By Linda McNulty

Nothing stays the same in Victoria,
except that we continue not to have our own grocery store. It seems to be an
issue that will never be resolved. If I weren’t employed in Victoria,
I suppose I wouldn’t mind stopping in Chaska or Chanhassen to pick up groceries
on my way home. But I live and work here, and driving five miles to the nearest
grocery store is a real pain in the neck – and the gas tank. Last evening we
held a Volksfest meeting at Floyd’s. After the meeting, the discussion turned
to the fact of Coborn’s retreat from the Shingobee plans for the 13.5 acres at Victoria
Drive and Hwy. 5. We agreed that it was a shame.
Someone suggested the idea of a Kowalski’s in its place. Wouldn’t a Kowalski’s
Market be just perfect for Victoria?
All eight of us in the conversation thought so.

What are the things that are changing? Doran may be coming in
with a Walker Methodist continuum of care facility on part of the 13.5 acres.
That would be a wonderful addition to Victoria
for many reasons. We are still pulling for the CDA
built market-rate senior independent living apartments in the same
neighborhood. Then, we could plunk a Kowalski’s right there along side.

Mary Meuwissen and Barbara Zadeh’s building project in downtown Victoria
will be starting up soon. Down will come the Creamery building and in its place
will be two new buildings with retail on the ground floors. Condos will take
the upper floors of the north building and office space in the other.

It is my understanding that two of the four boarded-up buildings
in downtown, the two without TIF issues,
will be demolished as well. And, there are other new ideas floating around the
downtown area. Exciting times for Victoria!

More changes? The Volksfest is changing! This year’s event is
spilling over with new, fun activity, from early in the morning until midnight on Saturday, September 20^th.
We need community members who want to be involved in short term projects that
benefit our city, its residents and businesses. If you are interested, and we
hope you are, please call Mary Hadaway at the Chamber office – 443-2929.

New to this year’s Volkfest on Saturday, Sept. 20 is a Familie
Tour de Victoria bike ride. This is a 10-mile family bike ride touring Victoria
and surrounding area, with check points, prizes and lots of family fun! The
route is already mapped by bike rider Mike Miles, who suggests the ride for
ages 10 and up. Also new is the Best of the Wurst contest, partnered
with the Best of the Best! Grilled brat and sausage from some of the
state’s most prestigious meat companies will be judged by the public – along
side the Church Ladies’ German Potato Salads.

Local artists, including nationally acclaimed sculptor Deb
Zeller will share their talents, and the Classic Car Show put on each
year by Dave Benecke and Jim Carlin will be bigger and better than ever. A Guitar
Hero contest will also take place, with prizes going to the under 21 and
over 21 age groups.

The first ever Glory Game will take place at Lions
Park – a softball game
between the Victoria Fire Department and the Victoria Vics. Gloria, the
Traveling Trophy will be presented to the winning team, followed by a repast
back downtown for players, families and friends, and the whole community. Shaw
Bros. will be playing music that night and the final fun of the day will be the
Jackson Jackpot. Bring your Jacksons
and come on down! There will be drawings throughout the night for $2,000 in
prizes. First place? A flat screen TV!

The Medallion Hunt returns, featuring a special medallion
designed by Victoria artist and
sculptor Deb Zeller. Todd and DeeDee
Triethart will be planning the mysterious clues. Look for the first clues

coming to you in the mail this summer! Back by popular demand
from last year will be the Minnesota Valley Community Band, playing a
whole new set of wonderful music for us. The Kiddie Parade, inflatables,
Sneaky the Clown, face painting and a new pre-parade coloring contest sponsored
by the Rising Star
Dance Academy
will all be a part of the busy day.

Prior to the event, the Chamber of Commerce will be selling
chances to The Big 500; yielding twenty-five (25) $500 winners. The odds
are terrific in this 50/50 fundraiser, and a good way to for us to ensure this
wonderful day continues! Winners need not be present to win. Drawings will take
place during the “Best” contests mid-afternoon.

Changes keep happening, and that is the way of things. Except
not having a grocery store in Victoria. That seems to be staying the same.