Gopher Count Photos

Welcome to Gopher Count

The 140th annual Gopher Count will be held June 18th & 19th, 2014

Since 1874 people have traveled to Viola Minnesota on the third Thursday of June to celebrate the Viola Gopher Count. This event originated with local farmers choosing teams to see which team could collect the most gopher tails. The annual counting of the tails culminated with the losing team providing a picnic for the winning team. Through the years, the day's events have changed, but the common thread of a community coming together for friendship and fun has continued for 140 years! This annual event is the second oldest continual running celebration in the nation.

Events begin on Wednesday evening with Family night. The evening starts with the 5K Run & Family Walk, and continues with a local Talent Show. A change to this years schedule is the crowning of the King and Queen, that will take place during the Talent Show at 7:00. The evening’s activities conclude with a spectacular fireworks display. On Thursday, the Grand Parade begins at 10:00 A.M. rain or shine. This years parade will go around town twice, in celebration of our 140th year! Following the parade there are many events to keep you entertained throughout the day. They include a soap box derby, doll buggy parade, pie eating contests, ladies nail driving contest, tug of war, races, and a beanbag contest. The evening is topped off with a FREE street dance (rain or shine) with Trouble Shooter under the big tent, along with Bingo in the town hall.

Stop by the Viola Gopher Count for a fun filled day of events, rides, food, and good old fashioned charm.

*The 5K Run/ 1 Mile Family Walk Starts at 5:00 PM on Wednesday June 19th,  Click here to download the registration form. This has become a popular event for competitive runners and casual walkers. Come enjoy the beauty of Viola!

Viola Gopher Count Events

Click on any of the events below to get more information

Gopher Count Photos

Welcome to Gopher Count

The 140th annual Gopher Count will be held June 18th & 19th, 2014

Since 1874 people have traveled to Viola Minnesota on the third Thursday of June to celebrate the Viola Gopher Count. This event originated with local farmers choosing teams to see which team could collect the most gopher tails. The annual counting of the tails culminated with the losing team providing a picnic for the winning team. Through the years, the day's events have changed, but the common thread of a community coming together for friendship and fun has continued for 140 years! This annual event is the second oldest continual running celebration in the nation.

Events begin on Wednesday evening with Family night. The evening starts with the 5K Run & Family Walk, and continues with a local Talent Show. A change to this years schedule is the crowning of the King and Queen, that will take place during the Talent Show at 7:00. The evening’s activities conclude with a spectacular fireworks display. On Thursday, the Grand Parade begins at 10:00 A.M. rain or shine. This years parade will go around town twice, in celebration of our 140th year! Following the parade there are many events to keep you entertained throughout the day. They include a soap box derby, doll buggy parade, pie eating contests, ladies nail driving contest, tug of war, races, and a beanbag contest. The evening is topped off with a FREE street dance (rain or shine) with Trouble Shooter under the big tent, along with Bingo in the town hall.

Stop by the Viola Gopher Count for a fun filled day of events, rides, food, and good old fashioned charm.

*The 5K Run/ 1 Mile Family Walk Starts at 5:00 PM on Wednesday June 19th,  Click here to download the registration form. This has become a popular event for competitive runners and casual walkers. Come enjoy the beauty of Viola!

Viola Gopher Count Events

Click on any of the events below to get more information