Calendar needed to keep track of many events at fair

It’s baaaaaaaack! After having to take last year off, the Cornell Community Fair is ready for a weekend of fun and festivities, Friday, June 18 through Sunday, June 20.

Located at Mill Yard Park, the event also coincides with the All-School & Community Reunion, with Cornell alumni returning to their home town.

Kicking off the events, a golf outing is set for 1 p.m., Friday, held at Uncle Salty’s in Holcombe, as a way for alumni to spend some time together. Hit the links, for a 9-hole play-through, with four-person teams, but individuals are also welcome. To sign up and for more details, contact Dave, at 715-2393710.

After that, it’s back to Mill Yard, and the Cornell American Legion Auxiliary’s prime rib sandwiches for purchase – complete with au jus – before the night’s entertainment starts. Local band 8 Seconds will perform from 5-6:30 p.m., taking the stage before Showtime Pro Wrestling hits the mats.

“I’m so excited about all these activities and it’s only the first day,” said fair coordinator Steve Turany. “There’s so much going on, you’re going to need a day planner to keep track of it all.”

Festivities begin bright and early the next day, with pastries, coffee and juice available for purchase, from the Cornell Lions Club, from 8-10 a.m., to kickstart the morning. A craft and flea market begins at 10 a.m., going to 4 p.m., with a variety of items to browse through.

New this year, is the pistol shooting contest at the gun range, beginning at 11 a.m., where participants will take aim at bowling pins. Prizes will be awarded to the top shooters that night, at 5:30 p.m., in the Mill Yard Park pavilion. To sign up, contact Wayne, at 218-766-3917.

“Think you’re a ‘crack’ shot?” asked fair coordinator Terry Smith. “Then let’s see what you got.”

For those who would like a calmer activity, BINGO is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the pavilion, with a chance to win gift certificates to local ice cream shops. There’s also the famous Cornell Lions Club charcoal chicken for purchase, from 11:30 a.m. to gone.

“If your mouth is watering, you may want to get there early,” said Turany. “We’re expecting a large crowd and people love that chicken.”

Then, another new event, the Strut Your Dog Show, takes place outside on the Mill Yard lawn, with several categories for the four-legged friends to compete in. Pre-registration has already passed for the event, but spectators are welcome to come cheer on their favorites.

Also, during that time slot, is the social time for the reunion, where alumni can visit, discuss old times and catch up on each other’s lives.

“We want to fill the pavilion with alumni, not just during the social times, but all day throughout the weekend,” said Turany. “We’re proud of our graduates and want this to be the best turnout we’ve ever had.”

The evening hours begin at 6:30 p.m., where mayor Mark Larson will announce this year’s Citizen of the Year, which is awarded to those who go above and beyond the service that is expected in the community.

“Often, these hometown heroes go unsung,” said Smith. “That’s why we want you to show your support for this individual and bring your applause along with you.”

Afterward, thanks to sponsorship from the All-School Reunion Committee, and area businesses and individuals, the popular ’50s and ’60s band, The Whitesidewalls, take the stage to serenade alumni and fair goers.

The final day of the fair begins with a quiet note, with pastries again available from 8-10 a.m., as well as the second day of the flea market, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Another reunion social hour will be held in the pavilion, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and a pie sale by Our Savior’s Lutheran Church starts at 11 a.m.

Something new this year, a bicycle parade will head down Main Street at noon (line-up is at 11:45 a.m., in the Holy Cross parking lot). The parade for all ages is led by the Cornell Police Department, with an officer following behind the parade, to make sure no one encroaches on the riders.

People are encouraged to decorate their bikes, scooter, wheelchairs, etc.

“And don’t forget to wave at people who line the streets to cheer you on,” said fair coordinator Pat Denison. Once the riders are down Main Street, the parade will turn left onto First Street and end in the River Country Store parking lot. No sign up is necessary to participate.

“We are also pleased to welcome Spooky Gypsy Face Painting for all three days of the fair,” said Denison. “Start thinking what designs you want to purchase from them, the possibilities are endless.”

After a photo contest display from 1-2 p.m., and more Lions chicken beginning at 11:30 a.m., the events wrap up with The Rhythm Playboys polka band, from 1:304:30 p.m.

Making the weekend even more exciting, Stipe Shows is again back for the rides on the Midway, offering wristband specials Friday, from 6-10 p.m.; and Saturday, June 19, from 12-4 p.m., and 6-10 p.m., which are purchased at the event.

In addition, Stipes will have concession trucks, serving up deep-fried cheese curds, corn dogs, French fries, cotton candy, minidonuts, snow cones and lemonade, as well as carnival games.

“I’d love to see the whole community and surrounding areas turn out for the weekend,” said Dension. “Except for the food, rides and whatever catches your eye at the flea market, these events are free. That saves a ton of money for a family, while providing some real quality fun.”