Cottage Grove Tutors

About Cottage Grove

Old-timers in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, fondly remember picking fresh strawberries at Swanlund’s U-Pick strawberry patch or Zywiec Berryland Farm in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Strawberries were such a mainstay in the area that in the 1970s, the city renamed its annual get-together “Strawberry Fest,” replacing “The Great Grove Get-Together.” Unfortunately, strawberry acreage in Cottage Grove is no longer common, but the festival’s name stuck. The event is held every June and attracts upwards of twenty thousand residents and visitors. Students who have wrapped up their school year with a strong academic performance and the help of a Cottage Grove tutor are more than ready for the celebration.

The four-day festival was created “to bring the community together,” according to its official website. Pre-event festivities include a medallion hunt and kick-off dinner. In the ensuing days, participants can join in on many fun events, including the following:

Ambassador Scholarship Program: Open to young women from ages eight to twenty-two, winners represent Cottage Grove in numerous volunteer opportunities and regional events.

Parade: The parade features dozens of floats, marching bands, and royalty from Cottage Grove and the surrounding area.

Midway carnival: Over a dozen rides are available all four days.

Car show: Around fifty custom-designed vehicles from different eras are displayed. Five prizes are awarded: fire chief’s choice, police chief’s choice, mayor’s choice, royalty choice, and people’s choice.

Talent show: The show features talent acts from all ages. Singers ages fifteen to twenty-five can also participate in Cottage Grove Sings, with the winner advancing to Minnesota Sings, a statewide competition.

Animal events: Animal lovers have plenty to look forward to, including a doggie dash, pet show, and petting farm.

Story stroll: Portions of a book posted along a trail are meant for families to read together in an outdoor setting.

Kids’ tractor pull: Called pedal pulling, this event is open to kids ages four through eleven.

Run/walk: Those who participate in the kids’ 1K for ages ten and younger or a 5K run/walk receive a Strawberry Fest T-shirt.

Chalk walk: Families are assigned a five-foot section of sidewalk to be decorated with chalk.

Cooking contest: Each dish must contain strawberries. The age categories are age ten and under, eleven to seventeen, and eighteen and above. In the adult division, the categories include appetizer/side dish, breads, cakes/pies, and main dish, and entries will be judged on taste, appearance, creativity, and overall appeal.

Water wars: From battle stations, participants hurl water balloons at each other. This activity is not just for kids!

Ambush Makeover: A local spa selects two ladies for a whole new look. Candidates must be willing to surrender complete control of their hair and make-up.

Besides the Strawberry Fest, the city has much to offer its residents, and working with a Cottage Grove tutor can give students much more time to enjoy all the city has to offer.