Lots of fun at the Red Lake County Fair

Day one!
This year was probably one of the most weather friendly fairs the past few years in Oklee. Usually, there is a storm or two that makes things interesting, to say the least. But this year, other than a few black clouds and some sprinkles, it was about as perfect weather-wise as it could be.
The Fair opened on Friday morning with the traditional ceremony that included the American Legions from Oklee and Plummer presenting the colors and raising the flag. Rick Ven Auman sang the Star Spangled Banner and Chaplin Don Stenberg gave a pray as part of the Opening Ceremony.
Because this year, the large gymnasium was not available to the Fair Board to use for exhibits and shows, there was some confusion as to where everything was being held. A sign on the door of the school informed folks that if an event was in the School last year, this year it is at the Oklee Community Hall.
The exhibits were brought in by the public for the Open Class and they shared the space with 4-H exhibits this year and it worked out great. Judging was held for both 4-H and Open Class and the purple Grand Champion and other ribbons were awarded. By noon on Friday, most of the judging was completed.
Out in the Barn, the animals were also judged and there were more animals than last year, but we didn’t have any poultry/ducks this year, since the bird flu has been prevalent in the state this year. It seems different not to hear all the clucking and crowing.
The goats were delightful to watch as their curiosity caused them to check out everything around them. There were cows, horses and sheep also and we can’t forget the fluffy soft rabbits.
In the Melby Building (right behind the D & R Grocery Store) was a blacksmith creating beautiful items and if you were interested in giving it a try was willing to let you pound the hammer to shape a piece of hot metal.
Later in the day, there was a Senior Citizen program held in the Hall. The speakers were Sheriff Mitch Bernstein, who spoke to the seniors about staying safe. He talked about scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, identity theft, internet safety, ATM safety and other topics related to senior safety. He also told the audience that if you had a telephone they were automatically in the CodeRED Notification System. This system is used for emergency notifications such as a child missing in the area, etc. And if you wanted to have your cell phone numbers added, you can contact the Sheriff’s office by website or call on the 218-253-2996 number and they will help you get on the list.
The next speaker were Carol Bye and Jennifer Olson talking about Disaster Preparedness. A handout of the Disaster Preparedness PowerPoint presentation was handed out to the seniors and the speakers talked about the things you need to have ready to go if you have to leave in a hurry. And we, living in the northern regions, have to keep winter in mind also.
When the seniors registered for the senior program, they also received a bag containing many pamphlets that included information on the Caring Companion program, Family Voice & Choice network, SNAP program, and other programs for seniors.
The outstanding Senior Citizen Award was given during the program with Vincent and Shirley Dessellier being honored for their volunteering spirit, helping with many of the activities in the area, graciously donating time.
A Medallion Hunt was held again and was worth $200. The winners were pictured in last week’s paper. Molly Smith, Matilda Sipper and Victoria Sipper were the lucky winners of the Medallion Scavenger Hunt at the RLC Fair! It took the girls 2 hours to find the medallion and they happily split the prize of $200.
Friday evening held two shows for entertainment. First at 7:00 p.m. was the Variety of Talent show held at the Hall which featured local talented people. Lowell Hamrum and son, Tyrell sang a few tunes from the 50/60’s. Sue Lee sang Patty Cline songs with John Kimball accompanying her on guitar. Kimball also played a few songs he has written over the years. Brady Grove also performed his amazing magic tricks and check out the TriCoCanary.com website to see one of his tricks performed.
After the local musicians, it was time for the Talent Show and there were quite a few lined up. Participants were Kailee Vigen, Clayton Larson Jr., Molly Smith & Payton Rustad, DJ Bernstein, Hailey Harmoning, Grace Harmoning, and the RLF Highschool Drumline.
The winners of the Talent portion of the show were: 1st Place Adult: Calvin Larson Jr. 1st Place Child: DJ Bernstein; 2nd Place: Kailee Vigen; and 3rd Place: Molly Smith and Payton Rustad.
To finish out the first day of the Fair, “Plum Crazy Entertainment” was set up at the Oklee Hall with music and karaoke for the whole family.