Did you know Silver Lake is the home to the World's Largest Floating Loon?

One of my favorite summer events to hit Virginia, Minnesota, is the famous Land of the Loon Festival. Like many Rangers, I see the Land of the Loon as the official beginning of fun and celebration of summer. The festival kicks off Saturday morning with an extravagant parade that travels down 5^th Avenue and Chestnut Street. Then the “Loonies” race to Olcott Park to indulge in a HUGE spread of ethnic foods-Gyros, Italian Sausages and Becky’s Egg Rolls-and to taste the most delicious desserts: sno-cones, cotton candy, funnel cakes and the famous mini-donuts (my son refuses to quit asking, “Can we get mini-donuts? Can we? Can we, Mom?”). The children, with their sticky faces and fingers, gather with their parents near the gazebo to dance and sing with the various entertainers. Talented artists and crafters share the park to sell their unique and beautiful creations year after year. After a day at the park, the nightlife fires up downtown at the Land of the Loon Street Dance; the roads are blocked and people party hearty while they dance in the streets and enjoy more food, drink and entertainment. With smiles and full bellies, Rangers can’t get enough. Most return on Sunday just to do it all over again. Rain or shine, everyone shows up.

Rangebuzz.com fans, let me give you a little inside information about what’s going down at this year’s Land of the Loon Festival. I’ll start with the food (since it’s my FAVORITE part). There’s absolutely no way I can walk by the Gyro stand and not get one. Last year, after standing in line for 20 minutes (it was worth it) my husband says, “Can I have a bite. ” “Ah…NO! Get your own!” was my response. I’m normally a sharing person, I am! But I just love every single bite. That’s not the only tasty treat at the Land of the Loon. I’m talking about the best Italian Sausages ever served up by the Italian American Club (these are my father’s favorites). The Virginia Lion’s Club always serves sarmas, turkey legs and Ukrainian sausage. There’s Pepe’s Mexican food, there are cheese curds, blooming onions, pita sandwiches, corn on the cob, BBQ ribs-the list goes on and on.

Later that evening, I always hit the LOTL Street Dance. There is one stop that’s automatic: I gotta get me some of Barb’s Fried Bread and a Becky’s Egg Roll or I’m not happy. And hundreds of other people share this vow, I’m sure. (I’ve been dieting all week just to gear up for this weekend!) But even better than stuffing my face, I look forward to hearing some great music. Four Horse Johnson and Livin’ Large will be rocking Chestnut Avenue this year. Downtown will certainly really rocking with good tunes, great people, food and drinks.

There’s something for everyone at the Land of the Loon. Here’s the link to the Land of the Loon web site for more information. www.landoftheloonfestival.com Get out there and enjoy! The Land of the Loon only comes once per year.

Before I started RangeBuzz.com, there were some restaurants I just hadn’t tried. Fortunately, I’ve broadened my horizons and have had experienced some of the best food around at North Gate Café & Catering. My only disappointment is that I wish I had eaten there years ago!

When I first looked at the menu, I was impressed at the original recipes for breakfast (my favorite meal of the day.) With omelets like Papa’s Secret-wild rice, green pepper, onion, mushrooms and American cheese, Brother’s Belly Buster-ham and bacon with 3 cheeses and sour cream, the Cully Looper-stuffed with corned beef hash, and Grandpa’s Grub-wild rice, bacon, mushrooms and cheddar cheese, you can see how the decision was not easy. I decided on Grandpa’s Grub and my husband ordered the Cully Looper. The portions were plentiful and the omelets tasted great! Our omelets were packed with fresh ingredients. I couldn’t even finish my meal because I was so full. The next time I’m in for breakfast at North Gate Café, I am tempted to try the Stuffed Hashed Browns. I’ve heard they are a customer favorite.

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As many know, I’ve lived on the Iron Range my entire life (except the couple years I lived in Duluth while I attended college). However, from time to time I travel outside the area, and I’ve eaten at many, MANY restaurants. But there’s one thing that I sometimes take for granted, and that’s really good, authentic Iron Range cuisine. What’s so special about Iron Range cuisine, you ask? If you’re a true Ranger, you know exactly what I’m talking about. But if you exist elsewhere, then let me fill you in on some great tasting meals  that you cannot enjoy anywhere but HERE.

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