Catch the Golden Ticket: “Willy Wonka Jr.” Shines with Local Talent

Issue #292

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

🌤️ Marshall, MN Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 75

🗞️ Catch the Golden Ticket: “Willy Wonka Jr.” Shines with Local Talent

🗞️ Hybrid Firearm Course Blends Convenience with Hands-On Safety

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

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

Catch the Golden Ticket: “Willy Wonka Jr.” Shines with Local Talent

The Schwan Community Center for the Performing Arts has been transformed into a whimsical world of candy, music, and mischief as the classic tale of Willy Wonka Jr. comes to life on stage.

The beloved musical, based on Roald Dahl’s timeless story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, invites audiences into the enchanting and unpredictable world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

Featuring unforgettable songs like “The Candy Man,” “I Want It Now,” and, of course, the iconic “Oompa Loompa” tunes, the show follows young Charlie Bucket as he embarks on a magical adventure after winning a golden ticket.

Inside the gates of Wonka’s fantastical factory, Charlie and his fellow ticket holders encounter chocolate rivers, everlasting gobstoppers, and the mischievous Oompa Loompas—each lesson-filled encounter highlighting the power of kindness, imagination, and integrity.

Directed and performed by local talent, the production is filled with vibrant sets, colorful costumes, and toe-tapping choreography sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Showtimes:

  • June 26, 27 at 7:00 PM

  • June 28 & 29 at 2:00 PM

Tickets:

  • $15 for adults

  • $10 for students
    Tickets are available online or at the door: Reserve Here

Location:
Schwan Community Center for the Performing Arts
Marshall High School, Marshall, MN

This limited run is your golden opportunity to enjoy a heartwarming, high-energy musical with the whole family. Come for the chocolate—stay for the magic!

Hybrid Firearm Course Blends Convenience with Hands-On Safety

Residents of southwest Minnesota now have a convenient, comprehensive option for obtaining or renewing their Minnesota Permit to Carry.

Davey Defense, a recognized firearms education provider, offers a hybrid training model that combines online coursework with hands-on range instruction, meeting all state certification requirements.

The course is structured in two parts: a self-paced online learning component and an in-person live fire session led by certified instructors. Together, these elements provide the necessary training for those seeking to legally carry a concealed firearm in Minnesota.

Local instructor Jake Schwoch, based in southwest Minnesota, is one of the certified professionals delivering this training.

Schwoch is known for his practical, safety-focused approach and regularly works with individuals or private groups of three or more. He is available to travel to accommodate group sessions, making training more accessible to rural communities.

The Davey Defense program is designed to serve participants of all experience levels—whether new to firearms or looking to renew an existing permit.

Coursework includes key topics such as firearm safety, Minnesota’s use of force laws, situational awareness, and responsible carry practices.

One of the program’s standout features is its flexibility. Participants can complete the classroom portion online at their convenience, then schedule their range session for hands-on training and certification.

Upon completion, attendees receive the documentation required to apply for their Minnesota Permit to Carry.

Those interested in registering or organizing a group training session with Jake Schwoch can find more details on the Davey Defense website or reach out to Jake directly.

Upcoming Area Events

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

Thursday, June 26th
  • The Spoon Man Entertainer at the Marshall-Lyon County Library at 10:30 AM

  • Marshall Area Stage Company's 2025 Summer Musical "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" at 7 PM

Friday, June 27th
  • Marshall Area Stage Company's 2025 Summer Musical "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" at 7 PM

Sunday, June 28th
  • Marshall Area Stage Company's 2025 Summer Musical "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" at 2pm

Sunday, June 29th
  • Marshall Area Stage Company's 2025 Summer Musical "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" at 2pm

Thursday, July 3rd
  • Makers Market in Granite Falls from 5-8 PM, with live music

Friday, July 4th
  • 4th of July Celebration at Independence Park in Marshall starting at 5:30 PM

  • St. John Cantius 4th of July Celebration in Wilno, MN

    • Wilno is located 3 miles north of Ivanhoe on County Hwy 5 & 1/2 mile east on County Hwy 17.

    • The day begins with Mass at 10:00am, a delicious Turkey Dinner will all the trimmings will be served from 10:30am to 1:00pm.

    • Live music by the Midwest Cowboys, Bingo, outdoor games,

    • Lunch stand with Lingen's Dairy Ice Cream. Pie + More auction at 1:30pm, Kiddie Tractor Pull at 2:30pm, Cash Raffle at 4:30pm.

Thursday, July 10th
  • Ivanhoe Community Pork Chop Feed Fundraise at Gilson Field in Ivanhoe

    • Serving from 5 to 7:30 PM or until gone

    • Free Will Donation

    • All proceeds will go to Lincoln County Relay for Life & American Cancer Society

    • Menu: Pork Chops, Baked Beans, Macaroni & Cheese, Ice Cream, Pop & Water

Friday, July 11th - Sunday, July 13th
Thursday, July 17th
Tuesday, September 30th and Wednesday, October 1st
  • Tall Cop Says Stop Event - September 30, 2025 from 6:15–7:30 PM at Pipestone Performing Arts Center in Pipestone

  • Tall Cop Says Stop Event - October 1, 2025 from 6:15–7:30 PM at Marshall High School Theater in Marshall

  • RSVP by contacting Jennifer Nelson at [email protected] or 507-532-1243

Special Community Events
  • SAIL: Stay Active & Independent For Life brought to you by A.C.E. of SW MN

    • a total of 24 classes every Tuesday and Thursday

    • from April 29 - July 17 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM at the YMCA in Marshall

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