This past Wednesday we headed down to the Elkader Opera House to join several sun worn cannoers for an evening concert of Big Blue Sky.  This week was Project A.W.A.R.E. and event in which dozens of canoes made their way down the Turkey River picking up trash out of one of Northeast Iowa treasures.  I heard cannoers were pulling out everything from beer cans to water heaters.  Jon Stravers, the lead singer of Big Blue Sky was the perfect match for the entertainment.   An obvious environmentalist and friend of the land, Stravers songs include many references to the river.  The groovy folk music captured the energy in more ways then one.  Although I was not taking part in the river clean-up, the smell of sunshine was radiating off the concert goers and it felt as if the Opera House had suddenly become an outdoor event.  Some individuals who had spent all day working hard in the sun found themselves with heads bowed, but the music coming from the stage was that in which if you did fall asleep you would have one of the best dream accompaniment there was.  Stravers was joined by a upright bass guitar-Mike Obmascher, harmonica/mandolin-Kevin Dohse, guitar-Folko Landvoght, drummer, and singer Patsy Wellman (a great local musician in her own right).  Jon also brought out the Indian Flute, which made the event magical.

The evening started out with a grove that brought kids and a few adults up out of their seats to dance around.  Photo slide shows of natures beauty were displayed in the background.  Songs were written with heart.  One of my favorite was written to a poem by Brian Gibbs, current Osborne Naturalist, about a cabin on the Turkey River.  Brian was also given the honor of reading one of his poems during the break.  Following an intermission in which people participated in a silent auction for great items the band picked back up with a more bluesy set.  Songs seemed to come from all six of their albums.

As a planet lover Big Blue Sky continues to run their concert schedule in events which help raise money for the preservation of natures bounty.  Yesterday they were at the Yak Festival at the Natural Gait, along the Yellow River and throughout the summer they can be heard on Mississippi River Cruises.  If you would wish to listen to this beautiful music full of spirit, dance, and fun you can do so on their website.  This song Universal Mother highlights all the musicians talents in the band.

We all know the spectacular fun you can have riding midway rides, visiting the 4-H booths and livestock shows, and taking in some shows, but did you also know there are some amazing contests you can participate in at the fair too!

Adults, teens, and kiddos combines can have fun in the events planned at the Delaware County Fair. Starting on Tuesday get in on the Paper Airplane Contest at 1:00.   On Wednesday there is a Oreo Eating and Milk Chugging competition as well as a sidewalk chalk art contest.   Thursday bring your colored duct tape and get in on the Duct Tape Fashion show.  On Friday there is a piano contest.  And Saturday provides a Cutest Baby Contest and a Kiddy Tractor Pull to go along with the huge tractor, semi, and truck pull that night.

To top all the fun off, a week long competition inspired by the television show “A Minute to Win It” will be held.  Tuesday starts the qualifying round.  Check out the Delaware County Fair website for a complete schedule.

I can’t wait for the Delaware County Fair and for one reason in particular JOAN JETT!!!  Sweeeeeet.  She is the headlining the fair’s VIP night and you better believe dishntunes.com will be there, along with a lucky winner or two.

But more than Joan Jett, the fair also has Little Big Town coming for our Country lovers and Tenth Avenue North for those who get down with King.  Several local bands and djs will dot the stages and the “tunes” side of dishntunes.com is trembling with anticipation.

With the 4th of July being on Monday several towns are hosting fireworks on various days other than the 4th.  No matter what day of the holiday weekend  you want to see them shoot across the sky you are in luck.

Saturday- July 2

Guttenberg

Marquette

Oelwein

Sunday- July 3

West Union

Dyersville

Monday- July 4

Aurora

Monona

Colesburg

Spillville

Saturday- July 9

Prairie du Chien

Mississippi waters poured over its banks this year, but this isn’t necessarily a new things for Beer and Brats Garden in McGregor.  Having survived more than one flood already, Andrea McElwaine, owner of the establishment was prepared.  Despite opening later than they had planned (the doors finally were able to open the Wednesday before Memorial Day) Beer and Brats Garden has used the opportunity to add some new items to the store.  While we were visiting the crew was huddled over an ice cream machine that had just come in that day.

“We now have Blue Bunny hard ice cream,” says Andrea, “as well as healthier options.  We have added wraps to the menu and turkey burgers which actually taste really good.” 

Beer and Brats Garden has always taken pride in their brats, which they continue to purchase from Edgewood Locker, then grill to perfection.  They’ve even started to add flavored brats to the menu.  The day we visited Pineapple and Jalapeno & Cheddar were the flavors on hand.  Local caught fish fries and ribs are also features on specific nights.

Added to the drink menu is an array of hard alcohol and Andrea’s own hand-made Bloody Marys.  “I make them with 18 special ingredients and they are hot,” she says.  Suddenly Andrea is quick out the door as she sees a boat in need of help at the dock.  This friendly staff not only helps out boaters, they also deliver boat-side with call ahead orders.  Besides seeing employees help on the docks and unpack the new machine, we watched as they got off their shifts and joined loyal customers in card games.  “It says something when an employee doesn’t bolt for the door the minute they are off work.” says Amber, a visiting customer.

Besides great food, my one year old was fascinated with the gently clanging cow bell on the door, the passing trains, the boats whizzing by and his favorite show “Word World” on the tv, which patrons enjoyed watching him dance around to.  I loved the added touches of fresh cut flowers on every table and beautiful watercolors depicting life on the Mississippi for sale on the walls.

A variety of vendors from NE Iowa, SE Minnesota, and SW Wisconsin have come together to put together a delightful day full of information and fun for those who are planning or expecting a baby, have a new baby, or just want to join in the fun.  The event is completely FREE.  The doors open at 10 am at Schera’s Restaurant on Main Street in Elkader, IA.  The first 10 in the door receive a FREE goody bag bursting with gifts from vendors as well as businesses throughout the region.

This is the first year for the Tri-State Natural Baby Expo.  “It took me a long time to locate resources for natural parenting when I was pregnant with my son,” says Coordinator Shannon Durbin who has a one-and-a-half-year old, “Now that I have found them I want to share them.  How much easier it would have been to find all that is available in one spot.”

The resources refers to include a variety of professionals throughout the region.  Mamatoto Midwifery will be available for Q&A on anything from VBACs to waterbirth to birth place options throughout the Tri-State Region.  Dona Doulas will share about their profession and what they offer during delivery.  Shannon Dodd of SD Photography in Marquette will be scheduling maternity and baby photography sessions at rates only available at the Expo.  Biggerstaff Family Chiropractic of Charles City, Iowa will be sharing the benefits of chiropractic during and after pregnancy.  Herbal Symphony of Milwaukee, WI will be available with herbal remedies that help with infertility, ease of delivery, and increasing breast milk supply.  Cloth Diapers Today of Rushford, MN will be selling and providing information about the advancement and types of cloth diapers as well as ways to wear baby wraps and slings.

Also included in the day will be a baby garage sale with great deals including a BOB stroller, environmentally friendly toys for children to play with, movies to ease the fear of delivery, lactation consultants, and more.

You won’t want to miss this free event.

Check  it out on Facebook and sites.google.com/site/naturalbabyexpo/

For more information, call Shannon Durbin at 563-920-7681.

DishnTunes.com joined the fun at Lakeside Ballroom this weekend, attending Rock the River Road Show.  Our littlest reporter, Lincoln Durbin, had a great time dancing to the golden oldies, watching the twirl of poodle skirts, and playing air guitar alongside Guttenberg’s own outstanding guitar maker, Steve Dikkers.

When Lincoln wasn’t sucking down ketchup on some of the most perfect french fries, he was getting down to “Run Around Sue.”  Check out the video for a child like view of the fantastic night.