Dakota Chautauqua

03/16/2026

Saint Urho is a fictional saint of Finland, created and elaborated by Finnish Americans in Northern Minnesota in the 1950s, to celebrate their heritage and extend celebrations of Saint Patrick's Day. His celebration day is set to March 16, the day before the March 17 feast day of Saint Patrick.

01/15/2026

For those of us who miss seeing Marissa Eastling on stage, here's our chance! https://www.facebook.com/share/v/187wRuLSF5/

06/10/2025

Creator and Cast enjoyed some Mexican cuisine this afternoon. Wonderful memories being shared around the table!

05/21/2025

I don’t know…Maybe we did it better?

09/29/2024

Why yes, our cast DOES still enjoy getting together…like they did today.

08/20/2024

This being the 3rd year without a Dakota Chautauqua, we all certainly hope you're still enjoying Dakota City Heritage Village during the fair and all year long!

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03/16/2024

08/20/2023

Maybe after two years, it's finally okay to admit this out loud? https://almostthetruth.blogspot.com/2021/08/farewell-dakota-chautauqua.html (From original cast member, Dewey Roth, with warm wishes for a glorious future of Dakota City celebrating the past)

a little bit of everything, a little bit of nothing, just for grins...or maybe not. As in "a little bit pregnant," this is almost the truth.

08/10/2023

Not great video quality, but a great memory.

From the 2012 Dakota ChautauquaWords & Music by Dewey Roth & Eric Peltoniemihttps://www.facebook.com/DakotaChautauqua/

06/07/2023

The Dakota Chautauqua mourns the passing of our long-time producer, Pearl.

Pearl Rheta Shirley, 88, passed away May 29, 2023.
Preceded in death by husband Gale, parents Lila and Ernest Schmidtke, brother Dale Schmidtke, sisters Emily Olson and Sandra Schmidtke.

Pearl was born and raised in Farmington and attended the Farmington Schools, graduating in 1953.

She married Gale Carlyle Shirley April 3, 1954 in Farmington. They resided on the Shirley Farm, south of Farmington.

Pearl was employed as a secretary at Shelly, Inc., Farmington; Dakota County Tribune as typesetter; and purchased an interest in Gold Star Printing, Inc. in 1975 in Lakeville. Pearl and Gale were avid antique collectors and enjoyed going to auctions and participating in flea markets. They also sold antiques and collectibles at Welcome Friends Floral & Gift shop in Farmington.

Pearl volunteered at her church, serving as Sunday School teacher and Superintendent for several years, in the Choir, on the Fellowship and Service Ministry Group, and as a money counter. She was a Girl Scout leader and served a term on the Cannon Valley Board of Directors. She became interested in Dakota City Heritage Village and served many years on the Board of Directors as Secretary and President, served as tour guide, writer of vignettes, first-person character, and much more.

Survived by her children: Kris Akin (Dave), Kari Olson (Jerald), Kurt Shirley (Diane) and Karla Klingfus (Tom); grandchildren: James, Steven and Dustin Klose, Jacob and Brady Akin, Christina Shirley, and William Hopp. 2 great granddaughters, brothers Lyle and Fred Schmidtke, 3 bonus grandchildren and 7 bonus great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and friends.

Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, June 20 at 11:00 am with 10:00 am visitation, and luncheon following at Farmington Lutheran Church, 20600 Akin Road, Farmington, MN 55024. Internment at Farmington Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to Farmington Lutheran Church or Dakota City Heritage Village.

The service will be live-streamed on Farmington Lutheran’s page.

05/24/2023

Pete & Eric will stay alive in our hearts forever!

Thanks to the ReFace app for this immortal homage featuring Pete Martin & Eric Peltoniemi, creators of the Dakota Chautauqua.