HOT PURSUIT

While the Steele County Fair is gigantic in so many ways, there is one area that sometimes gets overlooked, at least in the eyes of the public. It involves appreciation from the fair itself.

There is no lack of appreciation on behalf of staff and board members of the Steele County Free Fair. Two events leading up to the fair and during the fair bear that out.

On the Sunday prior to the fair, there is an appreciation dinner for all the volunteers who help make the fair what it has become. The fair always gives out service awards to those who have volunteered for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 or more years. This year Marvin Spindler of Owatonna and Josh Prokopec received the highest 30-year honors.

Once the fair starts, managers host a daily luncheon at Mother’s Rest to thank all the businesses and organizations who support the fair. While the luncheon doesn’t live up to the standards of traditional fair food, it’s a nice reprieve with a home-cooked meal. There is no grease involved with this meal.

On the day I attended last week, there were about 25 people at the luncheon representing many different businesses. The luncheons are coordinated by Jim Linder, who is a board member emeritus.

Fair manager Scott Kozelka takes the time to go around the room and introduce each representative and shares a little insight into how they support the fair. For example, on the day I was there, Mike Featherston, co-owner of Gold Star Amusements, was in attendance. He received several accolades from guests about how well he runs the midway. It was also announced that a record of 6,300 arm bands was sold for this year’s Steele fair.

There is no doubt that fair managers value the partnerships they have in the greater community. I am proud to do my little part of helping promote the fair. And it’s neat to feel valued by the fair.

I want to applaud the fair board and staff for another excellent fair. They have done a phenomenal job in assembling what has become Minnesota’s largest county fair.

I’m always amazed at how there are people from all sections of Minnesota as well as other states who come to the Steele County Fair. It’s interesting to me how many would rather make a stop in Owatonna than trying to fight the traffic and headaches associated with the Minnesota State Fair.

We appreciate what the Steele County Fair does for our community as well as the rest of Minnesota. It’s also nice to see that the fair goes in hot pursuit of showing its appreciation in return.