During the Minnesota Hunting Opener — better known in the retail world as Widow's Weekend— some will hunt does and others will spend dough.
For those who prefer to hunt for frivolities and fashions rather than food, there are a couple of nearby cities ready to cater to you.
Lake City will be hosting its second annual Doe Dayson Saturday and Sunday. Local businesses, including mainstay Treats and Treasures, will have special discounts and events.
"It's not just sales, it's entertainment, it's a whole weekend full of fun things to do," said Jil Garry, owner of Treats and Treasures, who has been instrumental in putting on the Doe Days festivities. The response has been huge, according to Garry, with more businesses participating this year than last.
Romance novelist Stephanie Beckwill be at Treats and Treasures to meet fans and sign her work from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. There will be a photo booth there from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the store will offer specials, such as 20 percent off Chalet brand apparel, made in the USA. The Chalet brand is a casual line with several bamboo-cotton blend pieces such as dresses, shirts, and jackets.
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It's not just an event for women — "Men are welcome, too," said Pat Swanson, member of the Washington Street Arts Festival Committee. Swanson is helping with the Art Crawl— also part of the Doe Days lineup — from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in various participating businesses.
"It's a nice way to meet the artists in-person," Swanson said.
Later on in the day, there will be a Wine and Canvasevent. "Have wine, be with your friends, and create a masterpiece," Swanson said. Registration is required.
Other fun events include a Progressive Brunch,9 a.m. to noon Sunday at five local businesses, and a Spa Day, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at five businesses. Visit www.lakecitymn.org and click on Doe Days under Upcoming Events to learn more.
St. Charles, Utica, Lewiston, Eyota, and Dover retailers also are hosting a Ladies Weekend Outand Girls Shopping WeekendSaturday and Sunday.
Pattie Merchlewitzand her sister and business partner, Renee Nowlan,who own We Smell Candles,in St. Charles, will host a big open house Friday and Saturday featuring their homemade candles. The store is at 1624 Whitewater Ave.
Shoppers can enjoy hot cider, cookies, giveaways, and get ideas for holiday giving. The sisters started their store back in 2010.
The soy candles they create are all-natural and clean burning. Some have comical names and some "man scents" are available, too: Making Bacon, Baling Hay, Mowing the Lawn.
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The open house runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Herberger's lifts Goodwill
"The Rochester community was overwhelmingly supportive of our Goodwill event," said Julie Trumble, general manager of Herberger's.
"Through their donations, we were able to fill an entire semitrailer of gently used clothing and household items," she said.
On Nov. 14 and 15, Herberger's will host a Community Day Event that benefits local nonprofit organizations. Herberger's welcomes inquiries from any 501(c)3 nonprofit looking for a fundraising opportunity.
Indoor market
The Rochester Downtown Farmers Marketwill be shifting to its winter location, Building # 41 on the Olmsted County Fairgrounds. This month, the market will be open from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 1, 8 and 22.
