Oklee Market was a great success despite heat & road construction

Oklee Market Day was held on August 14, 2021. It was a hot but beautiful day in Oklee.

The Day started with the Hero Hustle 5K which started at 9:00 a.m. There were over 50 racers and it was a perfect morning to run/walk. We also had 48 virtual racers.

The funds raised at this event go to the Second Chance for Life Foundation in Minneapolis and two members from the foundation came and participated in the 5K, also a lady from LifeSource came to our event and was very happy with our success we have at spreading awareness about organ donation.

Winners of the Hero Hustle were: 12 & under: Eli Nelson (26.56), Mia Carriere (44.28). 13-19 years: Owen  Chervestad (23.04), Ashlyn Nelson (26.40). 20-29 years: Adam Kortan (47.37), Maureen Bartlet (37.56). 40-59 years: Casey Weidenman (26.43), HOlly Spong (33.52). 60 and up: Bob Melby 41.03, Char Gagner (43.14). Winner of the Yeti Cooler was Marissa Schiebe.

The Drawing Contest was a new event this year and the winners were: 0-5 age group: 1st place - Korby Olson, 2nd place Henry Olson. 6-1 age group: Ryeigh Sherman, 2nd place Malayna Hamm. 11-15 age group: 1st place McKenzie Hamm, 2nd place Hannah Dudycha. 16 & older: 1st place Amy Sherman, 2nd Lars Schue. Cornhole was a big event this eyar, there were 30 teams that entered and the winners were 1st place: Tyler Holmes & Nick Reuter. 2nd place: Izaiah Storedahl & Elijah Kazmerczek. 3rd place: Carl Kostrzewski & Brian Hall.

A Pickleball tournament was played with 12 entries. It was a hot day to play and the wind was blowing but it was fun to play. Winners were: 1st place: Jamie Hoglo, 2nd place: Jason Jensen and 3rd place: Pat Kelly.

Market Day Car show had 35 entries that came to town this year. Prize winners were Casey Roisland, Pat Como, and Carol Connell.

Another new event this year was the Chip Shot Challenge. It involved hitting a golf ball and the shortest drive won. Winners were: 1st place: Chris Menezes (5'2"), 2nd place: Nick Keuter (15'2"), 3rd place: Joe Larson (26'3"). 4th place: Jeff Bachand (29'7") and 5th place: Cori Bachand (29'9"). A big thank you to Matthew Genova for donating the price money to this event.

Oklee Quilting had their quilt show virtual this year and the Quilt Show winner was Jennifer Hilligoss. Runner up - Marybeth Hruby. Small Project winner was Jennifer Hilligoss and runner up was Bonnie Hagen.

Kids and adults also enjoyed the Street Games and there were 2 bikes donated by Shorty Longtin. The winners were Greta Wurst and Lane Bartlet.

The Scavenger Hunt was a lot of fun for everyone. They had a list of items to search for and bring back to win prizes.

We all enjoyed the crafts and vendors and the food from "Smoke on Wheels" and "Zion Lutheran Church" burgers were delicious. "Snowie by Warren" was a big favorite with their ice cream treats and snow cones. It was a hot day so thankful we had cool treats.

The Market Day Softball game was held with Alumni vs current members of Oklee Lumber and lots of fun went was had at the softball fields on the east edge of town.

"Wild Wes" played music under the tent in the evening. It was a busy day in Oklee and Market Day volunteers want to thank everyone for coming and supporting the events.