Viola Gopher Count Festival

The nation’s oldest continuous town festival, one year older than the Kentucky Derby, according to online information, is nearly here.

The first event was held June 27, 1874 and the Plainview News reports the Viola Gopher Count, is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18 and Thursday, June 19 in the little Olmsted County town.

The 151st-annual Gopher Count will feature Disco Party Bingo, live music by Brian Mix, and fireworks at dusk on June 18.

Thursday the 19th, highlights include the crowning of Gopher Count royalty, the Grand Parade (the Dover-Eyota and Lake City High School marching bands will perform), pony rides and inflatables, a kids’ pedal pull, Kiddie Parade, arts and crafts,  live music by the Rocking’ Hep Cats and Rafe Carlson and much more.

Visit the Viola Gopher Count Facebook site for more information and the complete schedule.