Pedal Pull contestant Josh Connell toughs it out in his division of the popular contest Saturday.
By Lori Ehde
The 2002 version of Luverne's Buffalo Days celebration enjoyed pleasant weather and subsequent generous crowds.
An estimated 12,000 people participated in the three-day event, according to Lorna Bryan at the Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce.
The world-famous Buffalo Chip Throwing Contest drew 18 teams, with a local entry, the Turd Chuckers, emerging as winners. Team members Shane and Tracey Hoag, Luverne, and Nathan Hoag, Minneapolis, took home the trophy with nine points.
The No. 2 team entry of Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe took second place with seven points. The St. Paul group joined the Buffalo Days celebration to show off their 1932 Luverne Fire Engine and to promote the St. Paul Winter Carnival.
Third-place winners were Tyler Reisch, Andy DeBoer and Mark Boelman of the Terry’s Trophies team, Luverne.
Because Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe gave their winnings back, money was generated for fourth place winnings. The Luverne Poo Crew of Seth Goemble, Matt Beranek and Jacob Arndt took those honors.
Luverne's annual Buffalo Days celebration officially began Friday with a 6:30 p.m. Cruise In at the Magnolia Steak House with 50s and 60s music by Larry Goebel.
Also Friday night, 93 people participated in the 5K and 10K run and walk sponsored by the Luverne Community Hospital.
Results are as follows:
Eric Kraetsch took first place in the 15 and younger version of the men's 5K, Josh Metcalf was first in the 16- to 29-year-old division, Dan Sorenson won among the 30- to 49-year-olds and Jerry Nelson was first in the 50 and older group.
Mya Mann came in first in the 15 and younger version of the women's 5K, Amy Donth was first in the 16- to 29-year-old group, Teresa Buresch was first among 30- to 49-year-olds, and Peg Nelson won in the 50 and older group.
In the men's 10K Don Murtha came in first among 16- to 29-year-olds, Tony Thoreson won in the 30- to 49-year-old division and Midg White won in the 50 and older group.
Steph Hoven was first in the 16- to 29-year-old women's 10K group and Mary Ann Vos was first among the 30- to 49-year-olds. There were no entries in the 15 and younger and the 50 and older divisions.
It featured a 12 and younger half-mile race and a 5 and 10K walk and run that started at the Rock County Community Pool and Fitness Center.
Saturday started with a Buffalo Bike and Run at the Pool and Fitness Center with one-, two- or three-person teams biking eight miles, participate in a four-mile trail run and complete a two- and one-half-mile road run ending at the pool.
Results from the Bike and Run can be found in the sports section.
The Red Cross served Belgian waffles at the American Legion downtown from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.
The parade saw 65 entries, with one of the highlights being the Fire King Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe of 40 in their 1932 Luverne Fire Engine.
Arts in the Park, with 150 booths by vendors from seven states, was abuzz with activity from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Luverne City Park.
The Luverne Elementary School choir started the afternoon entertainment with the "Buffalo Days" song written by Emily Lodine Overgaard. Other entertainment included shows by the "Zoo Man" and a presentation by the Spotlight Dancers.
A musical group from Central and South America offered music throughout the day near the shelterhouse.
Herman Motors again sponsored the auto show with Perry Schneekloth earning the People's Choice Award. Tony Olsen won Best Engine, Dave Bowen won Best Paint and Wayne Walgrave won Best of Show.
Other attractions at the park included the Tae Kwon Do demonstrations and the tractor pedal pull. Results for the pedal pull were not available as of this writing.
On Sunday, the Luverne Chamber of Commerce served more than 1,300 free buffalo burgers at the Blue Mounds State Park starting at 11:30 a.m. Servers ran out at 11:45 a.m.
Local historical attractions, such as the Hinkly House, Holy Trinity Church and Carnegie Cultural Center were open throughout the weekend.