A WEEKEND FILLED WITH MEMORIES
Another Boxelder Bug Days is complete and this one was another huge success.
"With the people we have (on the committee), this has gotten to the point where it almost runs itself now," said Bug Days chairman Scott Josephson.
The three-day event started off with a touching and somber moment when the Bug Days committee collaborated with the Minneota Football Boosters, Minneota Wrestling Boosters and Minneota Mudhens amateur baseball team to pay tribute to Ross Eischens following the Vikings' 55-12 rout of Yellow Medicine East in a Little Sioux Conference football game at K.P. Kompelien Field.
The personable Eischens was a longtime public address announcer for each of those sports, as well as for the Bug Days queen coronation. He died after a brief illness in July at age 42.
An audio tape was played of Eischens' voice announcing at a football game. Several fans could be seen wiping tears from their eyes. That was followed by an impressive firework show. "It was a beautiful tribute," said one of Eischens' former classmates.
After a half-inch of rain fell in most areas of Minneota on Friday, the weather turned nearly perfect for the day filled with festivities on Saturday.
The annual Johnny Tillemans Memorial Chili Cook-off was again one of the more popular events of the weekend. The smell of various kinds of chili wafted through the streets and enticed tasters from all over.
On Saturday, Carey Doyscher of Minneota was again the People's Choice winner as she has been many times in past years. Those purchasing samples or a full bowl can vote on their favorite chili. All proceeds go to Prairie Home Hospice and Community Care. Jeremy Friedrichs of Glenwood was the Judge's Choice winner. Alex and Deanna Lessman won for Table Presentation.
Faith Myhre, the daughter of Jason and Tina Myhre, was crowned the 2022-23 Boxelder Bug Days queen after having the crown placed on her head Saturday night by last year's queen Kaitlyn Ludwikowski. Brooke DeSmet, the daughter of Jason and Michelle DeSmet, was selected First Princess, and Dakoda Hennen, the daughter of Brandon and Angie Hennen; and Shelby Neyens, the daughter of Tim and Jen Neyens, were selected Second Princesses.
The committee members pulled a surprise on Josephson and his wife, Roberta, when it came time to present the annual "Good Neighbor" award prior to the queen coronation on Saturday evening.
Josephson announced John Noyes as this year's recipient. When Noyes went on stage, he informed those in attendance that there had been a mistake and that another box of ballots had been discovered. He called up Barry Gronke to explain. With the surprise being pre-planned, Gronke then informed the audience that Scott and Roberta Josephson were this year's recipients of the "Good Neighbor" award for their 30 years of being on the Boxelder Bug Days committee, including chairing the last 15 years.
Chuck Dalager won $500 for first place in the annual Golf Ball Roll on Sunday. Kenny Buysse was the second-place winner worth $250 and Karen Dunham was third and won $100. Other winners were: Judy Hagen, fourth, $75; Kristy Peterson, fifth, $50; and Jennifer Swedzinski, Dale Kockelman, Marilyn Smith, Brandon Peterson (twice), Kevin Swedzinski and Moriah Reiss each won $25 for finishing sixth through 12th.
Ben Roberts was the winner of the Boxelder Bug Races with a time of 2.75 seconds.
Hayden Voxland and Reid Bot were the winners of the Shove the Bug contest in which contestants team up to push a vehicle in a timed event.
Sunday's parade drew a huge crowd with the weather again nearly flawless.
"This was a perfect weekend and my whole family had so much fun," said Steve Lyons of Sioux Falls, who was visiting relatives. "I like that there is something of interest for all ages. We're definitely coming back next year."
There were a lot of winners at various events during this year's Boxelder Bug Days weekend, but the true winners were the people that were able to enjoy the memories of the three days.