2021 Sauk Rapids River Days by Star Publications

Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021 | Page 1C

18th Annual

June 24-26, 2021 Thursday PAGEANT Miss Sauk Rapids Pageant 7 p.m. Love of Christ Church 1971 Pine Cone Road S., St. Cloud Friday PARADE Rapids River Days Parade 6 p.m. Sixth Avenue Saturday 5K/1K WALK/RUN Tanner’s Team Foundation 1K at 8:30 a.m.; 5K at 9 a.m. 2-mile walk at 9 a.m. Bob Cross Park Saturday FOOD FEST Rapids River Food Fest 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Municipal Park Featuring 3 live bands on stage: Aaron Clafton – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gregory James - 1:30-4 p.m. Honey Badgers - 4:30-7:30 p.m.

A SUPPLEMENT TO THE

Farewell to 2019-20, 2020-21 M Morgan Thompson, Anna Lucas and Kaeleigh Rainer

Page 2C | Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021

55 years later

Ehresmann recalls reign as Sauk Rapids’ first princess BY NATASHA BARBER |STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

Sandy Ehresmann, of Albany, stands in Southside Park in Sauk Rapids June 15. Ehresmann was the first Sauk Rapids Indian Day Princess and represented Sauk Rapids from August 1965 to August 1966.

Next week, crowds of people will gather in Sauk Rapids as the community celebrates Rapids River Days. The three-day event will feature a walk/run, food festival and pageant – all of which have their own historical timelines. But, the idea of municipal festivities is nothing new. Sandy Ehresmann, formerly Sandy Skeate, recalled her reign as the first Sauk Rapids Indian Day Princess at the newspaper office June 15. “It was a very special time in my life,” said Ehresmann, the daughter of Eldon and Anna and sibling to Sharon, Gary, DeBorah, Brenda, Kevin and Todd. According to the Benton County Historical Society, the Sauk Rapids Chamber of Commerce began planning for a community-wide festival in 1964. “I know that Sauk Rapids had been talking about doing a community celebration for a long time because all the small communities around us had celebrations,” Ehresmann said. That event came together Aug. 14, 1965, drawing upon a common theme. Sauk Rapids Indian Day evolved as a way to celebrate the city’s heritage and how trade between Native Americans and European settlers played an important role in establishing the village. The Sauk Rapids School District had claimed the Indians as its mascot more than 25 years prior and both the chamber and city had embraced the identity through other events and logos. “We had an Indian face as a logo on sweatshirts and on team apparel, but there was never disrespect,” Sandy said. … “It makes me so sad that Sauk Rapids has lost that part of their heritage and through no fault of their own.” The event – which continued consecutively through at least 1980 before slowly returning in the late ‘80s – featured signature attractions such as buffalo burgers, pony rides, a street dance and other entertainment. Organizers landed on selecting a Sauk Rapids Indian Day Princess to fit with the theme. “We were very excited,” Ehresmann said. “It was our own community celebration. We had pride that that was going to happen.” Ehresmann does not recall how many young women were sponsored by businesses to vie for the title of Sauk Rapids Indian Princess, but she estimates there were at least a dozen.

Ehresmann page 3C

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Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021 | Page 3C

Ehresmann from page 2C

“Dad was a Sauk Rapids business owner, and he knew that they had all been asked to sponsor a candidate,” said Ehresmann, whose father owned Skeate Fuel Company. “He opted not to, so I was very grateful to the American Legion who afforded me the opportunity.” Ehresmann had finished her first year at St. Cloud State College where she was studying to become an English teacher with ya music minor. Her dconnections to the Legion were in part because as a junior at Sauk Rapids High kSchool, Ehresmann had been chosen by the Sauk nRapids Legion Auxiliary Unit 254 to represent the rschool at Minnesota Girls State, a program that teaches about ngovernment and citizenship. She ”also knew some of the Legion members through her dad’s membership at the post. “I didn’t go looking for anything; dthey came to me,” Ehresmann said. “It twas an honor to have a business think ethat you were someone they would want drepresenting the city.” In addition to Minnesota Girls State, eEhresmann had been involved during her ttime at Sauk Rapids High School as a member of the class of 1964. She was in the yacademic top 10, a member of the National ,Honor Society, wrote for the school paper, aparticipated in band, choir and drama, and had roles as both a flag twirler and head ymajorette in the marching band. Rather than a pageant, the candidates yfor princess were escorted to a dinner eparty in which they stood and presented information about themselves in front of a panel. Then, they waited. “Dad had come home the afternoon of the coronation and said there had been talk; speculation by the business owners of who would be crowned,” Ehresmann said. “He named three girls, and I thought, ‘OK, they’ve narrowed it down.’ I wasn’t one of them, so I was really, really surprised (when I was picked). And then of course, I stood there thinking, ‘Why me?’ The only reason I could think of is I was the only gal going to college at that time.” Ehresmann was taken aback by her selection but embraced the role. A red and white costume was made for her by her mother’s friend, Mrs. James Lance Sr. “I guess I took it to the hilt,” Ehresmann said. “I made the head band, and Mabel Coborn found the red feather.” Ehresmann said Dan and Mabel Coborn chaperoned her at many parades. During her reign through August

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Sauk Rapids Indian Princess Sandy Skeate waves at a parade crowd during her reign from 1965-66. Both graduates of the Sauk Rapids High School class of 1964, Skeate married Duane Ehresmann in 1967.

1966, Ehresmann represented Sauk Rapids in parades including those of Princeton, Foley, Royalton, Paynesville and Albany. She made a few appearances at events such as a dairymen banquet and a community pageant in St. Cloud. “That very first parade and how unreal it seemed to be sitting in that parade representing Sauk Rapids,” Ehresmann said of her favorite memory from that time. Ehresmann, who now lives in Albany with her husband Duane, has three children and five grandchildren. As she looks back on her life, she considers representing the city of Sauk Rapids as one of her top 10 highlights, though she guards her memories closely and rarely talks about the role unless asked. “I’m guarded because it was so special,” she said. Ehresmann said it is overwhelming to her that 55 years after she hung up her sash, Sauk Rapids continues to offer young women a chance to represent the city to others. “I’m happy,” she said. “I’m happy for all the young women who have filled that role. There is so much good going on in the city even though it has changed so much since this first celebration.” As for her advice to the next Miss Sauk Rapids: “Embrace the role and dwell on those highlights of the village,” she said. “Be yourself. Be loving, kind and helpful.”

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The following women have served the Sauk Rapids community as queens, princesses or ambassadors. 1966 Sandra Skeate; 1967 Donna Braun; 1968 Pat Riedeman; 1969 Susan Ackerman; 1970 Barb Nelson; 1971 Rosalyn Franta; 1972 Vicki Mattson; 1973 Sue Zwick, Virginia Braun and Patricia Hommerding; 1974 Sharyn Thompson, Kris Stueve and Roberta Hommerding; 1975 Patricia Maier, Kay Ribich and Terree Keehr; 1976 Kathy Stromwall; 1977 Bonnie Jones, Becky Rhode and Penny Yozamp; 1978 Robin Rhode, Sherri Trushenski and Robin Johnson; 1979 Jean Braun, Colleen Reinert and Kim Maroney; 1980 Randi Claasen, Terri Kosloske and Marion Borgert. (No pageant took place from 1981 through 2003.) 2004-05 Candace Leyk, Megan Meyer and Emily Becker; 2005-06 Susan Meinz, Kelsey Moehle and Randi Carlson; 2006-07 Cassie Martin, Rachel Brewster and Kaelynn Kampa; 200708 Brittany Tischmak, Krista Corrigan and Ashley Bueckers; 2008-09 Jana Prow, Jenny Deering and Jessica Dingmann; 2009-10 Megan Gustafson, Shyla Inderieden and Kelsey Miller; 2010-11 Abby Fleck, Marie Pflipsen and Morgan Muehlbauer; 2011-12 Candyce Thompson, Ashley Bukowski and Kelly Elness; 2012-13 Tiffany Smith, Bethany Zwilling and Carissa Gaffy; 2013-14 Alisha Houdek, Ali Mohr and Lindsay Massman; 2014-15 Kayla Keller, Kaitlin Janson and Chelsey Haffner; 2015-16 Nikki Bukowski, Kelsey Christensen and Tana Hendrickson; 2016-17 Sydney Burk, Clo Meyer and Allyson Walz; 2017-18 Brooklyn Harren; 2018-19 Jenna Bukowski, Morgan Weinand and Anna Walz; 2019-20 and 2020-21 Morgan Thomson, Kaeleigh Rainer and Anna Lucas.

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Page 4C | Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021

Falling in line

Marching Storm kicks off 2021 season BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER

After a year of bell covers, masks and canceled or virtual performances, members of the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School band are ready to set the tone for what is ahead. The Marching Storm returns to the street stage this summer for four performances. About fifty-five musicians and color guard members will present “Out of Darkness, Light” on the streets of Foley, Sauk Rapids, St. Cloud and Alexandria. Drum majors Madeline Neussendorfer, a graduate of the class of 2021, and Kathryn Stiegel, class of 2022, will lead the marching band.

“We’ve got a full show ready to go, and we’re going to be performing at four parades this year,” said Zach Sander, who is in his first year as the director of Sauk Rapids-Rice High School bands. “So, a little fewer than normal but we’re still getting a chance to go out in the community and share our music.” Sander and Dr. Ward Miller, who arranges the Marching Storm’s music, chose the performance’s music and title as the two reflected on the last year and the coronavirus pandemic. Sander said “Out of Darkness, Light” consists of three main

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

The Marching Storm performs at the Rapids River Days Parade in June 2019 in Sauk Rapids. After a canceled 2020 season, the musicians return to their street stage for four parades in June.

pieces of music. The band incorporates Mozart’s “Requiem” that was composed for a funeral Mass and portions of “The Firebird” Suite by Igor Stravinsky, which tells the story of a rising phoenix. “The opening of the

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show is a lot of dark and angry music,” Sander said. “It has some violent sounds. It’s intense. It can be aggressive. The middle portion is much more tug at your heart strings in a pretty sad way. … That leads into our sort of rise from the ashes celebration.” Although not all the parade judges have yet confirmed, Sander said the Marching Storm will be judged by festival rating. He said rather than bands competing against each other to the tenth of a point, judges will assign ratings to the performances – such as superior, excellent, good and fair – similar to Minnesota State High School League contests. “Each band will still get feedback from the judges, and, to us, that’s the important part,” he said. The kickoff to the Marching Storm’s practice season was delayed this

spring but it was at peak intensity in early June as school let out. The musicians and color guard participated in Camp Week – seven eight-hour practice days – which coincided with Minnesota’s heat wave of above 90-degree temperatures. Now, the band has returned to its three-days-a-week schedule prior to its parade performances. “The heat was a challenge for sure,” Sander said. “We tried to alternate spending time inside and outside as much as possible to give the kids a break. … The kids were great; they toughed out through a lot. We were making sure they were very careful about

hydration and monitoring for heat exhaustion and things like that.” A second challenge this spring was the absence of the 2020 parade season. “We have essentially two years of first-year members who haven’t marched at the high school before, but that also means we have a leadership group that has a lot less experience than they would in a normal year,” Sander said. “The rising juniors and seniors, and our handful of graduating seniors, are learning as a group what it means to be a leader instead of individually like they would in the past.” Despite the trials, Sander said, like the phoenix, his students are rising to the occasion. “I appreciate the challenge,” Sander said. “It’s fun to be able to teach the kids regardless, and I’m glad we have the opportunity to do it. I was telling them and telling the parents the other day that if they can get through this, they can get through anything.” And next week, the Marching Storm will share their take on the last 15 months. “I think the kids are starting to grab on to the music in a really cool way,” Sander said.

Marching Storm schedule The Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School marching band is not performing this summer.

Wednesday, June 23, 6:30 p.m. Foley Fun Days Parade Friday, June 25, 6 p.m. Rapids River Days Parade Saturday, June 26, 9:30 a.m. Granite City Days Parade Sunday, June 27, 1:30 p.m. Vikingland Band Festival

Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021 | Page 5C

parade lineup Friday, June 25, 6 p.m. 11 marching bands will be featured in the Rapids River Days Parade: Alexandria, “The Herd” Buffalo Senior High, Foley, KMS Marching Saints, Milaca HS, Milaca Intermediate, Owatonna, Sartell High School, Sartell Middle School, and Winona Cotter. The Sauk Rapids-Rice High SchoolMarching Storm will host the participating bands.

Enjoy the parade! 2021 Rapids River Days Parade ROUTE Parade STARTS at Pleasantview Elementary School on 6th Ave. N. and ENDS on 1st St. South at Summit Ave. Departures must be made by turning LEFT or RIGHT onto Summit Avenue. (See yellow Exit Routes). Drive

BAND BUSES MUST ENTER OFF HWY 15 onto 18th St N

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28. Great River Federal Credit Union 29. Cub Scout Pack 8 30. (Band) “The Herd” Buffalo Senior High 31. Heart & Mind Life Coaching for Kids 32. Premier Asphalt Services 33. SRR Storm Football Team 34. Rice Companies, Inc. 35. Foley Ambassadors 36. (Band) Foley Marching Band 37. Collins Bros Towing of St. Cloud 38. Granite City Roll-Off 39. Granite City Motor Park 40. (Band) Milaca Middle School Marching Band 41. Benton County ADA Dairy Princesses 42. Studio B 43. Ridgeview Place Senior Living 44. Republic Services 45. (Band) Milaca High School Marching Band 46. St. Cloud Osman Shrine Go-Karts 47. Farmers & Merchants State Bank 48. Girl Scouts Service Unit 28 49. (Band) Owatonna Marching Band 50. SRR Girls & Boys Basketball Teams 51. Grey Face Rescue 52. Unique Movers 53. (Band) Kerkhoven Murdock Sunburg Marching Saints 54. Auto Value Parts Stores 55. Central MN Credit Union 56. Coborn’s 57. (Band) Alexandria Marching Band 58. Ultimate Autism Foundation 59. St. Cloud Toyota 60. Aspen Storage 61. Andy’s Towing

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1. Sauk Rapids Police Chief Perry Beise 2. Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck 3. Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992 Color Guard 4. Sauk Rapids American Legion Post 254 Color Guard 5. Benton County Mounted Patrol 6. Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service 7. Sauk Rapids Engine Company No. 2 8. Sauk Rapids Fire Department 9. (Band) Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Marching Storm 10. 2019-20, 2020-21 Sauk Rapids Community Ambassadors 11. Mayor Kurt Hunstiger and Ruth Hunstiger 12. 2021 Miss Sauk Rapids Royalty 13. St. Cloud Antique Auto Club (Pantowners) 14. (Band) Sartell Middle School Marching Band 15. Sauk Rapids Herald 16. St. Cloud Financial Credit Union – PARADE SPONSOR 17. Hair & Body Works 18. League of Women Voters of St. Cloud Area 19. (Band) Sartell High School Marching Band 20. ISD 47 Storm Robotics 21. Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm Dance Team 22. GATR Truck Center – PARADE SPONSOR 23. Purpose Driven Realty Team - Edina Realty 24. (Band) Winona-Cotter Marching Band 25. Dvorak Eye Clinic 26. Change the Culture 27. Sauk Rapids Youth Hockey

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A switch to Miss Sauk Rapids Pageant will crown queen, two princesses BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

The Sauk Rapids Community Ambassador Pageant has changed its name. Reverting to its roots, the coronation will again be called the Miss Sauk Rapids Pageant and will crown one reigning Miss Sauk Rapids and two supporting princesses. The pageant and program, which gives young women a platform to represent their community, will take place at 7 p.m. June 24 at Love of Christ Church, 1971 Pine Cone Road S., St. Cloud. The event will be open to the public and tickets will be sold at the door. Seven candidates will vie for the title of Miss Sauk Rapids. They are Brielle Andvik, Addison Bemboom, Maggie Fernholz, Taylor Sidla, Kendal Stucke,

Olivia Theis and Chelsey Vogel. The youth participated in an educational program the week of June 14 and will be judged on an interview, essay, stage question and evening gown presentation on the day of the pageant. In addition to the royalty representing Sauk Rapids at events throughout the year, Miss Sauk Rapids will participate in the Minneapolis Aquatennial July 21-24. Lindsey Trimbo, Kathi Sauerer and Marla Elness are coordinating the Miss Sauk Rapids pageant. All have experience in pageantry. The city of Sauk Rapids hosted a coronation from 196680. After a hiatus, Elness

Photos by:

Page 6C | Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021

Brielle Andvik B

Sponsored by Active Nutrition, of Sauk Rapids S S Senior at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Daughter of Clint and Amy Wenger D and sibling to Tanner, 20, Breckin, 12, and Kenzington, 9 a

and a small committee reestablished Miss Sauk Rapids in 2004. The pageant’s name changed to the Sauk Rapids Community Ambassador Organization Pageant in 2013. Over 75 young women have represented the city over time. Reigning 2019-20 Sauk Rapids Community Ambassadors – Anna Lucas, Kaeleigh Rainer and Morgan Thompson – will crown the new royalty. The three agreed to extend their reign following the cancellation of the pageant in 2020.

Addison Bemboom A

Sponsored by Inventure Properties, of St. Cloud S Senior at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School S D Daughter of Joel and Trisha Bemboom a and sibling to Megan, 21, and Andrew, 16

Activities and community involvement: I am involved in A Minnesota Honor Society, Link Crew and the Storm Leadership M TTeam. I am student council president and a captain of both tthe track and field and tennis teams. Tell us a little about yourself. I will be a senior this upcoming school year and am so excited. I enjoy playing tennis and running track. In the summer, I nanny and spend lots of time with friends and family. I love to travel, read and make others smile. Why are you interested in being Miss Sauk Rapids? I am interested in being Miss Sauk Rapids because I want to give back to the community and stay involved. I also want to be a positive face for our community. How do you make a difference in the Sauk Rapids community? I make a difference in the Sauk Rapids community by being an active community member and attending events. I also try my best to create a positive and welcoming environment for all. What is your favorite aspect of Rapids River Days? I love that Rapids River Days brings everyone together and creates a positive space for all. It is fun to see the community come together and spend time doing what we all love. If selected, what would you like other communities to know about Sauk Rapids? I want to share that our community is continuing to grow and develop, but we remain welcoming and with a small-town feel.

A Activities and community involvement: Volleyball, track a field, student council and youth volleyball. and T us a little about yourself. I like being by people and Tell making them smile, being with my friends and family, and being active in both my sports and jobs. I also like meeting new people and gaining new experiences. Why are you interested in being Miss Sauk Rapids? I want to have new opportunities to grow, and I want to meet new people to build connections. I also want to provide a positive role in the community and gain new friendships. How do you make a difference in the Sauk Rapids community? I make a difference by helping the youth volleyball program. When I was younger, I looked up to the older kids and wanted to be like them. Helping with volleyball helps me become a better role model. What is your favorite aspect of Rapids River Days? I like how it gets the community involved in the parade, food festival and run. I also love how it brings people together to have a good time and create a happy feel. If selected, what would you like other communities to know about Sauk Rapids? How welcoming the community is and that we have a newly-developed Southside Park for friends and families to enjoy and gather.

Chelsey Vogel C

S Sponsored by Neurobehavioral Associates, o of St. Cloud S Senior at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Daughter of Randy Vogel and Andrea Vogel D and sibling to James, 21 a

A Activities and community involvement: Volleyball, culinary, d drama and the Youth for Christ program. T us a little about yourself. I have a household of five Tell – Mom, Dad, my brother and dog. I love traveling and trying new things. My favorite things to do are to spend time with family, fish, shop and dance. Why are you interested in being Miss Sauk Rapids? I am interested in being Miss Sauk Rapids because I would love to be a positive role model for younger kids and the community. Also, trying new things is interesting to me, so being Miss Sauk Rapids will be an amazing opportunity. How do you make a difference in the Sauk Rapids community? I make a difference in the Sauk Rapids community by being a positive role model, having a welcoming spirit and having a happy personality. I also make a difference by being involved. What is your favorite aspect of Rapids River Days? My favorite aspect of Rapids River Days is watching the Sauk Rapids community come together as this past year we were all isolated. The smiles and happy faces are so heartwarming. If selected, what would you like other communities to know about Sauk Rapids? Sauk Rapids is a welcoming, supportive and creative community. Welcoming by introducing others. Supportive with people showing positive energy. And, creative community by making new activities and events.

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S Senior at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Daughter of Kevin Stucke and Melissa Stucke D

A Activities and community involvement: Swim and dive t team. T us a little about yourself. I enjoy being around my Tell f friends and family, traveling, swimming and being with my t teammates. I am outgoing and like trying new things. Why are you interested in being Miss Sauk Rapids? I would like the chance to be Miss Sauk Rapids to be a positive role model for the people of Sauk Rapids. I like trying new things, and Miss Sauk Rapids gives me that chance. How do you make a difference in the Sauk Rapids community? I am a positive person who works hard and always tries my best. I love being around people and working with others. What is your favorite aspect of Rapids River Days? Being around everyone, listening to the music and watching everyone enjoy their time. If selected, what would you like other communities to know about Sauk Rapids? Sauk Rapids is a great community with loving people and everyone supports each other.

Page 8C | Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 202 2021 02 0 21

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Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021 | Page 9C

Sauk Rapids Municipal Park FREE Admission, FREE Parking

SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2021 11AM – 8PM

Rapids River Food Fest 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 26 Municipal Park

2021 Schedule of events Blue Tokens are purchased for all food, beverages and games – $1.00 each (bag of 20 for $20) Yellow Beer Tokens are $3.00 each at the Beer Garden.

LIVE BANDS ON STAGE:

Aaron Clafton............................................................11 am - 1:00 pm Gregory James..............................................................1:30 - 4:00 pm Honey Badgers......... ....................................................4:30 - 7:30 pm

TOKENS:

Food Token Sales (2 locations in the park) ............10:30 am - 7:45 pm (Blue Token= $1.00 each) Beer Token Sales (near the beer garden)...............11:00 am - 7:45 pm (Yellow Token=$3.00 each)

More Food, More Fun For Everyone!

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Crafters and product vendors will be selling items all day. Located in the Open Pavillion. Come see what’s new from: ThirtyOne, Scentsy, Avon, Norwex, Tupperware, Handmade Soaps, Young Living Oils, Lularoe, Color Street Nails, Homemade Blankets, Jewelry, and More!

ACTIVITIES:

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More F o More F od, un f Everyo or ne!

25 FOOD VENDORS will be serving all your favorites... Smoked turkey legs, burgers, steak sandwiches, New York-style hotdogs, brats, meatball subs, Philly cheese steak sandwiches, BBQ brisket sandwich, BBQ chicken wings, crab fritters, pizza, popcorn chicken, chicken sandwiches, cheesy turkey sandwiches, Italian cuisine, gyros, potatoes with toppings, sweet potato fries, twisted taters, french fries, corn-on-the-cob, corndogs, hot roast beef, taco-in-a-bag, bread sticks, giant pretzels w/cheese, giant pickles, quesadillas, wontons, chicken and beef shish-kabobs, stirfry beef pitas, shredded pork sandwiches, porkchop on-a-stick, pig wings, pork rinds, nachos, and cheese curds. Don’t forget Schwan’s ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, itty bitts ice cream, shaved ice, sno cones, carmeled apples, fruit kabobs, chocolate strawberries, kettle corn, cookies, and mini donuts for dessert! Along with rootbeer floats, smoothies, lemonade, limeade, iced coffee and hot coffee, the Pepsi pop stand and Budweiser beer garden will quench your thirst.

GLENSPRECISIONAUTO@GMAIL.COM Rapids River Food Fest Inc. is a non-pro t organization. All proceeds from the event are placed back into the Sauk Rapids community.

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Page 10C | Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021

Ta nne r Fuls

FILE PHOTO

John and Cindy Fuls high-five a runner as they cross the finish line of the annual Tanner’s Team 5K. This year’s 1K walk/run for kids and 5K run/2-mile walk for all ages will be Saturday, June 26, at Bob Cross Park in Sauk Rapids.

‘10 for the Team’

Established in memory of Tanner Fuls, foundation celebrates 10th anniversary at 1K/5K BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER

Tanner Fuls was a Sauk Rapids boy who taught his family how to live, laugh and listen. Tanner passed away from a form of preleukemia Nov. 27, 2010, but his legacy lives on. For 10 years, a foundation established in Tanner’s name has been providing financial assistance to families in central Minnesota who have children with lifethreatening illnesses. Tanner’s parents, John and Cindy Fuls, established the Tanner’s Team Foundation in

2011. The non-profit organization helps families cover housing, transportation and household expenses incurred during their child’s medical care and treatment. “We wanted to keep his memory alive and his legacy alive by helping families who need it most,” Cindy said. Their only son, Tanner was just 11 when he passed away. Tanner was athletic, vibrant, positive and kind-hearted, his parents said. The red-headed boy made an impression on everyone who met him. John and Cindy know

the worry and despair of trying to make ends meet while faced with an insurmountable health battle. Members of their foundation work as a team to ease financial burdens, including living expenses, which continue to mount despite parents often having to put their jobs on hold. “During our journey, we just had amazing people surrounding us,” Cindy said. “We wanted to pay it forward.” Tanner’s Team has helped 421 families in 45 central Minnesota counties. The foundation has awarded $443,000 to families of children with

life-threatening illnesses. The goal is to reach $500,000 by the end of the year. John said he never dreamed the foundation would help as many families as it has. Cindy and he look forward to helping many more. “We’re not going

anywhere,” John said of their ongoing commitment to helping families. One of Tanner’s Team Foundation’s biggest fundraisers of the year will take place during Rapids River Days. The 10th annual Tanner’s Team 1K/5K run and 2-mile walk will be

Saturday, June 26, at Bob Cross Park, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids. Check-in starts at 7:15 a.m. The 1K walk/run for youth ages 10 and under starts at 8:30 a.m. The 5K run/2-mile walk for all ages starts at 9 a.m.

Tanner’s Team page 11C

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Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021 | Page 11C

Enjoy Rapids River Days!

PAUL NEMETH

Owner/Operations Manager/Master Electrician Lic.#AM07083 • Contractors Lic. #EA003490 SUBMITTED PHOTO

Pictured smiling in the Fuls’ last family photo are siblings Tanner and Maddie (front, from left) and their parents John and Cindy. The photo was taken during Tanner’s hospitalization, shortly before he passed away from a form of pre-leukemia in November 2010. A decade later, a foundation established in his name is going strong.

Tanner’s Team Participants will receive free T-shirts featuring a special 10-year anniversary design, John said. “10 for the Team” is this year’s theme. (2021 would have been the 11th event but was canceled last year due to the pandemic.) “Join us as we run, walk and skip our way past the finish line in honor of the families in our community who currently face, and have endured, devastating medical and financial circumstances,” reads a message from the foundation. As is tradition, John and Cindy will be cheering on participants at the finish line. They have given a lot of high-fives through the years, and with each one they feel Tanner’s spirit. “We always say, it’s all because of Tanner we’re here today,” Cindy said. Tanner is the inspiration behind the foundation’s message, “Together we learn, together we fight, together we win.” “He definitely has a piece of each of these families he’s helping,” Cindy said. Tanner’s Team typically participates in the Rapids River Days parade, inviting families they have helped to join them on the float. They have decided not to have a float this year, because COVID-19 prevents a risk to ill children whose immune systems are already compromised. Other Tanner’s Team fundraisers have included an ATV event in Isle and a birthday bash for Tanner. New in 2020 was a virtual Christmas concert that was such a success they plan to host it again this December. Private donations have also been instrumental in helping families of children with life-threatening illnesses. About 60% of funds awarded by the foundation have helped pay mortgages or rent. Donated funds also assist with paying for utilities, transportation, vehicles, family weekend getaways and more. “We’re so glad that we chose this avenue,” Cindy said of providing direct support to families. John and Cindy have lived in Sauk Rapids for 25 years. “It is a wonderful, giving community,” Cindy said. The greatest rewards for John and Cindy have been meeting families the foundation has helped, building relationships with board members, volunteers and supporters, and working with other organizations. The Fuls family is thankful for the support and opportunities to spread awareness about Tanner’s Team, John said.

Cell: (320) 250-1023 • Office: (320) 258-5204

702 9TH AVE. S., SAUK RAPIDS, MN 56379

from page 10C

Tanner’s story Tanner touched many lives and continues to do so, John and Cindy said. Tanner’s battle started the summer of 2010. John and Cindy had noticed bruises on Tanner throughout the summer but thought they were from him being an active boy. But that July, when he hit his arm on the corner of a table and it turned black and blue within an hour, they knew it had to be examined. Medical testing at Children’s Hospital and the Mayo Clinic eventually revealed Tanner had myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare disorder in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells. Tanner needed a bone marrow transplant. Tanner started chemotherapy at Children’s Hospital Sept. 13, 2010, and was discharged Oct. 6, 2010. Due to his strong body and successful chemotherapy treatments, he was able to reduce the number of cancerous cells in his blood. For the next three weeks, he enjoyed life to the fullest, accomplishing his ultimate goal of planting the flag at center ice before the start of an Oct. 28, 2010, Minnesota Wild game. A day later, Tanner was admitted to the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital, where he met legendary Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre and caught a pass Brett threw him. He then began more chemotherapy and radiation. Cindy and John said Tanner was strong and so positive at that time, never complaining about his pain. On Nov. 8, 2010, a day his family calls his second birthday, Tanner received a bone marrow transplant. Sadly, just five days later, he developed an infection and was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit and placed on a ventilator. Despite many ups and downs, things appeared to be moving in the right direction. The family remained hopeful for a full recovery. Around 9 p.m. Nov. 27, 2010, Tanner’s blood pressure and vitals dropped. Although medical staff did everything in their power to save Tanner, he passed away at 11 p.m. After his death, Tanner’s family made a promise to each other to keep his spirit alive within themselves by helping other children dealing with childhood cancer or other serious illnesses. “We miss you, and we love you to heaven and back,” reads a message from the Fuls family on the foundation’s website.

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Page 12C | Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021

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