Blue Collar Festival Celebrates Faribault

Kevin Voracek, Chair of Blue Collar Festival in Faribault told KDHL AM Minnesota listeners this year's event features nearly all music from Faribault bands.

Voracek says the event is in it's 16th year and has had an interesting journey from beginning as a hopeful fundraiser for the Paradise Center for the Arts (PCA).

The Faribault Mayor pointed out the event is not a huge moneymaker so all the work involved did not make it beneficial for PCA.

He and the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism have kept it going because it does bring people to the community to enjoy all that Faribault has to offer.

Being a fundraiser for PCA initially the event was held downtown.

Last year was the first year for Blue Collar Festival in Teepee Tonka Park former home to the Tree Frog Music Festival.

Voracek says even doubters said during last year's event the move was a good one.

There will be some food trucks people will enjoy in Teepee Tonka also.

Blue Collar started as a ribs and music event but the ribs portion was abandoned a few years ago.  He said there just were not enough ribs cooked to make it work so they decided to concentrate on the music.

Nort Johnson, CEO/President of Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism told KDHL AM Minnesota listeners this week the festival is heading in the right direction.

Both men think the addition of the Drag-Ons Car Club group this year will add a lot for both organizations.

A wristband good for Friday and Saturday is $10.00 and group discounts are available.  The Chamber has them for sale.

The musical lineup includes:

Friday, August 4, 2023

• 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.   Old Country "Brothers"
• 8:00 p.m. to CLOSE      The Non Prophets

Saturday, August 5, 2023

• 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.    Tropical Two (Two members of Tropical T-Birds)
• 12:45 p.m. to  2:15 p.m.     Sawyer's Dream
• 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.        Mike and the Angels
• 4:50 p.m. to  7:45 p.m.       Free N Easy (Minnesota Music Hall of Fame members)
• 8:00 p.m. to CLOSE           Fender Bender

You can listen to the Thursday, August 3, 2023 AM Minnesota program with Voracek

Sunday the Chamber has organized the Red Eye Golf Tournament 4-player best ball at Straight River Golf Course in Faribault so people can wind down in a fun way.

Cost is $200 per team or $50 per player with cart included in the price.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Details are available for all of these events at BlueCollarFestival.com