echo press | Friday, August 27, 2021
echopress.com
The 2021 Douglas County Fair drew thousands of people during its run Aug. 17-21. Rain Friday afternoon caused crowds to dwindle, but a preliminary estimate indicates that fair attendance topped 51,000, up from 48,000 in 2019.
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Two sheep share a nuzzle Aug. 19 at the Douglas County Fair.
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or four days, Douglas County turned out to eat pork chops, tour the animal barns, listen to live music, and soak in the smells and sounds they hadn’t experienced for two years. “I think the fair overall went very well,” said Fair Vice President Brad Brejcha. “The Friday night rain hurt us but Saturday’s weather made up for it.” Friday’s rains were welcome in the drought-stricken community. They also halted the rides, sent fairgoers scrambling for cover, and forced the cancellation of the evening’s entertainment, including the Viking Speedway demolition derby and the headliner band IV Play. This year’s fair drew a heavier
than normal attendance — 51,000, more than any other single year during the past 10 years, according to Fair President Don Kleine. Some food vendors ran out of items such as large drink cups, lefse and pulled pork, although some of them were able to restock. It’s been a common problem at county fairs throughout Minnesota this year, as people surged back into the fairgrounds after two years away. Tuesday’s soft opening offered a partial glimpse of the fair, included the Johnny Holm band, food, and a cash giveaway. “It’s something we tried for the first time,” Brejcha said. “People weren’t quite sure what it was.” Bumps should be ironed out by next year, he said. Brejcha said the fair board
always welcomes suggestions for future years, and that people can contact the fair through its website, dcmnfair.com. The weather on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 17-19, was hot and humid with temperatures in the low 90s. Even though rain hit on Friday, the high temperature for the day was 85 degrees. Friday’s rain did bring near perfect fair weather on Saturday with temperatures in the 70s and plenty of sunshine. Saturday’s great weather created perfect conditions for America’s Got Talent finalist Jason Pritchett’s show that night, said Fair Board Member Darla Engstrom. “It doesn’t get better than that, to sit out at the fair on Saturday night, with hardly a leaf moving, under a full moon, with perfect temperatures and be entertained,” she said.
Apple pie takes the cake at the Douglas County Fair
By Thalen Zimmerman Alexandria Echo Press
Thalen Zimmerman / Alexandria Echo Press
From left, judges Kris Valentine, Chelsea Lee and Brett Grinager taste several pies to decide the Douglas County Pie contest winner. Darla Engstrom hosted the contest, far right. Garfield took second and third, with her blueberry pie taking second and her cherry pie taking third. Her secret to a good pie is thick butter
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Travis Gulbrandson / Alexandria Echo Press
A SWEET JUDGING
The Douglas County Fair’s pie judging contest was a hit on Wednesday, Aug. 18. It took place on the Hubbard Radio Stage and was hosted by Fair Board member Darla Engstrom. The judges were Brett Grinager, also a Fair Board member, and Chelsea Lee and Kris Valentine from KIK-FM. The judges awarded first place to Sharon Vanderheiden, who was absent when the award was presented. Kathy Betterman of
Fair Souvenir
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DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR CROWDS TOP 51,000 By Celeste Edenloff and Karen Tolkkinen Alexandria Echo Press
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slices under the crust. Valentine went into the judging with a strategy to not play favorites. “I couldn’t just pick
the pie based off my favorite flavors,” he said. “I had to be objective.” Contact Thalen at: tzimmerman@echopress.com
Thalen Zimmerman / Alexandria Echo Press
As a part of senior day at the Douglas County fair on Aug. 19, eight seniors were honored for their contributions to their community. From left, Emily Geris, Mary George, Chuck Wencl, Mandy Wencl, Anne Wild, Dennis Gronholz, Ron Buse, Lorraine Sellgren Davis, Cheryl Suchy, Clem Suchy and Samantha Beckman.
Eight Douglas County seniors honored at the fair By Thalen Zimmerman Alexandria Echo Press Eight Douglas County citizens, age 65 and up, were honored at the fair for their significant contributions to the community. Mandy and Chuck Wencl of Alexandria were the first to be recognized for their work in the community, which includes setting up the free music on the concerts on the courthouse lawn every Thursday. Dennis Gronholz from NSI, Nurtition Services Inc, was honored next for his work with delivering meals to homes, bringing daily nutrition to people’s doorsteps. Dennis also volunteers through Habitat for Humanity. Ron Buse from Evansville followed Dennis. Buess is the president of the Evansville Senior club and a manager at the Senior Center. He helps with setting up events for Lion’s Club, serves as a volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, and teaches youth how to build birdhouses. Mary George from Osakis, who also helps with home food deliveries through NSI, was also recognized. She is the president of the Osakis Women’s Association and president of the Nursing Home Auxiliary. Lorraine Sellgren Davis from Forada was another honoree. She won the Forada outstanding senior award,
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is a VFW auxiliary member and works with the Senior Club and the Elder Network. Last but certainly not least was Clem and Cheryl Suchy from Miltona. They both work with the Miltona Lion’s Club, helped organize Miltona Tornado Days, and were involved with water quality activities. Each senior honored received a plaque and a gift bag for their contributions to their communities. Brad Brejcha hosted the event. Joyce McIntosh was also recognized for her commitment to serve seniors. McIntosh retired from her role as Douglas County coordinator for Senior Citizens. She was given a gift card, a cooler bag, and a plaque. Thursday, Aug. 19, was Senior Day at the fair and sponsored by Knute Nelson, which organized the Senior Recognition ceremony. “It’s been an honor and super fun to be a part of Senior Day,” said Samantha Beckman, vice president of marketing at Knute Nelson. Knute Nelson coordinated seniors’ activities and ran a prize drawing with each prize package valued at $250. The drawing was open to people of all ages, and the winners were announced at 5 p.m. Thursday. Reporter Thalen Zimmerman can be reached at tzimmerman@ echopress.com.