Tracy’s 97th Box Car Days: A Weekend of Tradition and Fun

Issue #079

30 Aug

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☀️ Marshall, MN Weather - Sunny with a high of 81

🗞️ Collision Near Highway 14 and 71 Leaves Three Injured, Semi Driver Unhurt

🗞️ Tracy’s 97th Box Car Days: A Weekend of Tradition and Fun

📣 Want to get your business in the Marshall Area Insider? Let’s talk!

📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

Collision Near Highway 14 and 71 Leaves Three Injured, Semi Driver Unhurt

A collision involving a semi-truck and an SUV at the intersection of Highway 14 and Highway 71 in Redwood County resulted in injuries to three people on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

The incident took place at approximately 1:38 p.m. when a 2013 Volvo semi-truck was heading east on Highway 14 and collided with a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, which was traveling north on Highway 71.

The driver of the Chevrolet, 42-year-old Lance D. Stephens from Guthrie, Oklahoma, along with his passengers—a 21-year-old woman, Breanne Stephens, also from Guthrie, and a 10-year-old girl from Marietta, Ohio—suffered injuries that were not life-threatening. They were transported to the Redwood hospital for medical attention.

The semi-truck driver, 70-year-old Robert Paul Klocke of Hayfield, Minnesota, emerged from the accident unscathed.

Responding to the scene were the Redwood County Sheriff’s Office, Redwood Fire Department, and CentraCare Ambulance, who provided assistance following the crash.

Tracy’s 97th Box Car Days: A Weekend of Tradition and Fun

Tracy’s Box Car Days festival is back for its 97th year, bringing a weekend filled with exciting events and long-standing traditions. Kicking off Friday evening, the festival will run through Labor Day weekend, culminating in the iconic Box Car Days parade on Monday afternoon.

This year’s festivities will feature some familiar favorites, including the Saturday night street dance with music by Shirts & Skins, and Kids’ Day in Central Park on Sunday, where families can enjoy inflatables, live music, and more.

New to the lineup this year is a pickleball tournament on Sunday morning, held outside the Veterans Memorial Center, offering a fresh way for locals and visitors to engage in some friendly competition.

The Wheels Across the Prairie Museum will once again host the annual antique tractor show, a must-see event for fans of vintage farm equipment. The show, which runs throughout the weekend, includes a daily tractor drive around Tracy and a special barbecue at the museum on Saturday.

Box Car Days remains a cherished tradition in Tracy, drawing crowds from near and far to celebrate the town’s history and community spirit. Whether you’re a fan of live music, parades, or simply looking for a fun way to spend the weekend, this year’s festival promises something for everyone.

A full schedule for Box Car Day, check out the events section below.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Friday, August 30th - Monday, September 2nd

  • Box Car Days in Tracy, MN

    • Friday, August 30th:

      • 9 AM-5 PM: Wheels Across the Prairie Heritage Center and tractor show

      • 4 PM: Tractor drive

      • 5-8 PM: Tracy Area Chamber burger night

      • 9 PM-1 AM: Entertainment by Kayla Daniels

    • Saturday, August 31st:

      • 8:30 AM-Noon: Kegs & Eggs

      • 9 AM-5 PM: Wheels Across the Prairie Heritage Center and tractor show

      • 9 AM: Softball tournament

      • 9 AM-Noon: Farmers market

      • 11 AM: 400 Open golf tournament registration

      • 11:30 AM: Beanbag tournament registration

      • 1 PM: Texas hold ’em tournament at Tracy Eagles Club

      • 3 PM: Kiddie parade (for kids up to age 12)

      • 3 PM: Tween Pizza, Puzzle & Guzzle event

      • 4 PM: Midwest Rides and Concessions

      • 4 PM: Tractor drive

      • 6 PM: Pizza, Puzzle & Guzzle event

      • 6-9 PM: Shetek Area Smooth Sailing silent auction

      • 9 PM-1 AM: Street dance featuring Shirts & Skins

    • Sunday, September 1st:

      • 8:30 AM: Pickleball tournament registration

      • 9 AM-5 PM: Wheels Across the Prairie Heritage Center and tractor show

      • 9 AM-12:30 PM: Dad’s Belgian Waffles at St. Mary’s Church Hall

      • 9 AM: Mud volleyball tournament at Caboose

      • 10 AM: Horseshoe tournament registration

      • 10 AM-5 PM: Kids’ Day at Central Park with events including inflatables, Cowboy Up live music, pedal pull, and a tae kwon do demonstration.

      • Noon: Midwest Rides and Concessions

      • 1 PM: Kids Pizza, Puzzle & Guzzle event

      • 1 PM: Human Foosball registration

      • 4 PM: Tractor drive

      • 6:30 PM: Miss Tracy Scholarship Program

      • 8 PM-Midnight: Karaoke by Daren Jacob

    • Monday, September 2nd:

      • 7-11 AM: Fly-in/Drive-in Breakfast at Tracy Municipal Airport

      • 7:30 AM: Registration for road race 5K

      • 9 AM-5 PM: Wheels Across the Prairie Heritage Center and tractor show

      • 9 AM-Noon: Farmers and flea market

      • 10 AM-3 PM: St. Mary’s arts and crafts fair

      • 11 AM-3 PM: St. Mary’s food stand

      • Noon: Midwest Rides and Concessions

      • 1 PM: Grand Parade (followed by a beer tent party at approx. 3 PM)

Saturday, August 31st
Wednesday, September 4 (first Wednesday of every month)

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available

    • For questions contact Jamie Lanners (507) 828-8891

Thursday, September 5

  • Democratic-Farmer-Labor Pop-Up Tent at 484 Craig Avenue on HWY 14 in Tracy from 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Wednesdays in August and September

  • Farmers Market in Granite Falls at the Riverwalk from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Friday, September 6th - Sunday, September 8th

  • Minneota Boxelder Bug Days

Monday, September 9th

  • Lyon County Republicans Fall Banquet with Guest Speaker Liz Collin at the SMSU Conference Center starting at 5:30 PM - for more information visit the Lyon County Republican Facebook Group

  • Marshall Public Schools Retired Teachers/Staff Lunch at the Marshall Golf Club at 11:00 AM

  • Complementary tour of Southview Elementary at 601 E Southview Drive at 10:20 AM

Fridays in September and October, starting Sept. 6th - October 18

  • Stepping On Classes at 9:00 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall (Free, donations accepted)

    • reduce your risk of falls, and learn techniques for maintaining an active and fulfilling live

  • Registration will be on Friday, August 30th at 9:00 AM

  • For more information of pre-registration contact Jane Como at (507) 532-1326

Thursday, September 12th

  • Democratic-Farmer-Labor Pop-Up Tent at 344 West Main Street in Cottonwood from 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Friday, September 13th

  • Car Cinema: Road Less Traveled at the Marshall-Lyon County Library starting at 8:30 PM

Thursday, September 12th - Monday, September 16th
Saturday, September 14th

  • Squidfest in Granite Falls from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

    • 10:00 AM: 5k run/ walk

    • 10:30 AM: Kids Disc Golf at Rice Park

    • 12:00 PM: Registration for Steve Virnig Memorial Dis Golf Tournament- Tournament begins at 12:30 PM

    • 12:00 PM: Tricia and the Toonies ENVIROShow at Plaza on Prentice Street

    • 1:00 - 4:00 PM: Todd’s Garage opens, free art & educational activities, live music performances, circus art performance

    • 4:00 - 6:00 PM: Live music performance by the Squid City Slingers in the City Parking Lot

    • 4:00 - 8:00 PM: Rib Fest at the American Legion

    • All day: Vendors & food trucks

Saturday, September 14th and Sunday, September 15th

  • Picker’s Paradise Fall Show at the Red Baron Arena & Expo in Marshall

    • Saturday hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    • Sunday hours: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday, September 19th

  • Thursdays on 3rd in Marshall from 5:30 - 7:30 PM

  • Prairie Jam at Schwan Regional Event Center on the Campus of Southwest Minnesota State University

  • Democratic-Farmer-Labor Pop-Up Tent at the Minneota Farmers Market from 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Saturday, September 21st
Saturdays and Sundays starting September 21st - October 26th
Saturdays, starting July 6th - October

We want to take a moment to express our gratitude to you for being such a fantastic part of our newsletter community.

Your support, feedback, and engagement mean the world and it's what keeps us motivated to bring you valuable content every time.

But guess what? We're on a mission to make an even bigger impact on our community, and we need your help!

You can share our newsletter with your friends & family. Together, we can grow our community and reach even more people!

As a token of our appreciation for your support, you'll have the chance to receive a birthday shout out, a $10 gift card from Kwik Trip, or a $25 gift card from Rolling Hills Pizza! 🎉

So help us spread the word!

Marshall’s & Southwest MN’s Best Kept Secret:
Is Your Business One of Them?

We ❤️ local businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts.

If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you!

Marshall Area Insider is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Send us a message and let's collaborate to let the community know what makes your business special!

👇 Select an option below:

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.