A few of the 150 Ways to Celebrate…

Delano's Sesquicentennial: Delano Turns 150

A historic 2026 calendar, filled with old photos and milestone dates from Delano's past, was given out free to the community thanks to local sponsors.

On February 11th, Delano's actual birthday, signs along Highway 12 were changed for the day to read "Happy Birthday, Delano," and the community gathered at City Hall to celebrate.

At the Chamber of Commerce "I Love Delano Dinner," city council members reenacted the original signing of the Delano Corporation, bringing the town's founding moment back to life.

On June 13, the Delano Area Council for Arts and Culture’s Sculpture and Blues Fest gave Delano something permanent. A new sculpture, created by James and Ryan Pedersen, stands as the centerpiece: four pillars representing the Crow River, agriculture, industry, and the railroad, with the number 150 formed in the space between them. A mural by Leanna Wurzer weaves in photos of over 2,000 tiles decorated by the community, and a path of Heritage Bricks are dedicated with personal messages to families, businesses, and organizations that make up Delano.

Local author Marcia Brakke published Delano on the Crow: 150 Years of Unrivaled Spirit, launched at the book at an elegant evening at the Jerome in June.

As home of the largest Fourth of July celebration in Minnesota, our celebration was one to remember marking both the nation's 250th birthday and the Delano's 150th in the same year, complete with a Delano 150 float in the parade! 

It all came together on October 3rd at the Delano 150 Years Jamboree, a full day of music, food, and celebration that closed with the whole town singing "Happy Birthday" together.

Here's to the next 150 years, Delano!