HELP THE DWINDLING HERD
Miss Owatonna, Jasmin Kotek, gives Steely a thumbs up during last month’s Downtown Thursday in Owatonna. On this particular night, Steely made his rounds without Stella due to a lack of volunteers. The fair would like to secure more volunteers to keep the popular mascots promoting the fair throughout the summer and during the fair. Staff photo by Rick Bussler
-Don McCann, “Steely” Volunteer
Wearing a fur coat in August may not be everyone’s idea of a fun time, but if you wear it during Steele County’s biggest get-together, you might change your mind.
“We call them the face of the fair,” Scott Kozelka said of Steely and Stella, the mascots of the Steele County Free Fair. “They are a big part of the community.”
There is no one Steely or Stella – and this is your chance to get a bull’s-eye view of the fair. Volunteers are needed for the 2025 event, set for Aug. 12-17.
Don McCann may be the longest-serving Steely, having worn the fur suit for a decade.
“I originally did it because I had seen some friends who were doing it, and they had a great time,” he said of the reason he first volunteered.
“It’s a great way to give back to the community,” said McCann, who is also a member of the Owatonna City Council, representing Ward 2.
Like most volunteerism, it requires a time commitment, he said, but “it’s very rewarding. I know it sounds kind of corny, but it’s fun to see the interaction between the kids” and the mascots.
There is also a sense of family and nostalgia.
“There are people who, every year, have taken a picture with Steele and Stella,” he said, making core memories and celebrating traditions.
The elephant in the room – or the steer in the suit – is the heat.
“You’re in this hot suit, during the fair and other events” that are typically held in the summer, McCann said. “But you have ice packs inside the suits; fans inside the (costume) heads make it a little more palatable.”
Those who are claustrophobic may struggle, he agreed, but the suits will accommodate a broad range of people.
McCann said he’s had people who worry the fairgoers and others will know it’s them inside the big steer head, but that’s unlikely – unless you tell them.
Women can wear the Steely suit; men are welcome to portray Stella. All volunteers at the SCFF must be 18 or older.
“At one point, there was a recruitment drive,” McCann said, “and we had about eight (volunteers), then the numbers kind of dwindled. I think I’ve gone through three or four Stellas.”
Having a handful of combinations of the bovine twosome is important, said Kozelka, the manager of the SCFF.
“We still want people to enjoy the fair,” he said of the volunteer opportunities. “We like to have a rotation.”
In addition, “we don’t want anyone to get overheated – it’s just the experience. Most people just love it,” Kozelka said, confirming McCann’s opinion. “When you see all the smiles and people want their picture taken and little kids come up and give you the big hug…”
That’s also when some of the funniest things may happen.
“Your field of vision is very limited; you’re constantly moving your head back and forth, up and down,” McCann said. “So, a little one running toward you might run right into you, because you don’t see them” in time to stop and prepare for the incoming hug.
There are also opportunities to appear at baseball games, parades, Downtown Thursdays in Owatonna and other events.
“Folks at the county are really, really good about having Gatorade or water in the room when you come back,” McCann said, “and there’s multiple suits; they have them dry cleaned.”
If you are interested in “joining the herd,” contact Denise at steelecountyfreefair@scff.org or 507-451-5305 for more information and an application.
“Even if you do it for a year – just give it a try,” McCann said. “It’s a lot of fun, it’s enjoyable and it’s giving back.”