By Rich Larson
The Northfield Chamber of Commerce is preparing to welcome hunters, media representatives and state officials from across Minnesota this fall after being selected to host the 2026 Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener, an honor local leaders say will showcase the community’s outdoor assets for years to come.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Jane Bartho. “Northfield’s always been on the map, but we’re putting Northfield on the map for conservation, public hunting land and public access.”
The event, scheduled for Oct. 9-10, is being organized through a year-long partnership between the chamber, Explore Minnesota, the Department of Natural Resources and the Governor’s Office. Bartho said the goal extends beyond a single weekend of hunting.
“The event itself is not a moneymaker,” she said. “The goal is to bring a return on that investment for years to come.”
Organizers expect 30 to 50 media representatives to attend, providing Northfield with an opportunity to promote its trails, waterways, parks, wildlife areas and outdoor recreation opportunities. Rice County contains thousands of acres of public land, a fact event planners hope to highlight through guided tours and educational programming.
Rachel Trnka, the chamber’s Director of Program Engagement, said preparation is already underway through a network of committees handling everything from sponsorships and logistics to volunteer recruitment.
A major educational component will involve conservation stations for fourth-grade students at Greenvale Park Elementary School, featuring hands-on learning activities focused on native plants, wildlife and environmental stewardship.
The community will also be invited to participate in a downtown celebration on Oct. 9, featuring live music, food vendors and activities in Bridge Square. Organizers plan to “paint the town orange” with themed decorations, downtown window displays and special banners.
The chamber is seeking volunteers, sponsorships and local hunters willing to serve as host guides for visiting media members during the opener.
“Our local hunters know our story the best,” Bartho said. “They’d be our best ambassadors.”
More information about volunteering, sponsorships and hunter-host opportunities is available through the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the Visit Northfield website.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.com
