Outside Looking In
'I dare you'
Last year, during the month of October, I received a couple of anonymous letters in the mail requesting my presence at the Old Settler's Cemetery in Taunton on Halloween because something "spiritual" was going to happen.
This year, I received five anonymous messages over the last 5 1/2 months again requesting my presence at the cemetery. Each message contains an "I dare you" type of challenge, promising that this year the ghost of a young girl who supposedly has been seen in that cemetery rocking in a chair at night over the years would be seen on Halloween Night.
The messages were sent to my address in Willmar, were all on recipe cards, and generally very short in length. They were handwritten and appear to be from the same person. They all were in cursive writing and appear in the style of an elderly person, although they could easily be disguised to look that way.
I wrote a story about the alleged haunted cemetery a few years ago after reading about it online and then contacting a few people in Taunton; more than one who confirmed the rumors.
Not one to usually duck out on a dare, I did not attend the rockin' Halloween Eve event. My apologies to whomever wasted money on stamps to send me those messages.
If anyone out there truly believes there is an apparition of a young girl rocking in a chair next to her grave, I've got some beach front property in Antartica I'd like to sell you.
Local authors
The Mascot will have books from several local authors on sale at the office from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. during North Pole Extravaganza on Saturday, Nov. 20.
Some of the books are already available for purchase, but others will soon be available. They will make excellent Christmas gifts.
"Lettuce", written by Gail (Wyffels) Boe is a cute children's book that teaches a lesson. The book is colorful and a great read for young children.
Dana Yost and his son, Luke, collaborated on "From my Porch". Dana provided poetry that pertained to Luke's expressive photos.
Yost's "1940: Journal of a Midwestern Town, Story of an Era" is also available at the Mascot. This book details life of the Minneota Class of 1940.
Robert Borson penned a new book called "Astra the Flying Cow". This book is also a children's book as reflect the "Hey Diddle Diddle" nursery rhyme.
My book, "Out of the Blue" about the 1968 Tracy tornado, can also be purchased in paperback or hardcover at the Mascot.
The Mascot will also have subscription gift cards available for six months or a year.
If any other local others would like to have their book available for this event, please email me at scott@thomabooks.com.
North Pole Extravaganza
It was pleasant news to hear that the North Pole Extravaganza will be back this year, which marks the 24th anniversary. This would have been the 25th anniversary had the COVID pandemic not forced cancellation of the event last year.
North Pole Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, Nov. 20 at various time at local businesses. Watch the Mascot for additional information soon.
Veterans Day
The annual Veterans Day program at the high school has been cancelled due to scheduling conflicts with other school activities.
American Legion Commander Jim Fink said he hopes the Veterans Day program will return next year.
There will be a brief ceremony, however, at Veterans Park at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 for the following veterans - Arnold Bot, Bernard Bot, Francis Bot, Raymond Bot, Richard Bot, Joseph Drown, Matthew Drown, Michael Drown, Paul Drown, Mayo Kuchera, and Andrew Traen. Family members are invited.
Another statue has been ordered for the park and if it is ready in time for Veterans Day, it will be dedicated at the park that day.
There will also be a Flag Burning Ceremony at 1 p.m. in back of the American Legion building.
City Hall Bar & Grill will be offering a 25-percent off any items from its menu and a free beverage to any veteran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Day.
We celebrate Veterans Day on Nov. 11 every year. This holiday is designed to thank veterans for their services with the focus on living veterans, as opposed to Memorial Day, which is a day to remember those who gave their lives for our country.
Battle of the Bulbs
We are currently planning for the 2nd annual Battle of the Bulbs Christmas Lighting contest after last year's event was a huge success.
We will again be including the cities of Minneota, Ghent and Taunton, and anyone within a 10-mile radius of Minneota.
Many people noted how much they enjoyed seeing Minneota so lit up during last year's holiday season.
We will again be giving away large prize packages for the top three places.
Watch upcoming issues of the Mascot for further details.