To enhance arts and cultural heritage programming at the East Otter Tail County Fair by hosting a fiddle contest, a barbershop quartet, and by purchasing a sound system to help performers engage a larger audience.
To purchase signs, created and painted by a local artist, to identify West Otter Tail County Fair exhibit buildings that display creative fine arts or feature live music.
We will showcase the tree industry and the artistry of chainsaw craftsmanship. We would like to showcase the Native American culture that was original to this area. We are looking for historical story telling and setting up a teepee and relevant site at the fair. The sheep presentation includes educating fairgoers about the history of sheep, caring for and raising sheep, shearing the sheep to harvest the wool and then discussing the outcome of selling the wool and what is created with what the sheep produces. We may do farm animal historical presentations.
We plan to use this grant to offset costs for our blacksmith demonstrations, and towards the local Minnesota-based musicians we hire for our free stage.
Our legacy project will be free stage presentations throughout the fair August 2-6, 2023. We will have a mixture of Minnesota bands and youth education with a raptor presentation.
1) On our large stage we would like to build a small dressing room for performers as they have no place to be ready to perform. 2) Get a portable PA system for the free stage; 3) Hire a Paul Bunyan performer.
We hope to have: Curtis Ingvoldstad, chainsaw artist; Jenny Leonard, presentation on raising chickens; and Neal Anderson/Brad Schloesser on raising sheep and sheep shearing and cultural heritage; and polka music by The Wendingers.
Olmsted County Fair offers a free stage featuring all Rochester, MN or southeastern Minnesota-based musical artists every night of the fair. We plan to use funds from the Legacy Grant to help bring these musical and performing artists to our fair. A few of our featured acts this year include bands County Line Drive and The Soul Train.
To provide educational and entertaining events that showcase the many diverse cultures of Stevens County, and purchase a sound system to enhance performances and demonstrations.
To provide quality arts and cultural programming to the East Otter Tail County Fair. The fair held a fiddle contest with three major divisions open to different ages and welcomed Heart O’Lakes Harmony Barbershop Choir and Quartet to the stage. The purpose of the arts and cultural events is to create a multicultural and generational awareness of different talents in Minnesota.
To offer new arts and cultural heritage programming at the East Otter Tail County Fair. Programming will include a performance by Sherwin Linton, depression era toy making demonstrations, and a lumberjack show.
Michael Sadowsky - University of Minnesota Department of Soil, Water and Climate, sadowsky@umn.edu (612) 624-2706
2008 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$192,804
The objectives of this study were to examine ditch sediment and water samples for the presence and numbers of E.coli and to determine what proportion of the E.coli were stable member of the microbial community (i.e. indigenous to the sites) and what proportion were likely transient or only present because of run-off. Researchers used sophisticated DNA technology to determine the potential sources of E.coli present in the ditch sediment and water samples.
To create a Historic Structures Report (HSR), a specialized study that provides documentary information about a historic property's significance, history of use, and current condition. It will be an early step in preservation planning, that considers goals for a structure's use, significant features, and outlines a recommended course of treatment and scope of work for repair and restoration.
The project will develop and install an educational exhibit on the history and significance of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in Olmsted County and throughout MN. As the regional headquarters of both of these depression-era economic programs, the Olmsted County Fairgrounds was integral to their local activities and played a role in the development of agricultural and civic infrastructure that continued to serve southeastern MN for decades.
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 provide a visual display depicting the history of the Nicollet County Fair's volunteers, fairgrounds, projects, and community. The Nicollet County Fair will erect a booth next to the Historical Society with information about the 140 years of the fair. Exhibit materials will include a slideshow of photographs and written documents.
To provide educational opportunities for fair visitors to learn about the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in southern Minnesota. Between 1933 and 1939, the Olmsted County Fairgrounds was home to the regional headquarters of the CCC company 1774-V. The fair will create two exhibits documenting the living conditions of CCC and WPA workers, and the long-term impact of both programs.
To enhance arts access in East Otter Tail County by updating the park stage. Additionally, to feature chainsaw carving demonstrations throughout the fair week.
To produce display panels of the history of Nicollet County Fair. This project includes partnerships with the Nicollet County Historical Society, the 4-H extension staff, the fair board, and community members.
To recognize outstanding senior citizens in Sibley County. Attendees can listen to a polka band and watch the awards ceremony. Funds will also be used to upgrade stage lighting and install a sound system to enhance the programming.
Additionally, funds will enhance the fine arts exhibits in the Horticulture Building. Upgraded lighting and new display cases will improve the visibility of photography, quilt and needlework entries.
To construct an Arts and Heritage Center on the fair grounds. The Sibley County Fair will erect an Arts and Heritage Center with a 40 foot stage and two dressing rooms. The building will primarily serve as an educational arts and culture center for the fair. The fair will present acts on the stage from six to eight hours per day during the fair.
To rehabilitate the original horse racing judges’ stand. The stand is the last relic of the 143 year old fair grounds and dates back to the late 1800’s. The stand is comprised of a first story entry and refreshment area, and an upper section for judging the races. It’s 360 degree observation of the track was made possible by its hexagon shape and large doors that could be lifted when needed on each side. This is the first stage of the multi-year restoration of this prized building and is an important part of the plan to initiate a daily educational program at the fair.
To offer new arts and history programming at the Stevens County Fair. Demonstrations will include soap making, butter churning, and how to make candle and games.
