Spring Valley will have its own unique character,” adds Terbeest, “but the underlying theme will be a community center with beer.”

Hop & Barrel, established in 2017 in Hudson, WI, has become well known for its unique craft beers and its ability to offer a fun, family-friendly place to relax with friends and meet new people. It regularly hosts various events, including live music, stand-up comedy, trivia & game nights, and brewery tours for those who want to learn more about the brewing process.

“Spring Valley is a location that we had explored before,” explains Terbeest, a Spring Valley native, sharing that he and Priefer had looked at properties downtown several years ago for a different beer project that ultimately didn’t happen. Earlier this year, when friends and fellow Spring Valley business owners Alex and Jenn Slifka presented the opportunity of opening a brewery in a building that they planned to purchase, it made perfect sense. “We don’t have a traditional business partnership with them,” says Terbeest, “but we have worked very closely with them to secure the space as soon as it was available.” 

When asked about why Spring Valley makes sense for another location, Terbeest explains that while some people may feel that Spring Valley is a community where people grow up and eventually move elsewhere, he is quick to points out that there is great opportunity in a small town with affordable property and a great story to tell.  For the growing craft beer industry, there is highway of tourist that travel between the Twin Cities and Decorah, IA, and it is easy to add stops along that route.  “Spring Valley has always been on the main travel route, but now, instead of car service and scenic stops, it’s now craft beer and boutique shops,” says Terbeest.  It’s really just Spring Valley staying current with the times,” adds Priefer.

For Terbeest and Priefer, Hop & Barrel Spring Valley is their way of helping to revitalize the community, bring people together, and contribute to the local economy, noting that these can all be achieved at the same time. “People don’t often realize what can be accomplished when community’s come together; getting everyone in the same room together is very powerful,” states Priefer.  With that in mind, a traditional U-shaped bar will be focal point of the new bar space, allowing people to meet face-to-face, tell stories, share ideas and of course, a craft beer of their choosing.

While Hop & Barrel Spring Valley will certainly offer some of the brands flagship craft brews, such as “Minnesconsin”  Light Lager and “Space Force”  Double IPA, the focus will be on creating new, local craft beers that connect with beer lovers both locally and those passing through and exploring all the area has to offer.  Hop & Barrel is also well-established with area beer distributors, so many of its craft beers are already available through central Minnesota and northeastern Wisconsin.

“There is definitely excitement around town,” says Spring Valley EDA Director Chris Hahn. “We have Stellar 181 Taphouse opening later this July, now a new brewery just across the street later this Fall, and some great existing options for food and shopping downtown. Spring Valley is becoming a destination for people to gather, have fun and be part of our story!” 

To learn more about Hop & Barrel Brewing Company, visit hopandbarrelbrewing.com and make sure to follow the progress on Facebook at @hopandbarrelspringvalleymn.

 

Annual Fins and Films Festival Returns to Spring Valley, July 30-31st.

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The Annual Fins and Films Festival is returning to historic Downtown Spring Valley, MN, this summer, on July 30th and 31st! For the past five years (excluding 2020), The Fins and Films festival has celebrated the cars and culture of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s with a Classic Car Show and Cruise, Live Music, Pin-Up Contest, Grass Drags, Crate Box Derby, and even a Drive-In movie, all right in the heart of downtown Spring Valley. “It’s exciting to be able to have these events again,” says Chris Hahn, EDA Director for Spring Valley. “COVID-19 didn’t allow us to have any events last year, so being able to gather as a community with friends and neighbors for Fins and Films, it’s a big deal!”

Fins and Films started as a simple idea over five years ago. It has evolved into a local nonprofit organization with a mission to educate people about the automotive culture and its impact on society. The two-day Fins and Films festival is an immersive event to teach people about that uniquely American car culture.  “Initially, I just wanted to help the community, specifically the downtown businesses, and bring people into Spring Valley,” says Greg Melartin, Fins & Films founder and owner of Matt’s Auto Body.  “I understood the power of car shows to draw people in, and the car show community is a great group of people!”  The Car Show draws classic car enthusiasts from the surrounding area and from as far away as Montana, and classic cars from all eras are welcome.

Greg also admits that he understands the importance of a good gimmick. Spring Valley’s history includes once having a Drive-In Theatre. Keeping with that theme, Fins and Films has two automotive ambassadors, “Bella,” a 1961 Imperial, and “Tubby,” a 1950 Plymouth convertible, who provide a recognizable, year-round presence in Spring Valley. Bella proudly displays the words “Fins and Films” on her nearly 5′ long fins, while Tubby is all about top-down cruising, even on a ten below zero winter day… all to raise money for a good cause, of course. But Fins and Films is about more than just the cars.

Another highlight each year is the Pin-Up Show featuring contestants in the classic ’50s, ’60s and ’70s attire, complete with era-appropriate make-up, props and attitude, each competing for the honor of Miss Fins and Films. Jen Slifka, the owner of Chateau De Chic Salon, has organized the Pin-Up Context each year. “A lot of times when people think of traditional Pin-Ups, they think of dirty or risqué images, but our contest is family-friendly, I assure you,” she says with a grin, “It’s much more about celebrating and empowering women, and having fun.” This year, children also get to share the spotlight in the Mini-pin Pin-up show, exclusively for the young beauties! Participants are told that when choosing a style and an outfit, think the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s…think GREASE, and you will probably nail the look!

When asked what his favorite part of the event is, Greg Smiles admitting that setting up for the Pin-Up Show is probably his favorite part. “I get to drive my 1959 Case tractor with the bucket down Main Street and help set up the stage complete with vintage 1950’s era props, so that’s a lot of fun.”

This year’s event looks to be bigger and better than ever. With more than two dozen local sponsors and expansion of the car show onto Courtland Ave., it promises to be a good time! “We have always had a great group of sponsors for our event,” say’s Melartin, “the community has been very supportive!”

For a complete list of this year’s events, times and sponsors, click here:  Fins and Films Festival (springvalleyeda.org) or check out the Fins and Films Facebook Page Fins and Films – Posts | Facebook.