2021 Defeat Of Jesse James Days Celebration To Be As “Close To Capacity As Possible”

While there was some doubt as to what the Defeat of Jesse James Day would look like in Northfield this September, after the announcement from the committee yesterday, it seems like it will be as close to normal as one can expect thanks to an easing of restrictions from Governor Walz on capacity limits for events. The Defeat of Jesse James Days' announcement states that "the committee remains committed to hosting a safe celebration for all and will continue ahead with plans".

The celebration according to the online posting by General Chairperson Galen Malecha states that the "celebration...attracts crowds of more than 150,000" to the Northfield area during the celebration.

The celebration will still be taking place the weekend after Labor Day in Northfield, and will be as "close to full capacity as possible."

One of the biggest draws of the event is the reenactment of the James Gang robbing the downtown Northfield bank, and riding out of town on their horses.

Last year due to COVID-19 the event was mostly a virtual event featuring a “Virtual” Outlaw Run 5k/15k, a Horseshoe Hunt, a “Virtual Bank Raid”, and a Classic Car Cruise among other events. Currently, the Defeat of Jesse James Days website lists that the 2021 events will be "coming soon".

The 5-day annual festival has been taking place in Northfield since 1948 according to the event's website.