FARIBAULT, Minn. - On the latest installment of Trippin' with Perk, we travel south of the Twin Cities metro to the community of Faribault.
While in the city of 23,500, KARE 11's Eric Perkins met up with Ivan Whillock, a master woodcarver who taught him a thing or two.
Perk also met birdhouse enthusiast Dale Smith; worldly walker Irv Becker; Bethlehem Academy Girls Volleyball coaching legend Franz Boelter; and a stunt juggler known as Tuey.
He also discovered the academic side of Faribault, visiting schools Shattuck Saint Mary's. Perk also visited the Minnesota State Academies for the Blind and the Deaf.
Places of businesses weren't immune to Perk's invasion. Burkhartzmeyer Shoes, Sweet Spot, and Grandpa Al's were visited.
Perk also checked out the Cheese Caves of Faribault, and got his fill of blue and gorgonzola. Gold Star Manufacturing let him in ther doors too. They restore Tilt-A-Whirl rides. The carnival favorite was invented in the same building.
Also in the restoration business, Rare Aircraft in a hangar at the Faribault airport. They rebuild classic airplanes and have celebrity clients like Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford.
Perk didn't stop there, he also visited the Paradise Theater for the Arts where he performed in a production of Noises Off in the beautiful building that is called the "crown jewel of Faribault".
And finally, he crashed the party at Pleasant Manor, a senior housing facility, and home of The Kitchen Band, a musical group in which the musicians use kitchen utensils as instruments.
Where will the road take Perk next? Who knows. But if you have a suggestion, e mail him at eperkins@kare11.com
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