Defeat of Jesse James Days History of the Celebration
Defeat of Jesse James Days Celebration History
The Defeat of Jesse James Days Celebration, which is held
annually the Weekend After Labor Day, had its beginnings when
a group of Northfielders came together in 1948 to honor the
heroism of Northfield's townspeople for risking their lives
to defend our city. Since its conception we have become one
of the largest celebrations in the State of Minnesota and we
are THE Largest All-Volunteer Community in the State.
The purpose of the celebration is to promote a safe,
entertaining, and family oriented experience through hosting
many events but always focusing on the historical bank raid
that cost two Northfield men their lives.
The true spirit of community is displayed each year where we
sponsor major events such as the Queen Coronation, Joseph Lee
Heywood Award Banquet and the Grand Parade. Many of the local
non-profit service organizations raise funds during the
celebration that are given back to the Northfield
Community.
The Defeat of Jesse James Days Committee is always looking
for new event ideas and volunteers. For more information
contact: Brad Ness, General Chairman at DJJD, P.O. Box 23,
Northfield, MN 55057 or e-mail Brad
info@djjd.org
Current and Past General Chairmen:
2007 / 2008 Brad Ness
2006 / 2007 Mel Miller
2005 / 2006 Mel Miller
2003 / 2004 Debby Larsen
2001 / 2002 Sandy Vesledahl
1999 / 2000 Julie Eddy
1997 / 1998 Arlen Malecha
1995 / 1996 Nola Matheson
1993 / 1994 Brad Ness
1991 / 1992 Sandy Vesledahl
1988 / 1989 / 1990 Bob Matheson
1987 Jane Moline
1985 / 1986 Greg Langer
1983 / 1984 Chip DeMann
1982 Tom Posch & Dick Seuss
1981 Al Sevcik & Bud Westblade
1980 Terry Mulligan & Pete Risdal
1979 Dan Ayotte & Lloyd Lunder
1978 Don Pavek, Wayne Eddy & Dan Ayotte
1976 / 1977 Bernie Hughes
1975 Wayne Eddy
1974 Tom DuFrense & Wayne Eddy
1973 Bill Wilson
1972 Bill Storlie
1971 Dean Ohland
1969 / 1970 Stan Stydnicki
1968 Dr. Jon Buck
1967 Jim Starr
1966 Dan Freeman
1965 Stan Engen
1964 Dan Freeman
1963 Jack Moors
1962 Burnett Voss
1961 W.E. Thompson
1960 Gene Lyman & Chuck Stangler
1959 Marv Grundhoeffer & Jerry Johnson
1958 ?
1957 Calvin Kuhnau
1956 Gene Drentlaw
1955 NO FESTIVAL DUE TO NFLD'S CENTENNIAL HELD IN JULY
1954 Nels Hansen
1953 William Lane
1951 / 1952 Tom Letch
1949 / 1950 Winthrop "Red" Bryan
1948 Sanford "Sam" Haugen
