Miniature Highland Cows from Highlands of Hope
A miniature Highland cow will be among the special guests at the 6th Annual Bringing Light into Darkness Community Awareness Event, taking place Thursday, September 10, 2026, in the back parking lot of Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center’s Winona office at 420 East Sarnia Street.
For the first time, the event will feature a free petting zoo from 4:30–6:30 p.m., giving families an opportunity to get up close with chickens, ducks, a rabbit and a miniature Highland cow from Highlands of Hope.
The miniature Highland cow is expected to be a highlight for children and animal lovers attending the event. Community members can learn more about Highlands of Hope on their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575794818012
The petting zoo is just one of several new and returning attractions at this year’s Bringing Light into Darkness, an evening designed to bring the community together while increasing awareness around mental health, connection and available community resources.
An Evening of Free Family Activities and Entertainment
From 4:30–6:30 p.m., attendees can enjoy a variety of free activities and entertainment, including:
- Petting zoo featuring chickens, ducks, a rabbit and a miniature Highland cow
- Kids’ inflatables
- Barrel train rides
- Live music from Ryan Sullivan
- Community resource fair featuring local organizations and resources
At 6:30 p.m., community speakers will take the stage for an evening program running until approximately 7:15 p.m., sharing messages focused on mental health, hope, connection and the importance of supporting one another.
The evening will then continue with a free concert from local favorite Them Coulee Boys. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets and get comfortable for the concert.
New This Year: Silent Auction
Another new addition to Bringing Light into Darkness this year is a Silent Auction, which will be held in the Garden Room at Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center from 4:30–8:30 p.m.
Community members can stop in throughout the evening to browse auction items and place their bids. The silent auction will close at 8:30 p.m.
Free Admission, Activities and Transportation
Bringing Light into Darkness is completely free to attend. Admission, the petting zoo, inflatables, barrel train, live music, resource fair, community speakers and Them Coulee Boys concert are all provided at no cost to attendees.
Food will be available for purchase from food trucks on-site from 4:30–9:30 p.m.
A complimentary bus service will also run throughout Winona from 6:00–10:30 p.m., providing free transportation to and from the event. There is no cost to ride the bus.
Whether coming for the animals, family activities, music, community resources, speakers, silent auction or concert, community members are invited to spend the evening connecting with others and learning more about mental health and the resources available in the community.
Event Information
Bringing Light into Darkness Community Awareness Event
Thursday, September 10, 2026
4:30–9:30 p.m.
Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center – Winona Office
420 East Sarnia Street, Winona, MN
Admission and all event activities are FREE. Food from on-site food trucks will be available for purchase.
For the complete schedule, event details, transportation information and updates, visit: