The Northfield Downtown Development Corporation (NDDC) is proud to present its Sixth Annual Taste of Northfield, Thursday and Friday, June 16 and 17, from 5 to 10 p.m. daily, in and around Bridge Square—located in the heart of historic downtown Northfield. Featuring delicious food and beverages, a beer and wine garden, fantastic live local music and entertainment, and fun for the whole family—this year’s Taste of Northfield promises a good time for everyone.

The event takes place rain or shine. Along with tasty treats being served up by a dozen local food vendors and a beer and wine tent located on the Fourth Street Bridge overlooking the majestic Cannon River, the 2011 Taste of Northfield will feature a special bank raid re-enactment by the infamous James Younger Gang and performances by many of the area’s most popular musical groups, including the String Fever Bluegrass Band, the Northfield Community Band, The Mark Joseph Project (featuring members of The Big Wu and Down Lo), Templeton, and The Rice County Roosters.

There will also be face-painting and balloon animals as well as dance demonstrations by the Northfield Arts Guild’s Mexican Folklorico and the hip-hop breakdancers The Lost Boyz Crew. The Northfield Historical Society will also offer a discounted one dollar admission fee to their museum both evenings.

The Taste of Northfield includes a silent and live auction with proceeds benefiting the NDDC, whose mission is to support a vital and vibrant downtown Northfield. The auctions will feature a wide-range of products and services generously donated by area retailers, businesses, and community members.

The Sixth Annual Taste of Northfield is sponsored by the NDDC, along with generous support from Archer House River Inn, Carleton College, First National Bank of Northfield, Neuger Communications Group, College City Beverage, Malt-O-Meal, Community Resource Bank, Taylor Trucking, Franek Electric, Guth Electric, the City of Northfield, By All Means Graphics, the Northfield Municipal Liquor Store, Fette Electronics, the Northfield Police Department, KYMN Radio, Northfield News, Defeat of Jesse James Days Committee, J. Grundy’s Rueb-N-Stein, Contented Cow Pub/Chapati Indian Restaurant, Waste Management, Northfield Historical Society, and Rebound Enterprises.

Photo courtesy of Griff Wigley.