To complete the interior display areas of the historically accurate Forestry Ranger Station. Exhibits will feature the early history of forest fire fighting, an account of forestry activity on the Red Lake Indian Reservation, draft horse logging equipment, lumberjack tools, and a tribute to Paul Bunyon. Additionally, funds will be used for a stage where speakers can tell stories and teach about forestry stewardship.
We plan to add an automatic retractable awning system for the heritage square stage for the comfort of the spectators and performers during afternoon sun. We will have a historical storyteller schooled in cultural and legends of northern Minnesota. The Headwaters Science center will provide hands-on children's activities focused on historical significance of today's modern technology. We will also invite several local crafters to demonstrate their skills and explain the historical significance of their craft.
We will be using the money to hire Minnesota-based entertainment for our free stage. We will be bringing in a Rockabilly entertainer, which is rock n' roll music with roots in music of the American South during the 1950's. This band is from Rochester, MN. We also have two other bands that play old time music and country music. Both are local artists from our hometown of Austin, MN. Another local band will be doing country music. Our final artist is an Elvis Impersonator. He is from Harmony, MN.
The Beltrami County Fair is fortunate to have a variety of venues, including both Home Arts and Heritage Square, to introduce our fairgoers to various cultural, educational, agricultural and historical activities and demonstrations. Our goal is to attract more exhibitors of arts, crafts and science entries with interactive demonstrations from various artists of Minnesota. To accomplish our goal, we will be scheduling two-hour demonstrations in the Home Arts building, plus other activities in our Heritage Square, which is an open air, covered structure with bleachers available for seating.
With this grant we will be bringing in performers and entertainment to our Fair Square Stage and strolling acts. Our goal is to enrich the cultural experience of our community by providing access to diverse and engaging arts programming during our fair. This will allow us to showcase local Minnesota based talented artists and performers, fostering a deeper appreciation for arts and cultural heritage among our fairgoers.
To feature three days of dance programs highlighting dance styles from seven different historical periods. These demonstrations will be part of the 125th anniversary celebration of the Douglas County Fair. Dance programming will offer historical background of each dance in addition to demonstrations.
To construct an exhibit building adjacent to the fire tower now located on the Beltrami County Fairgrounds. The new building will replicate an authentic 1950s ranger station and will house an exhibit of Minnesota forest fire service activity, Ojibwa cultural history, a display of Paul Bunyan legends and artifacts, and space for historical, cultural and environmental education.
To restore the Freeman Doud Cabin and Sunnyside School, located on the Beltrami County fairgrounds. During the fair, visitors will be able to able to observe the log cabin restoration and chinking process. Display boards will depict the history of the cabin, show where it was built on Lake Bemidji, and acquaint people with the importance of preserving this history.
Funding supports an Irrigation Specialist to develop guidance and provide education on irrigation and nitrogenbest management practices (BMPs). In this position, Dr. Vasu Sharma provides direct support to irrigators onissues of irrigation scheduling and soil water monitoring. She is collaborating on the development of new irrigationscheduling tools that help irrigators manage water and nitrogen resources more precisely. These tools help reducenitrogen leaching losses in irrigated cropping systems.
Native to the western United States and Canada, mountain pine beetle is considered the most devastating forest insect in North America. Trees usually die as a result of infestation and an unprecedented outbreak in the west is currently decimating pine forests there. While mountain pine beetle is not presently believed to reside in Minnesota, there are risks posed by an expanding species range resulting from warming climate and the potential for accidental introduction via lumber imports from infested areas.
To enhance exhibits of local artists' work by improving lighting in Mower County Fair's Creative Arts Building. Additional natural light and new spotlights will help artists highlight their work.
To construct a log building that will house Dakota and Ojibway artifacts during the Douglas County Fair. The building will be open to the public at no charge and it will be staffed and operated with the support of the Runestone Museum and the Douglas County Historical Society. Speakers will talk about Native American history, share their own family artifacts, provide instrumental and vocal performances, and be available to converse with visitors as they view the collection.
