Northfield Downtown Development Corporation

You may have noticed the bumper-stickers. They seem to be sprouting up everywhere, on all makes, models, and vintages of cars.

They read “Save America, Eat at Tiny’s”. I’m all for saving America, from what, for what…we can find out later, but let’s get to it. So I headed to Tiny’s with their Dogs All Day, to find out how I could help “Save America”.

According to the owner, Tim Sellers, it’s a result of the CLAP. That’s something like the Carleton Literary Association Publication.

Apparently a student with literary tendencies had a spiritual experience while eating a hot dog at Tiny’s. He viewed the simple offering of “the quintessential American culinary invention” as a powerful act against “all that’s homogenized and processed in fast food culture”.

The author of the article, a G. Cornwell, noted that Tiny’s dogs are not processed. They’re all Vienna Beef. Furthermore, they’re steamed, not roller-grilled, to maintain their shape, as is the bun. The writer recommends the Tiny’s Classic, with onions and secret sauce, but notes the Chicago, first experienced by Sellers himself in 1968 “on a street corner in the Windy City”, is also worth the trip.

Finally, Tiny’s non-traditional Happy Hour is mentioned. From 5 to 7 pm on Wednesdays, dogs are half-priced. That’s a deal on a dog not a dog of a deal.

So, if you want to help save America, eat at Tiny’s. Personally, I would suggest the Reuben dog, but then I’m a big fan of sauerkraut.

Girls Nite Out 2008 is this Friday (May 9th) from 5 pm to 1 am. It’s gonna be a whole lot of fun.

The participating businesses this year are: Lori Momberg Photography, Buzz, Monkey See, Monkey Read, Equine Outfitters, Fashion Fair, Sweet Pea Loft, Rare Pair, Paper Petalum, the Quarterback, Bag Lady, Kids on Division, Larson’s Printing, Oolala, the Hideaway, Ragstock, Anna’s Closet, Glass Garden Beads, River City Books, the Rueb-N-Stein, Sisters Ugly, the Sketchy Artist, the Contented Cow, Chapati, Champion Sports, Heartwork Yoga, VIP Travel, Three Pines Gifts, Neveah, Secret Attic, Jenkins Jewelers, Bierman’s Home Furnishings, digs, Grezzo Gallery (featuring the Craft Collective), Cocoa Bean, Present Perfect, Monarch, Tiny’s, Froggy Bottoms, Investment Centers of America, the Archer House, Jane Valek, KYMN Radio, Furlong Motors, and By All Means Graphics

The Grand Event Center, First National Bank and the NDDC are sponsors. A portion of the proceeds will be going to the WINGS group of Northfield.

So Girls, come on Down(town) and have a (real fun) Nite Out!

The NDDC Board has launched a new initiative in 2008, more formal visits to downtown businesses. Although many NDDC Board Members own downtown businesses, and all NDDC Board Members frequent downtown businesses, there was an intentional decision to supplement the informal connections with a more structured approach.

In recent weeks, Board members have visited with Scott and Kerri Houfer at Echo Used DVDs & Games, Tammy Rice at Stonyhill, Aaron Morse at Hot Geeks, Sharon Sapp at Sweet Lou’s, Nate Thomsen, Aaron Kuhlman and Alison Anderson at Bad Brain/Next Level Cafe, and Dean Sorenmann at Final Course Cafe. The stated goal is to visit a dozen businesses every month.

It’s a great way to hear about the accomplishments and challenges of businesses downtown. It’s also a great way to get to better know some really cool folks in downtown Northfield.

The NDDC recently conducted a naming contest for their “cow-cierge”. After much thoughtful, and creative, deliberation, the Events and Marketing committee of the NDDC decided to put together two of the entries for a winning combination. Her name is now officially: PATTY CASH.

The winners are Jariya Goerwitz and Scott “Scooter” Houfer. Jariya suggested “Cash” with the additional phrase of “so you can milk it for all it’s worth”. “Patty” was the entry of Scooter Houfer who was quick to recognize that “cow patty”, though clever, was maybe not completely appropriate for the downtown mascot. Jariya is 7 years-old and is a 2nd Grader at Prairie Creek. Scooter is a bit older than 7 and, along with his wife Kerri, owns Echo Used DVDs and Games.

Here are Scooter and Jariya with Patty inside Echo. Rumor has it that Patty bought a used copy of the DVD Johnny Cash - Live from Austin, TX once the photo shoot had ended.

The Third Annual Taste of Northfield is moving forward. Here are Leanne Stremcha (NDDC Board), Anastasia Balfany (NDDC Board), Joe Grundhoefer (NDDC Board), Mary Rossing (NDDC Board) and Julie Bixby (NDDC Community Advisor) meeting this morning at J. Grundy’s Rueb-N-Stein.

The Taste is scheduled for Thursday, June 19th. In addition to food booths by local restaurants, there are a number of events planned for this year including a Community Band Performance, Live and Silent Auctions, a Raid by the James Gang, a Beer Garden and Wine Tasting, and a Street Dance.

This event has quickly grown into a favorite of the community. If you’d like to get involved, just let us know. We’d love to have you join us.