Crime doesn't usually pay

On this day in 1876, Jesse and Frank James, along with Cole Younger and Clell Miller and a couple of other bad guys, tried to rob the First National Bank in Northfield, MN. They failed for two main reasons: First, one of the bank employees lied to the robbers in the bank by saying the vault was on a timed lock and he couldn't open it on demand. Second, one of the gang outside got panicky and fired a shot, thereby alerting the townsfolk. Somebody famously yelled, "Git yer guns, boys, they're robbin' the bank!" A gunfight ensued. Some of the would-be robbers were killed, some arrested, a few others escaped.

The event is commemorated each year in our sleepy little town with a parade, an art fair, a rodeo, a carnival, and the inevitable corn dog and taco vendors. There are some re-enactments (right there on Division Street) of the failed bank raid, using real horses, some wanna-be cowboys, and pistols with blanks.

We usually try to leave town to avoid the noise and the crowds.

Here's Minnesota's own Erik Koskinen singin' about guns and banks and stuff. Saw Erik and his band at the Turf Club a few years ago, which was fun even though the drinks were overpriced.

Enjoy!