Sleigh and Cutter Festival - March 7, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015 at 9:47PM By Ley Bouchard
The Lord answered our prayers and blessed us with a gorgeous day for the Sleigh & Cutter Festival near Dunvilla in Pelican Rapids, Mn. March 7th.
The first cutter festival in the Red River Valley for many years was heartily welcomed and well-attended. At least the organizers, Christy Curfman and me, were pleased with the turnout as there were only a couple of people who registered in advance; units arrived from, Grand Rapids, Bemidji, southern Minnesota, North Dakota and of course, a good representation from our club.
Many local mule and horse drivers took advantage of the last of the driving snow for the season. Early warm temperatures occurring the next and subsequent days removed any evidence of sleigh and cutter tracks.
Hoping it would become an annual event to attract people to the location which will next year be a hotel site, Linda Grefsrud donated use of the grounds near the Barn in Dunvilla.
Larry Villella built the fish house and it is owned and was donated for our use by Hillibillies in Erhardt, Minn. This fish house was made to be used by veterans for ice fishing. Vickie Abentroth, concession chair, scrubbed down the fish house and donated many items to provide hot and nourishing food and snacks for the concession stand as we had no idea when planning, what kind of weather to expect. She was assisted by David Steedsman, Denise Anderson and Judy Everett. A menu of hot pulled turkey, sloppy joes, chips, bars, hot chocolate, coffee, soda and water were available for purchase at a nominal fee.
Registration was very well organized by the team of Linda Oelke and Kathy Villella. Harv Hegvick was hired as announcer and he brought a pickup with all the sound equipment required. Judges were Dick Schauer of Working Horse in Park Rapids, Minn. and his friend Doc Isaccson.
Jess Nelson, official photographer, snapped shots of all the rigs and harnessed horses showing their regalia. Her photographs may be seen on the Valley Equestrian News Facebook page, in the April issue of the VEN, on the RRHSC Facebook page and web site.
Mark Radtke beautifully sang the national anthem and the festivities officially began around noon with the parade. Judging of the 16 classes began at about 1 p.m.
Winners are listed by class below with many photos of the day. High resolution photos are available from Ley Bouchard at leybou@gmail.com or by calling 701.361.8648.
Christy and I are very grateful for the turnout of our club members who brought horses and multiple vehicles along with tons of smiles and enthusiasm. Thank you also to the volunteers for their time and efforts. Thank you also for the clubs' (our club and the Midwest MN Harness Club) support.
Thank you for the donations from Farmers Feed Mill, Heart O’ Lakes Meat, Cornfield Café, Park Region, Wells Fargo, and Lakeland True Value.
