Hometown celebrations

Booster Days

All year long, Hudson Boosters give more than 1,500 area children a boost through the organization’s youth athletics program, the annual Easter egg hunt and numerous other community projects. During the Booster Days Fourth of July celebration, the whole community shares in the fun.

Highlights of the celebration include dancing in the park, a grand parade, sports tournaments, music and drama in the Lakefront Park band shell and a giant fireworks display over the St. Croix River. There are amusement rides for children, bingo and the ever-popular Booster chicken grilled in the park.

Pepper Fest

The North Hudson Pepper Fest is held the third weekend of August. If you’re there, it might be a good idea to say “Viva Italiano” in deference to the annual celebration of Italian heritage. Funds from the festival are used to support various organizations and activities that benefit the Hudson area.

The three-day event is packed with fun, including live bands, rides, a softball tournament, a grand parade and kiddie parade, and great Italian food. And the hot pepper-eating contest should not be missed.

This year’s Pepper Fest will take place Aug. 19-21, 2011.

Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival

Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival is Sept. 24-25.

Situated in Lakefront Park along the scenic St. Croix River, the fall event features a juried art show with more than 75 area and regional artists, acoustic music, food, Scarecrows on Parade and wagon rides touring downtown. Experience all that Hudson has to offer

along the beautiful St. Croix River.

Tour of Homes

The annual holiday Christmas Tour of Homes is a Hudson tradition that brings more than 1,500 visitors to town every November. The tour features five of Hudson’s finest homes and the historic Octagon House, decorated in full holiday regalia. Enjoy the first holiday party of the season with a sneak peak of the tour homes followed by festive food and drink at the Black Tie Event the Friday night before the tour. Along with the homes on the tour, there is the Christmas Tour of Homes Craft Sale that has a reputation for being one of the finest of the season.

The Christmas Tour of Homes for 2011 is Nov. 18-20.

Reindeer in the Park

As part of the annual holiday celebration, Santa and his reindeer will be in Lakefront Park visiting with children and their parents. Kids can bring their Christmas wish lists and parents should bring their cameras for this perfect photo opportunity. In the tent, kids can take part in take-home craft projects, nature activities, music and entertainment.

Check the schedule of events at the front of this publication for more seasonal fun including the annual Light Up Night the Friday after Thanksgiving, the downtown Candlelight Stroll and weekend visits by Santa right up until the big day.

Hot Air Affair

In addition to the spectacular summer festivals, Hudsonites also stage winter fun with the Hot Air Affair held annually. Held the first weekend in February, the three-day event, hot air balloons will be launched over downtown Hudson with enough color to brighten up the sky. On Saturday night, the hot air balloons will light up the dark sky for an hour. The event kicks off with the Friday night torchlight parade, complete with a kazoo marching band.

Other events include a candlelight cross-country ski run at Willow River State Park, events for children and promotions around town.

Spring Showcase

The Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce bids farwell to winter with the Spring Showcase, an annual trade, business and service show in late March or early April at the

Hudson Sports & Civic Center. The free Sunday event, “Discover the Best of the Hudson Area,” includes more than 80 booths and features a variety of activities for adults and children including information, entertainment and

refreshments.It is an excellent way to get acquainted

with the community.

Yellowstone Trail Days

Held in May, this weekend of events and activities commemorates Hudson’s presence on the Yellowstone Trail that went from Plymouth Rock on the East Coast to Puget Sound on the West Coast, circa 1915. The road was the first cross-continental road in the U.S.

Downtown Celebrations

Concerts in the Park happen Thursday evenings throughout the summer, at the bandshell in Lakefront Park, located along the river at First and Locust Streets. Local bands are featured, and the events are free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. For more information, contact the city, (715) 386-4765.

The Minnesota Orchestra generally performs a concert one evening in late June or early July at the Lakefront Park Bandshell. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. For more information, contact the Phipps Center, (715) 386-2305.

The Old Car Show takes place the second Friday of each month, May-September. The event is located on Locust Street, between Second and Third streets. Come see cars from years gone by.

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