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After more than 28 years of being part of Lindstrom’s annual Karl Oskar Days Celebration, I’m always amazed at how much a small group of dedicated volunteers can accomplish. The 2003 edition of Karl Oskar Days was yet another shining example, in a very long line of shining examples, of just how much entertainment can be provided by the group of hard working, dedicated people. Having been involved in a few of these in years past and still somewhat involved, I know the sacrifices that these folks make. Chairman Mike Parker, his capable assistant Connie Schmidt, and all of the other volunteers did a fantastic job. These folks toil for hundreds of hours, often at the expense of their own businesses, jobs and families, to make it possible for the rest of us to just show up and be entertained.

To all of the folks who volunteered or dug into their wallets to help make Karl Oskar Days 2003 a reality––I say thank you for all of your efforts and commitment. Events like this always tend to bring out the best and the worst in people and for the most part it sure appears that the positives were way out ahead of the negatives.

If you have the opportunity to personally thank any of those who helped make it such a grand weekend, please do so, they will be thrilled. Also, please remember––if you have an urge to get involved or have productive ideas that you think would enhance future celebrations, don’t be shy, step up and volunteer now. In order for community celebrations to continue, new people need to continue to get involved and you know, I don’t believe there is any such thing as too many volunteers.

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Just when you thought the fun was over up pops Wannigan Days. All you need to do is venture to Taylors Falls/St. Croix Falls for the annual celebration this weekend. This year’s celebration is jam-packed with a full slate of fun family events and the grand parade returns to its interstate route crossing the bridge, starting at 6 p.m. Saturday evening. They will crown a new queen, crown a junior king and queen, host a kiddie parade, street dance and Saturday night fireworks, and so very much more. There are plenty of opportunities to have fun and enjoy some good eats in the beautiful St. Croix River Valley this weekend. See the complete list of events found in this Press and enjoy some or all of them with your friends and family.

And, of course, we can’t forget the oldest celebration in the county––this week is the 131st annual Chisago County Fair in Rush City. The county fair is a great event and a chance to slow down and take a small step back in time, to a time a little simpler and slower paced. The fair is a time when family, friends and neighbors gather. It is a great family tradition to start or continue and admission is free. Walk around, take in the exhibits, enjoy the entertainment and food; and, of course, there are the bright lights of the Midway, a parade, tractor pull, demolition derby, moto cross races and a talent contest to help round out your trip to the fair. It really is great family fun and it’s right here in Chisago County.

That takes care of this weekend’s goings on in the area, but fear not for coming soon are: Center City Heritage Days, Christmas in July, Stacy Daze and Ki Chi Sago Days, and more are coming soon. Watch for complete details.

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I know that I have been on my soapbox for quite awhile extolling the positives of the Chisago County Relay for Life fundraiser for the Cancer Society. I apologize if I have bored you, but my intent was to hopefully motivate you to get involved in this event. This year’s Relay is Aug. 2 and 3, starting with a picnic supper Saturday evening followed by the opening ceremony, the Survivors’ Lap and the walk through the night. Teams of fundraisers will be walking around the Chisago Lakes High School track to raise the money pledged to them. If you have not already made a commitment to be part of a fundraising team, pledged a donation, or purchased luminary bags in honor of cancer victims or survivors, you still have time. For more information on forming or joining a team, or to make a donation, please contact event chair Jody Sellman at 257-9366 and to purchase luminary bags call Carrie Fricke at 257-8586.

Those of you who know me or who have read this column for awhile already know that this event is near and dear to my heart. Plan to come by Saturday evening and join in or just watch for awhile. I can promise that the experience will be a moving one. Do what you can do to help and pray for those who have been touched by this dreaded disease.

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A word of caution to all, but particularly to area seniors, there are some asphalt contractors from out of state in our area soliciting work. The fact that they are soliciting work is not a problem, but the prices they try to charge are. Case in point of a Lindstrom resident who was quoted $1,200 for his job, billed for $4,000 and settled for $2,000. This person’s advice to others is to get more than one bid, get them in writing and make sure the work they estimate is actually the work they perform. There are many local reputable asphalt contractors that will be happy to give you an estimate and stand behind their work they perform. If any of these people come knocking at your door, beware of deals that sound funny or too good to be true.

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