Upsala Heritage Festival (2012) a great success

By Joan Olson
Upsala Heritage Festival held on August 10-12, 2012 was a weekend filled with activities which included a parade, entertainment, contests, games, foods, displays, community worship service, fireworks, waffle feed, threshing show and just good times. The weekend was deemed a success with high participation at all levels.
This year was the first time for a medallion hunt. The medallion was found on the first day by Riley Morrison. He won $100.00 in Upsala Bucks. He read something in the first clue that wasn’t expected. Good going Riley.
Friday night was a free concert by Rhonda Laurie and her band “Happy Days Are Here Again. This was sponsored by the Great River Regional Library. They do so much for the community.
The Grand Marshal was the girls basketball team. They deserve to be recognized for the effort they put out, the team work and sportsmanship that is seen with this team. Way to go girls. Go Cardinals.
Contests were held and the winners were: 5K Run had 115 runners with the following as winners: 5K Male 1st place: Seth Hare, Albany, race time 17.43; 5K Female 1st place: Karie Teigen from St. Joseph, race time 19.42.
Best Theme Float: 1st place: Community Covenant Church $50.00 in Upsala Bucks; 2nd place: Bullfrogs Bar & Grill $25.00 in Upsala Bucks; 3rd place: Centra Sota Co-op $25.00 in Upsala Bucks.
Bean Bag: Daytime 1st place: Daryll and Eric Lampert; Night-time 1st place: Kevin Lampert and Darrin Lange.
The Pedal Pull had 9 divisions. Both boys and girls participated. Strength in the legs was the secret. They had one thing in mind, and that was to get to the finish line. One would have to see the expressions on their faces as those legs pushed those pedals as many times as possible. It was great. Good job to all who participated.
Fire Department Water Fights: 1st: Upsala Team 1; 2nd: Royalton/Holdingford; 3rd: Upsala Team 2. There was a new division this year with the women handling the water hose and battling to move the drum. The kids battled back and forth with all their effort given. Best thing was getting wet.
The Car Show was hosted by the Upsala Community Cruisers who are lovers of cars and motorcycles. Many vintage cars in wonderful shape. 1965 & Newer Custom: 1st Jude and Julian Herbes, Upsala with 1969 Plymouth Road Runner; 2nd Val Elfering, Melrose with 1968 Chevrolet Pickup; 1965 & Newer Stock: 1st Lloyd & Jean Graves, Long Prairie with 1965 Plymouth Sports Fury; 2nd Steve Wruck, St. Cloud 1978 Pontiac Trans-Am; 1964 & Older Custom: 1st Rick Showalter, Upsala with 1964 Chevrolet Impala; 2nd John Lange, Swanville with 1936 Chevrolet Sedan; 1964 & Older Stock: Fred Ostendorf, Sauk Centre with 1956 International Pickup; 2nd Albert Maslowski, St. Joseph with 1930 Ford Model “A” Deluxe; Motorcycle: Joey Steuck, Upsala with Harley Davidson Fat Boy; Peoples Choice: Nikki Showalter, Upsala with 1977 Chevrolet Pickup 4×4; Pastor’s Choice: John Lange, Swanville with 1936 Chevrolet Sedan. These cars have had much tender loving care.
Sunday was “Dad’s” Belgian Waffles sponsored by Upsala Area Community Center. Waffles were great as always.
Community Worship Service was well attended. It is so nice all denominations can worship together. We are blessed.
The Threshing Show had a beautiful day showing what it was like in the olden days.
In conclusion, one might say “A good time was had by all”! Next year, who knows what might be planned. Could be surprising. Be here to find out.