Tag: menomonie

A Little Something About Menomonie

One of the coolest little towns I've been to. As I have posted in the past, I had the opportunity to help Sarah photograph the Pardon Fashion show in Menomonie in February 2011. This summer I had the chance for a more relaxing visit to Menomonie, and got to see some of the things that make the town such a cool place to be.

With a population of only about 18,000, Menomonie has that small-town charm a lot of so-called small towns lack. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and was listed on Smithsonian's Best 20 Small Towns, in 2012.

Within the park area along the Red Cedar River, there is an animal preserve where you can get close to some pretty big animals!

 

 

 

 

Although you can get close to the Elk, too, they tend to be a bit more standoffish.

 

 

In town you will find a lot of historical places, as well as the new up-and-coming.  There is a natural food co-op that has an outstanding selection of locally grown and produced foods.  There is the Raw Deal, which is a vegetarian and organic cafe.  The Menomonie Log Jam is a popular pub and restaurant that features a great selection of local craft beers from Menomonie and the surrounding area.

 

 

And in the middle of it all is Stout University and the Mabel Tainter Theater.    The theater was built in 1889, and Stout University was founded in 1891.  Both cornerstones of proud history of this small, northern town.

 

 

 

 

Pardon Me? Pardon You!

Last year at this time - Superbowl weekend, to be exact - I was invited to the Pardon Fashion Show in Menomonie, Wisconsin to do a little photography work.  Honestly, I was the guest of Sarah at Visual Echoes (Link) and was invited by her to assist her in being the commissioned photographer for the event.

I had never been to a fashion show before, let alone photographed one.  It was an interesting event; well planned, well orchestrated and it was fun to be busily taking photos for the majority of the weekend.

Pre-Show Set-Up
The Main Runway crowds wait for the show to start
Pre-Show VIP Runway
The models are ready and waiting
Event organizers Raine and Lindsey open the show

Although I had a lot of fun I still have to admit I have no idea what, beyond an artistic endeavor, fashion is.  I don't get it, and it is as simple as that.  Unless it is clothing that makes a woman look sexy as all heck, I just can't get my mind around some of what I see.  It is like in the past when I used to be subjected to watching "Project Runway" and sat flabbergasted as invariably the designs that were judged to be the best were almost always the most outlandish, hideous and impractical things I've ever seen.

This show featured some simply stunning creations.  Very classic, sexy and stylish.

The swimwear styles weren't too crazy and quite alluring.

But... then there was a lot of this....

...and, fashion for bank robbers? Cattle rustlers? Post-apocalypse wear?

I don't get it.  But it doesn't bother me that I don't.  I do enjoy it just the same.  I enjoyed the show; the venue was superb and if you ever have the chance to visit Menomonie, I do recommend partaking in local establishments such as The Acoustic Cafe, the Stout Ale House and the Raw Deal, where last year's event was held.

For more information on this year's Pardon Fashion Show happening on February 11th, visit their Facebook page.  I do encourage everyone to take in an event like this - even if you're like me and you don't "get" fashion.  It was definitely an enjoyable event that I would gladly partake in again.  *Hint hint*