See bald and golden eagles like never before – face to face!
The National Eagle Center is a tourist must-see and top Minnesota attraction that offers a unique viewing experience that brings visitors to within a few feet of these majestic raptors without any barrier in between. You can learn about eagles while standing right next to them – an unforgettable experience unlike any other!
Located in Wabasha, Minnesota, the National Eagle Center is home to several non-releasable Bald Eagles and a nesting place for hundreds of others who come for the winter.
Whether you wish to see these beautiful creatures up close, observe them in their prime habitat, incorporate their research into your own teachings, or donate to support their mission, they have a way for you to get involved.
Upcoming Events
Community Theatre Returns to Wabasha with The SpongeBob Musical
Join Us in Bikini Bottom for an Unforgettable Adventure!
WABASHA, Minn. — Community theatre returns to the Wabasha-Kellogg Performing Arts Center as the River Junctions Arts Council proudly presents The SpongeBob Musical. Featuring a cast ranging in age from 8 to 80 and beyond, local performers and participants from surrounding communities, along with a pit band, dedicated production team, and countless behind-the-scenes volunteers, will bring this large-scale musical to life. Three years after the River Junctions Arts Council’s production of Grumpy Old Men: The Musical, audiences are once again invited to enjoy community theatre in Wabasha. Tickets are currently available for all six performances.
As planning began for the next community production, Director Cris Medina said the creative team wanted to offer audiences a completely different experience.
“As we began planning our next production, we wanted to choose something completely different—something colorful, energetic, and filled with imagination. The SpongeBob Musical was the perfect choice,” said Medina.
The production has brought together performers of all ages from Wabasha and surrounding communities. Families are sharing the stage, Wabasha-Kellogg alumni have returned to community theatre, first-time performers have joined experienced actors, and volunteers have contributed countless hours behind the scenes. Featuring colorful staging, memorable characters, and live music from the pit band, The SpongeBob Musical offers an entertaining experience for audiences of all ages while celebrating the spirit of community theatre.
While many people know SpongeBob from television, this musical stands on its own. When a nearby volcano suddenly threatens Bikini Bottom, fear and uncertainty spread throughout the community. Rather than giving up hope, SpongeBob SquarePants, along with his friends Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks, sets out to prove that optimism, determination, and working together can overcome even the biggest challenges. Filled with humor, heart, and memorable characters, the story reminds audiences that every person has something valuable to contribute. The score includes original music by more than a dozen composers and recording artists, including Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Panic! At the Disco, and They Might Be Giants.
The SpongeBob Musical will be presented at the Wabasha-Kellogg Performing Arts Center with six performances over two weekends:
- Thursday, August 13 – 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, August 15 – 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, August 16 – 2:00 p.m.
- Thursday, August 20 – 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, August 22 – 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, August 23 – 2:00 p.m.
Tickets range from $15–$25 and are available at www.rjac.org. Tickets are currently available for all six performances and may also be purchased at the door beginning 30 minutes before each performance, when the house opens.
Audience members are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy Lark Toys Fudge, Stockholm Pie cookies, and a variety of beverages available before the show and during intermission.
Whether you’re a longtime SpongeBob fan or discovering Bikini Bottom for the first time, audiences of all ages are invited to experience The SpongeBob Musical during one of its six performances.
The River Junctions Arts Council is proud to recognize the many individuals whose talent, dedication, and volunteer spirit have made this production possible.
Principal Cast
SpongeBob SquarePants — Paul Cushman Jr.
Patrick Star — Aidan Indahl
Sandy Cheeks — Miranda Gray Burlingame
Eugene H. Krabs — Steve Schmidt
Pearl Krabs — Elle Jewson
Squidward Q. Tentacles — John Thyren
Sheldon J. Plankton — William Sailer
Karen the Computer — Wynnie Gray-Burlingame
Perch Perkins — Gabe Hager
Mayor of Bikini Bottom — Bridget Schmidt
Gary — Elouise Green
Patchy the Pirate — Corey Sinz
Larry the Lobster — Paul Cushman Sr.
Old Man Jenkins — Trooper Rinn
Mrs. Puff — Bree Jewson
French Narrator — Jay Jewson
The Electric Skates — Megan Cichosz, Ash Fuller, and Dave Knox
Sardine Devotee #1 — Abigail Hall
Sardine Devotee #2 — Shannon Schneider
Sardine Devotee #3 — Bree Jewson
Sardine Devotee #4 — Megan Cichosz
Sardine Devotee #5 — Ash Fuller
Security Guard #1 — Kerry Powers
Security Guard #2 — Ruth Tiffault
Buster Blue Tang — Paxtyn Maley
Mob Fish — Willow Burns
A Fish — Paecyn Carrels
Another Fish — Sara Carrels
Johnny the Bartender — Murdock Gray Burlingame
Krabby Patty Burger — James Sonnek
Ensemble
Vinny Myers
Wendy Cockrell
Rachel Cockrell
Sandy Howard
Addi Marcks
Robert Landkammer
Sophie Thyren
Ada Sonnek
Jada Fries
Sarah Fries
Julia Elliott
Special Appearances By
Claire Penning
Naomi Knox
Skyler Norgren
Kristina Norgren
Raegan Hoffman
Henry Thyren
Aislan Hoffman
Brad Burmeister
Jeni Arnold
Alexis Burmeister
Jesse Litscher
Creative Staff
Director — Cris Medina
Assistant Director — Ainsley Knox
Vocal & Instrumental Director — Natalie Thyren
Choreographer — Claire Penning
Technical Director — Adam Burns
Costume Designer — Donna Richardson
Pit Band
Conductor & Keyboard 2 — Natalie Thyren
Lead Piano/Keyboard 1 & Rehearsal Accompanist — Sandy Todd
Pit Drummer — Larry Bergin
Bass/Guitar — Jon Sailer
Flute — Danica Carr
Clarinet — Julie Anderson
Trombone — Patrick Derleth
Trumpet — John Mundy
Ukulele, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Percussion — Henry Thyren
Foley Artist — Fuller Jewson
Crew
Stage Manager — Naomi Knox
Sound Board — Jaeden Freihammer
Light Board — Nick Scott
Spotlights — Ozzy Kamm and Daniel Dunham
Choreography Assistant — Delaney Hermsen
Run Crew — Jeni Arnold and Brad Burmeister
Set Construction
Ed Helmueller
Tyson Stackhouse
Paul Cushman Jr.
Christopher Cushman
Jill Schmidt
Bill Schjolberg
Elisha Jacobs
Adam Burns
Rob Stealcheat
Aden Poelstra
Nick Scott
Todd Smith
Willow Burns
Costumes
Donna Richardson
Elisha Jacobs
Faye Schoen
Anna Hager
Bridget Skelton
Hope Skelton
Cheryl McCready
Beth Miller
Peg Guyer
Scenic Painting
Shannon Schneider
Joe Schneider
Hope Skelton
Erik Dahl
Paul Cushman Jr.
Kristine Kruse
Kathy & Leigh Burlingame
Props
Chris Sky
David Cichosz
Anna Cichosz
Megan Cichosz
Miranda Gray-Burlingame
Sandy Howard
Wendy Cockrell
Sponsors
The River Junctions Arts Council gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the following businesses, organizations, foundations, and individuals whose contributions have helped make The SpongeBob Musical possible:
South East Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC), Iron Bridge Studio, Ruth Doffing Foundation, Wabasha-Kellogg Area Community Foundation, Jim Considine, John Bouquet, Bob & Linda Mann, Interstate Building Supply, Wabasha Rotary Club, Local World Gallery, Emplify Health, Tyson Stackhouse, Fred & Dianne Schjolberg, WNB Financial, Bill & LaDonna Jewson, Wabasha County Fair, Gaedke & Desson, AmericInn, Tom Kadlec, Dennis Bussian (Ameriprise Financial), Big Jo Pizza, Chocolate Escape, American Legion, Dankwart Landscaping, Cabbage Patch Garden Center, Hills Hardware Hank, Jake Peterson Farmers Insurance, Fresh Wok, Fresh Art, Lark Toys, The Olde Triangle Pub, Vision Design Group Inc., Stockholm Pie General Store, SVJ Creative Designs, Scott Durand Wabasha Dentistry, Abbott Funeral Home, and Plaid Productions.
About the River Junctions Arts Council
The River Junctions Arts Council (RJAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the Wabasha area through the arts. Through community theatre, visual arts, educational programs, concerts, and special events, RJAC provides opportunities for people of all ages to experience, create, and celebrate the arts. By bringing together artists, volunteers, businesses, and community members, RJAC strives to inspire creativity, strengthen community connections, and make the arts accessible to everyone.
Watermelon Festival Raffle Tickets Available Now!
🎟️🍉 Watermelon Festival Raffle Tickets Available Now! 🍉🎟️
Get your ticket today and support the 80th Annual Kellogg Watermelon Festival!
Tickets are available at:
📍 The Front Porch
📍 Shear Maddness
📍 Town & Country Cafe
📍 Kellogg City Office
📍 The Corner Store
📍 Any Kellogg Lions Club member
A big thank you to our local businesses for helping us sell tickets and support this great community tradition. We couldn’t do it without you!
Good luck and thank you for your support!
🍉 Miss Kellogg & Junior Royalty Registration is Open! 👑
✨ This is a once-in-a-generation celebration! Join us for a truly historic year as we celebrate the 80th Annual Kellogg Watermelon Festival, 150 years of Kellogg, and 250 years of America. There’s no better time to wear the crown and help represent our community during this milestone year!
🍉 We are seeking candidates for Miss Kellogg 2026 (grades 9–12 for the 2026-27 school year) and Junior Royalty (ages 4–7) that meet criteria.
🍉 Represent Kellogg as an ambassador throughout the year and take part in cherished Watermelon Festival traditions, including the Coronation and Grand Parade.
🍉 The 80th Annual Kellogg Watermelon Festival will be held September 11–13, 2026.
Interested in being part of this unforgettable celebration? Contact Tara Tentis at (507) 421-9341, Terri Peters at (410) 369-8101, or send us a message for more information
