July 17, 2008 at 8:29 a.m.
Karl Oskar Days have come and gone, Wannigan Days now in the spotlight
Karl Oskar Days have come and gone, Wannigan Days now in the spotlight
I could list all of the events that took place over the weekend, but that would make for some really terrific reading. Instead, I would like to take this time to personally thank all of the individuals who made this year's Karl Oskar Days one of the best. You might not know this but each event that you attended either has a committee or a volunteer responsible for making your Karl Oskar Days such a success. These people, and there are a lot of them, literally start planning Karl Oskar Days a few weeks after the last one has completed. Please don't think that I am singling out Karl Oskar Days, because I am talking about all of the celebrations we have in our area.
Thank you to each and every person who had a hand in making this year's Karl Oskar Days so great. Speaking as someone who attends these events as a spectator, we do appreciate all you have done. I know that I have said it maybe a million times, but we are so lucky to have such dedicated community minded individuals that have such a passion and flair for small town entertainment. We all had a blast.
Speaking of weekend celebrations, this weekend head on over to Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls to check out Wannigan Days. Actually beginning today, this year's Wannigan Days offer more events than ever. Tonight (Thursday) there is a talent show at the overlook in St. Croix Falls. Friday there is a fiddle and banjo contest at 11 a.m., a rock concert at the St. Croix Falls Chamber, the Miss Wannigan Days pageant and much more.
Saturday, as with most celebrations, is the busiest day of all. There is a tug-across-the-river that starts at 10 a.m. The tug-o-war takes place at Lions Park on both sides of the river and is a total hoot. I really reccomend taking the tug-o-war in, you will have a blast. Also on Saturday, there will be a classic car show, the ever popular parade (which starts at 6 p.m.), and concerts for all ages and all genres. Be sure to look in this edition of the Press for listing of all times and events. Come on out, have a ball, and bring your friends.
This past week I had to say goodbye to someone very special in my life. No, someone you know did not pass away, I had to say goodbye to Ken Harmon. Ken who many of you know, is one of the many wonderful Veterans we have in our area.
My first day at the Press, Ken was the first person to introduce himself to me and we have since formed quite a friendship. Ken is one of the most giving, influential and down to earth people you would ever hope to meet. Ken was instrumental in bringing the Veterans Memorial to our area. Ken also is the reason why the traveling Vietnam Memorial will be visiting our area in September of 2009.
Ken originally is from Cedar Falls Iowa, the same town where I was born. Every time I either spoke to Ken on the phone or when he came to the Press, he made a point of asking how my grandmother, who lives in Cedar Falls, was doing. I had always been taught to respect those who have served our country, and after meeting and dealing with Ken, respect, well Ken commanded it. He was never a demanding person, but you knew when he is serious about something by how he carried himself. I have watched Ken give awards to students, and after just meeting these kids, you could tell that they instantly respected Ken.
Ken is now moving on to the next phase of his life, a phase that sadly doesn't include me or the Chisago Lakes area. Ken is moving to Golden Valley to be closer to his family, and for that I can not fault him. I wish him nothing but the best, and he can rest assured that Chisago Lakes is a better place because of him. We will miss you Ken.
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