More Red Lake County Fair Fun

Day two of the Red Lake County Fair started with events in the city and out at the South Park.
In Oklee, at 9:00 a.m. the morning was a beautiful day and many people came out to join in the 5K Walk/Run for Autism. There were quite a few participants and there were prizes given to three categories for men & women. The winners were: 18 & under: Male was Chris Longtin, 22:05; Female was Aurimy Olson, 42:02. 19-40: Male was Tyrell Hamrum, 27:54; Female was Mindy Juhl, 25:55. 41 & over: Male was Don Hagen, 22:41; Female was Becky Opatz, 26:27.
Due to the work being completed on the Red Lake County Gymnasium, there was no stage and vendor area like past years, but the Fair Board moved all the events normally held on the school stage to the Oklee Hall and it worked out perfectly. The vendors were moved to the hallway in the school and as reported last week, the 4-H and Open Class shared the small gym in the school building.
And on all three days and new this year, was Judd Nelson, doing metal working and blacksmith demonstrations were held at the Melby building behind D & R Grocery. You could even try your hand at forming a piece of metal with his assistance, of course.
Also, was a Chainsaw Carver, Joe & Chris Wavra from Red Lake Falls. Their company is Klondike Carvings. They were there a couple days and Joe created a number of pieces, two bears, a mountain man, two evergreen trees and a feather. Joe did the carving and Chris does the painting. Both the blacksmith and carver were paid for by grants through the Legacy funds.
Musical entertainment was provided on Saturday by a family band from southern Minnesota called the Fleming Fold Family. Troy, Sandra and their two girls put on a wonderful show three times. They performed toe-tapping music that was fun to listen to and Troy is quite the yodeler.
Their bio from the website was full of information on their accomplishments and the talents of their musical daughters, who have been playing instruments and singing since they were young.
An auction was held at the Red Lake County Fair building on Saturday afternoon and there were many things to look at and bid on. The auctioneer was Eric Mickelson and as usual, he did a great job.
At 6:30 p.m. it was time for the 4-H Awards program. This is where the kids get to shine with a fashion show highlighting what they made or purchased to win purple ribbons. And the winning 4-H Club gets to perform their Share the Fun skit that evening and also go on to the Minnesota State Fair to perform against the other counties. The winning team this year was the Huot Hustlers with the skit, “If I weren’t a 4-H Member.” Their club leader is Pam Columbus.
Out at the South City Park, the fair events continued with the Mechanical Mayhem. Registration for the first event, the 4-Wheeler Water Drags was at 9:00 a.m. and the event began 11:00 a.m. There were bleachers set up for the public and the course was a simple one with a deep water pit, a hill, a shallower water pit, a rise, and another water pit. The course was to start at the deeper end, run the course, go around a wheel and come back the way you came. The race was timed and the winners will be announced next week.
At 2:00 p.m. it was time for the 4 – 6 – 8 Cylinder BAJA races. This is a fun event and this year the Fair Board built and raffled off the chance to race a Baha Car. The winner of the car was Matt Reese from Mentor, a 77 year old gentleman and yes he raced the car.
Back in town, it was time for the entertainment for the evening with the musical talents of “Urho” at the Barn building. They are a energetic band with music from many era’s and enjoyable for all ages.