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Well it's over. I mean it's kind of over. Pretty much over. Karl Oskar Days has come and gone. I sincerely hope you had a chance to get to some of the Karl Oskar Days festivities.

I had the opportunity to take pictures of the majority of events and they all were very well attended. There was a quiet murmur and underlying anxiety about how the present economy would affect Karl Oskar Days. If you were in the park on Saturday, you would have noticed that the economy didn't stop folks from coming out and enjoying the beautiful day.

The kiddie parade and the queen's tug-o-war were as crowded as I can ever remember. The fireworks, which were switched to Friday night, also had standing room only at Beach Park. I think the Karl Oskar Committee made the right choice switching to Friday nights, it lets parents with children stay up late without worrying about getting up early for work.

The parade was very well attended, even though it had its rough patches. We heard lots of grumblings about the re-routing of the parade and believe me folks, the committee is looking into how they can make it right next year.

Now we get to the pretty much over part, the snuff box. As I write this, no one has yet to find the snuff box. So, to be fair, we have extended it for the duration of this week. If no one should find it by Friday, the County Press will donate the cash prize for the snuff box to the Family Pathways food shelf in Lindstrom. Oh, here's a little tip for those of you still looking, ignore the first clues and focus on Saturday's clue. It CAN be found.

I would like to personally thank all of the great people who have worked so hard to make Karl Oskar Days so much fun for you and me. These people meet all year long to ensure that everyone can have the most enjoyable time possible.

In case you didn't see it on page 2, the winning button numbers for Karl Oskar Days are first place-608, second place-421, third place-389. You are encouraged to call the Chisago Lakes Chamber of Commerce at 651-257-1177 with your numbers.

If you are enjoying these wonderful festivals in our area, we have another one this weekend. Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls are proud to present Wannigan Days. Beginning today, Wannigan Days is a wonderfully relaxed celebration set on both sides of the picturesque St. Croix River valley.

Tonight is the annual talent show, which is held on the overlook in downtown St. Croix Falls. Friday the celebration really gains steam, beginning with sidewalk sales. A kiddie parade, bingo and the queen coronation all take place on Friday. Uncle Chunk will be headlining the street dance this year.

Saturday there's an arts and crafts fair, a bake sale, tons of great food, and of course the Wannigan Days Parade which begins at 6 p.m. Check this edition of the Chisago County Press for a detailed list of events. Hope to see you there!

Don't forget that one of the oldest celebrations in our county is also taking place this weekend. The Chisago County Fair which is held in Rush City, is one of the best attended county fairs in the state. Look for the ad in this edition of the Press to see times and dates of events. The motocross is a favorite in our household.

If you are a fan of the cable food channel like we are in my house, I have a special surprise for you. This Saturday at 1 p.m., on the Food Network, Eichten's will be featured on a Hot and Spicy episode of Unwrapped. The show will focus on various food items that make your mouth water. Eichten's Hidden Acres has a Chipolte Pepper Gouda that is to die for, and Unwrapped will be highlighting that very cheese. The show will also air on Sunday at 1 p.m. and again on Wednesday at 11:30 p.m. Make sure you tune in.

Next Friday night is the annual Relay for Life event. Held at the Threshing Grounds in Almelund, the Relay for Life is a celebration of hope and memories. Hope that one day we will be a society without Cancer, and hope that all of our loved ones who are suffering and have been stricken with this horrible disease, will find a cure. Every year this event gets bigger and better, and every year there is more money raised for finding the cure and for programs that help patients.

Cancer is a despicable disease that has affected every family in some shape or form. Every person seems to know someone that has been touched somehow by Cancer. My mother was a victim of Cancer and this event really brings up emotions that I have suppressed since the last Relay. I can't tell you how many sleepless nights I spent wondering why it had to happen to her. Soon you find yourself sad and downtrodden, and that is exactly the reason to get involved with the Relay for Life. Channel that energy into something positive and work for those who are currently battling and those who do not know it yet, but soon will.

Come on out to the Relay for Life. You will experience emotions you never thought you had.

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