40th Annual Lake Itasca Pioneer Show held

Despite the weather many people showed up for the 40th anniversary of the Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers Show that was held on August 21 to 23.

History comes alive with all the activities that take place on the show grounds on the north entrance of Itasca Park. There are tractors of all sizes and shape, sawmilling, threshing, logging demonstrations, music and food for those who attend. There are also many historical buildings, displays and exhibits that were visited.

The Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers (LIRPF) members do not receive any salary or compensation for the work that they do. Profits from the event are used to upgrade the grounds, building and maintain new and old buildings and to restore and recondition articles that are donated for the show.

Members of the Board of Directors for this year were: Lenny Hemmerich, Ken Brein, Charlene Olson, Jim Cairns, Russ Lembke, Keith Davies, Rodney Rhen, Sharon Braaten and Denise Hogenson. There are also many who volunteer hours of their time for the annual event.

The LIRPF has presented a country old-time music show on Saturday nights for the past 30 years and there was also a Gospel music show that was organized by Keith Butler and Tim Johnson.

For those who were not able to make it to the show on that weekend the grounds are open for a free public tour (10am- 12 Noon) on Saturdays from June until August. You will have to wait until next year to get a peek.