Why A Small Minnesota Town Chose Tacos Over Tradition

As we get ready to embrace fall officially starting next week, many town celebrations are in the books. One Minnesota city, which has a population of less than 4,000 residents, just had its yearly celebration that includes tacos and a 'running of the meatballs' which makes this 'Swedish' inspired town the place to be the weekend after Labor Day.

From Tacos to 'Running' Meatballs: This Celebration Had It All

Last Saturday, I had the chance to experience one Minnesota town festival unlike many others. The quaint city of Scandia, a few miles North of Stillwater in Washington County, hosted its 51st annual Taco Daze celebration.

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For a town with deep Scandinavian roots, just take a look around and note all the Dala Horse statues; the celebration seems oddly named, as you don't think about Swedish tacos. But they certainly make it work.

Why Is The Celebration Known As Taco Daze?

Scandia's Taco Daze started in 1975, when the local Boy Scout troop looked for a way to fundraise and decided selling tacos was the way to do it. The whole town came together to help those kids out. Eventually, the local Lions Club took over the event, and eventually other things were added to the day, like a parade, car show, and, of course, the 'running of the meatballs'.

So Do People Dress Up As Meatballs?

The name of the event, the running of the meatballs, makes it sound like an actual running event, where people dress up as meatballs. However fun that sounds, that isn't what the event is.

Instead, those attending the event have the opportunity to 'buy' a meatball for a chance at winning the race, and by doing so, also win some money. To me, it was similar to those rubber duck races.

Thankfully, the event doesn't use real meatballs, but they do paint golf balls brown to look like a meatball, and then send them downhill on a race course, where the winning meatball crosses the finish line at the bottom of the road.

Event Held Annually: The Saturday After Labor Day

If you like to experience new things, the event is held the Saturday after Labor Day. Learn more about the event by following the celebration's social media page here.

6 Photos You Won't Believe Were Taken In Minnesota

After having spent the greater part of the last three weeks outside Minnesota, it has been great to be back. We live in a very beautiful part of the country. From the North Shore's jagged cliffs to the rolling croplands of southern Minnesota and to the driftless area near Preston, our state is filled with beautiful sights. I managed to find 6 photos that were taken right here in Minnesota, but when you look at them, you'd think they were taken somewhere else completely. Let's enjoy the land of 10,000 photos, shall we?

Gallery Credit: Unsplash