Tour of Tables attendees are able to admire beautiful table settings while enjoying their meal, above.

Blue Earth Area Mentors (BEAM) has held 16 Tour of Tables events in the past, each featuring fantastic table displays and a delicious meal to enjoy while seated at them.

The event is held in support of BEAM, a mentor program which matches local adults with participating children on a one-to-one basis within the Blue Earth area. The goal is for mentors to meet with their mentees once a week, for at least a year.

BEAM’s 17th Tour of Tables, which will take place on Oct. 30, will certainly be no less of a visual treat than it has been in years past.

One change has taken place regarding this year’s Tour of Tables, however.

“We will be holding the event at Heartland Retreat in Elmore, a new venue,” shares BEAM coordinator Peggy Olson.

For those who are unfamiliar with the event space, Heartland Retreat is located on North Street in Elmore, just across from Elmore Assisted Living and Memory Care.

The event space will house 19 colorful and creative table displays at the end of this month, some of which BEAM still hopes to fill before the 30th.

“We have eight full tables sold, and some people scattered in groups,” Olson says.

The Tour of Tables event was first conceived of many years ago.

“The first coordinator (of BEAM) started the program to promote BEAM and help get new members,” Olson explains. “The money goes directly back to the kids. We use it for activities, food, field trips.” 

She adds, “We also want to spread awareness so people know more about us.” 

At the center of Tour of Tables is the tables themselves.

“We get people to sponsor tables,” Olson shares. “They decorate the tables, or get someone to decorate for them. There is usually a theme, or a favorite color. Some sponsors have done it for all 17 years.”

The typical sponsors for the event are a mixed bag of local businesses, as well as some individuals and families who wish to contribute to the program. The sponsors contribute $150 to participate.

When asked if she remembers any stand-out tables from years past, Olson responds, “I just can’t pick one. Twisted Vine’s is one that sticks out to me, Hanson Auto also does a great job, Jake’s, the hospital, they are all so great.” 

Olson concludes, “I hate to pick just one, they are all so beautiful.” 

The food is, of course, another enjoyable aspect of the event.

“It is a brunch,” Olson says. “P Pod is the caterer.” 

The menu will feature two different egg bakes, one vegetarian and one ham-and-cheese, mini cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit, yogurt with granola, and coffee and juice.

The event will also feature something new this year: a raffle.

“Someone donated a beautiful set of dishes,” Olson shares. “It will cost $5 for a raffle ticket.” 

Finally, Tour of Tables traditionally invites a local individual to speak at the event.

This year’s featured speaker will be Blue Earth Chamber Board member Lill Robinson.

“She is a staple in our community,” Olson says. “So many people look up to her.” 

Olson adds, “She was a teacher, so she knows kids, and knows what we’re looking for in mentors.” 

Olson urges community members to consider attending the event, even if they just wish to view the fabulous table displays.

“Doors open at 9 a.m., and people can preview the tables from 9-10 a.m.,” Olson explains. “People can preview without buying a ticket for $5.” 

Nonetheless, Olson encourages community members to consider participating in the whole experience, the brunch portion of which will commence at 10 a.m.

“It is $15 for a ticket,” Olson says. “Tickets are available only at Dikkens (Furniture and Decorating).” 

She notes members of the community who are unable to find a means of transportation to the event can catch a ride from Blue Earth’s Ag Center.

“We are offering rides on Prairie Express,” Olson says. “There is a shuttle available for $2.” 

The shuttle will pick up those in need of a ride from the south side of the Ag Center at 8:40 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. It will return to the same location at 12 p.m. and 12:20 p.m.

Those who would like to ride the shuttle can call Olson at 507-525-1140 to express their interest.

Olson hopes BEAM will be able to make a profit of $2,000-$3,000 from this year’s Tour of Tables.

She also hopes to see the community’s involvement both with Tour of Tables and with the BEAM program expand in the future.

It is not too late for those who wish to sponsor a table this year to do so.

“All they have to do is get ahold of me if they would like to decorate or sponsor a table,” Olson explains. She can be reached at the number listed above.

BEAM is also always on the lookout for new mentors year-round. Men, women, and even couples are all eligible to serve in the program.

“We have 11 mentors now,” Olson says. “We need kids as well.”

Any child may participate in the program if they are between six and 17 years of age, and live within the area served by the Blue Earth Area School District.

That being said, Olson is already very happy with the community support that has been given to BEAM.

“I just love how people support the BEAM program,” Olson says.

Of the Tour of Tables event, she adds, “It’s fun to see how people decorate the tables. People really step up for this.” 

She concludes, “Really, it’s for the kids. That’s what we want it to be all about.”