Fall Shindig with Jake Jones Packs Brooktree Club House
The first day of autumn was dampened by rain, but a big crowd packed inside the Brooktree Club House to hear Jake Jones and see the club house and golf course renovations.
A recent settlement with a chemical company over the killing of trees at the Brooktree Golf Course in Owatonna set the stage for improvements to the course. Wednesday's shindig was held as a way to show off the changes. Continuous cart paths are one of the course improvements. Golfers braving the wet conditions Wednesday played the course for a buck-a-hole.
The original plan was for an outdoor concert featuring Jake Jones on the new patio. The rain forced the music inside, but during the night people did sit on the patio around the fireplace. Patrons also enjoyed food specials from the renovated kitchen. The Brooktree Club House is available for rentals during the off season. Park and Recreation Director Corky Ebeling said they hope to hold fall music events again. He pointed out the great success that the concert series in Central Park enjoys each summer as a strong interest for live music in Owatonna.
Jones performed a variety of his own songs along with requests from the audience. He made his Owatonna debut during the Steele County Fair in August and has lined up other appearances in southern Minnesota thanks to that exposure.
Steele County Fairgrounds Barn Dance a Success
The Steele County Fair building fund benefited from the recent barn dance on Sept. 19. The event was held inside the Allan R. Radel livestock pavilion and featured music, food and beverages. Performers included the Steele Steppers square dancers, the Dan Stursa Band, The D.C. Drifters and the Chris Brooks band. A live auction featured items from Cabela's, Manke's and the Holiday Inn, among other donors.