First ever ‘mini fair’ springs into summer
Cori Kennedy, from West Concord and a graduate of Kasson-Mantorville High School, drew a large crowd as she headlined the Friday night entertainment at Spring into Summer at the Steele County Fairgrounds. Kennedy, a country singer and song writer who now lives in Nashville, gained national attention with her performance on The Voice. Staff photo by Karen M. Jorgensen
The first year of Spring into Summer, which officials touted as a “mini-fair,” is now history and by all accounts it was a success.
It started off on a strong note Friday night as The Voice contestant and Dodge County native Cori Kennedy packed the area in front of the stage for a free performance while on Saturday the Rustic Mamas’ has a Junk in Your Trunk” event which drew a crowd as visitors checked the vendor booths for good buys. Saturday also saw the Backyard BBQ competition.
This was the first year for Spring into Summer after the Steele County Fair board took over the sponsorship of the Smokin’ in Steele event.
In addition to Saturday’s Junk in the Trunk and BBQ competition there were food stands, softball and a giant slide and ferris wheel from Gold Star Amusements.
Spring into Summer is a little different direction than Smokin’ in Steele, Fair Manager Scott Kozelka said Friday afternoon. “There’s always change.”
While many of those attending had been to Smokin’ in Steele in years past, Spring into Summer drew many new comers as well.
“I wasn’t going to come,” said Lynette Prange, as she sat on one of the benches listening to the music Saturday morning. She goes to Rustic Mama’s events, she said, and decided she needed to check out their “Junk in Your Trunk.”
Another event that was drawing children was the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners Blue Ribbon Learning Garden. Students were invited to paint a rock and add the rocks to the garden to create a “rock snake,” said Master Gardener Jenne Wilkins who was helping youngsters with the rock painting. Youngsters had been stopping by and enjoying helping create the snake.
One of those enjoying painting a rock was Elsie Snyder who just turned two.
Her mother, Jeana, said she had just heard about the rock painting and thought it would be something Elsie would like to do.
She didn’t know what the event was beyond the rock painting and did not realize it was the former Smokin’ in Steele.
Saturday got off to an early start with the Tom Thumb Mini Donut 5K which was well attended. Two hundred people turned out for the event, including Kozelka who said he managed to finish the 5K and even ran “when people were looking.”
The Steele Saloon was doing a good business, said Doug Meier, who was kept busy selling drinks Saturday morning. Friday night, he added, had been busier than they expected.
Music was a major part of the event, beginning with Soulfire leading off Friday night, followed by headliner Kennedy.
Saturday saw a full day of music starting with the Mark Cameron Band, followed by Whiskey Grace and Skar and ending with the evening headliner Mason Dixon Line.
