​July 24th the Walking Lake Pepin group walk (walkinglakepepin.com) took place along the Riverwalk instead of Miller Creek because of an over population of mosquitos along the creek.  The group had a pleasant walk from Roschen Park to the Lake City Marina sans “bugs”! 
They took time for a “photo op” at the giant Adirondack chair beside the outer Harbor before heading back to Roschen Park. 
Wednesday August 7th, the WLP walkers will meet at 6:30 pm at First Lutheran Church Labyrinth, 100 Peace Ridge, to learn about and walk the 11 circuit Labyrinth that has been built on the church grounds.
Labyrinths are circular walking paths that have been found all over the world. Some of them being thousands of years old.  Walking a Labyrinth provides an opportunity for quiet meditation, contemplation and prayer.  This group walking experience will focus on this year’s WLP theme, “Walking is Good for the Soul.”
All community members are invited to attend.  Watch Facebook (walkinglakepepin) and the Graphic for updates on the group walks.  Questions? Contact Patty Svien 651-345-4383.

​Wednesday evening July 17th the group of walkers from Walking Lake Pepin (walkinglakpepin.com) met at the Flower Valley Orchards and Flower Farm.  Mary, owner of the farm, was there to share the history of the orchard/farm and show the group the many varieties of flowers that are available for picking.
 
Sam and Barbara Blue, Mary’s parents, purchased Flower Valley Orchard in 1969 when they moved their family from St. Paul. Four generations of Blues, many friends, and acquaintances worked the farm and grew apples for 48 years. 
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In 2017 they stopped selling apples to focus on retirement but missed interacting with their many long-term customers. By starting the flower farm, they have been able to provide friends and families the experience of once again coming together at the farm, now picking flowers instead of apples.  
 
They are thankful to continue this traditions weekends from July through September.
The farm is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Monday through Friday by appointment. (Flowervalleyorchards.com; 715-225-2462)
 
The WLP group walked along with Mary as she identified the variety of flowers available for picking.  One of the most impressive varieties was the Zinnias. They were in full bloom with a rainbow of different colors.
 
Other blooming varieties were; Verbena, snapdragons, marigolds, gladiolus, and poppies. The 2024 list of flowers at the farm includes 35 different varieties.
 
After the walking tour, members of the WLP group were able to go out into the garden and pick flowers creating beautiful bouquets to take home.  The lovely weather added much to the enjoyment of the evening.
 
The next group walk on Wednesday July 31 will be a historical walk through the business district of Lake City. Anne Tabat from the Lake City Historical Society will narrate the tour high lighting the many buildings and business important to the history of Lake City.
 
All community members are invited to attend. The walk will start at the gazebo in Patton Park at 6:30 pm. Watch the Graphic and Facebook for updates of the WLP group walk schedule.  Questions, call Patty Svien, 345-4383.