Article by: Mary Kennedy
The Zumbrota Covered Bridge Music & Arts Festival is the City’s annual community event, and was held June 13-16. This year, CEDA representative Ryan Soukup played a vital role in the organization of the event, specifically taking on a majority of the responsibility of the parade planning, which included organizing music units, parade participants, and coordinating and preparing the route. In addition to the parade, the festival is host to a variety of family and adult activities which include a vendor fair, food trucks, a craft beer experience, and nerf wars in the city’s Covered Bridge Park. The Covered Bridge Festival is a four-day event, which is usually held the third week in June. Planning for this year’s event began in February, and was done in collaboration with a volunteer committee and the City of Zumbrota. “Having the central volunteer committee working with the City is a great way to utilize existing resources. For example, the City’s street department employees were able to help with some of the set up, which might include installing signs around town, or setting up large tents for various activities.” explained Soukup.
Soukup said, “A great experience can be had for the entire community, and so many people can benefit when people get involved and volunteer. This festival offers the entire community a common experience – everyone is tied to this really fun weekend together. The Covered Bridge Festival helps provide and develop a sense of identity to those who live and work in Zumbrota and I was glad to be a part of the event this year.”
This year, the event was made possible by a long list of local supporters. Major event sponsors include: Zumbrota Telephone Company; Zumbrota Veterinary Clinic; Countryside Lawn & Landscape, Inc.; NAPA Auto Parts; Firebrick Bread – Wood-Fired Pizza; Nilssen’s Grocery; Zumbrota Ford; Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram; Rockne Law Office; Knutson Construction Service; Bank of Zumbrota; StateFarm – Lyle Wendroth; and Midwest Fabrication & Supply.