JUNE 6, 2012D by Brent Schacherer

Water Carnival

1D WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012 HUTCHINSON LEADER

70TH ANNUAL HUTCHINSON JAYCEE WATER CARNIVAL June 11-17, 2012

Bringing more fun to the water

Commodore Nick Nelson and his first mate, Sarah, are leading more than 60 volunteers to organize this year’s Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival. To attract more people, they’ve planned more events along the Crow River.

By KAITY LYONS Intern

utchinson’s 70th annual Water Carnival celebration will be under way in a few days, but you might already recognize this year’s commodore and first mate. For Commodore Nick Nelson, participation in the Water Carnival festivities is a three-year commitment. Water Carnival tradition calls for the vice commodore to serve as commodore the following year and as past commodore the year after. Last year, Commodore Brian Knorr selected Nelson as his vice commodore. Nelson’s role then was to assist the commodore throughout the year’s events. He is now in his second year of involvement, again serving on the Water Carnival committee, but this time in the spotlight. Nick Nelson grew up in Dassel, while his wife, Sarah, grew up in Hutchinson. They were introduced at age 15, when they were set up on a blind date. “We’ve been together a long time,” Sarah said. Both attended St. Cloud State University. Sarah graduated from SCSU, but Nick transferred to Dakota County Technical College, where he finished his schooling. Now he works as an electrical line worker at Hutchinson Utilities and Sarah teaches fourth grade at Park Elementary. They have three children, Lauren, 7, Hudson, 5, and Adler, 3. The Nelsons lived in Dassel for a few years and then made the move to Hutchinson in 2001. Sarah’s parents were members of the Hutchinson Jaycees and she was a queen candidate in 1999, so the Hutchinson Water Carnival was nothing new to her. “We started getting involved right away,” Sarah said. The Knorrs asked the Nelsons in November 2009, if they wanted to be vice commodore and second mate. They agreed and were introduced to the public in June 2010. In November 2010, Nick and Sarah choose Josh and Tam Gehlen to be their vice commodore and second mate, and following the 2011 Water Carnival, they began their roles as commodore and first mate, respectively. According to Nick, “The Monday after Father’s Day is when it all starts.” As commodore, “All of the new royalty and queen candidates and everybody meets at our house and we go over the parades we already signed up for and then rules and expectations.” They typically plan on 12 appearances each year, most of which are parades, but also include meeting with Rotary, Kiwanis, the Ambassadors and others. Duties the commodore and

FILE PHOTO

AS IS CUSTOM, Nick and Sarah Nelson rode in last year’s Grande Day Parade. Joining them were their children Lauren, Hudson and Adler.

“We’ve seen other towns that have really successful carnivals. Nobody misses it and we want that for Hutch.” Sarah Nelson, Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival first mate first mate have range from being in charge of the finances from major event sponsors and other large donations, to sending invites for events, and planning parties, to renting parks and even the mini-biffs that are placed around town during events, such as the parades. The Nelsons have been on the Water Carnival Committee at the Jaycees since 2001, so it’s no surprise they have a lot of experience with getting things ready for Water Carnival. “We’ve probably done almost everything except the Kiddy Day stuff between the two of us,” Sarah said. There are around 60 committee members that work almost year round to plan and coordinate each year’s

Water Carnival, and most of the members are Hutchinson Jaycees. There is a lot happening behind the scenes to get ready for Water Carnival to ensure that the general public has a great experience each and every year. “Once January starts, that’s when we really start getting ready for Water Carnival week,” Sarah said. The Water Carnival has difficulty drawing people like it once did. “I remember it when I was little,” Sarah said. “I think because Hutch has gotten bigger with a lot more new people moving into town, people just don’t know about it as much.” The Nelsons want to change that. “We’ve seen other towns that have really successful carnivals. Nobody misses it and we want

that for Hutch.” One of the ways they hope to draw more people is to bring more events to the water. They also want to have a bigger variety of events to try to have something for everyone to enjoy. “Not everyone is going to enjoy a pageant, but hopefully there is something else they will like and will go to instead,” Sarah said. Nick’s favorite part of Water Carnival is the Boat Parade and Grande Day Parade. “It’s a lot of fun and (our) kids really liked riding on the boat,” he said. Sarah agreed that the parades are a lot of fun, but it is difficult for them to explain to their children that they won’t be in the parades next year. “They ask who are we riding with next year, and I explain that we can still go to the parades, we just won’t be in them,” she said. This year’s carnival will be “bitter sweet,” Sarah said. It is what they look forward to, but it is also somewhat of an ending. “We can’t say thanks enough for our committee,” Nick said. “They’ve been great,” Sarah agreed. The Nelsons will still be involved next year as past commodore and past first

See NELSONS Page 2D

Parade route

FILE MAP

THE GRANDE DAY PARADE begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 17. It starts at Main Street and Third Avenue Northwest and proceeds south on Main Street, west on Fourth Avenue Southwest, south on Lynn Road, west on Linden Avenue Southwest, and ends at the Hutchinson Recreation Center.

Find the medallion and win a cool $1,000 The 10th year of the Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival Medallion Hunt begins Monday

By KAY JOHNSON johnson@hutchinsonleader.com The 70th Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival marks the 10th year of the medallion hunt. In honor of this milestone, the Hutchinson Leader, sponsor of the event, has increased the finder’s prize from $500 to $1,000. Since the beginning, the man behind the medallion hunt has been Christian “Christy” Christensen of Hutchinson. He pitched the idea for the new Water Carnival activity when his friend, Dan Kellerman, was commodore. As much as Kellerman liked

the idea, the Jaycees didn’t have the volunteers to take on another activity. That was OK with Christensen. “If you give me the nod,” he said, “I will take care of it on behalf of the Jaycees. I will write the clues, get a sponsor and hide the medallion. I’ll take care of everything.” The Jaycees gave Christensen the go-ahead and he’s been coordinating the event ever since. “I prefer it to be one person, so I don’t have to worry about leaking clues,” he said. While Christensen is as tight-lipped as tree bark about the medallion hunt,

See MEDALLION Page 2D

THOSE WHO WEAR their Water Carnival button are showing their support for the annual community festival.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012 HUTCHINSON LEADER

NELSONS

Water Carnival

70TH ANNUAL HUTCHINSON JAYCEE WATER CARNIVAL June 11-17, 2012

Continued from page 1D

Couple are involved in numerous community activities mate, but they won’t do as much. “We’re kind of at the end of it all,” Sarah said. The Nelsons are both still involved in the community in other ways. Nick is an assistant coach for high school hockey and helps at the mite level as well. He was also the Jaycee president last year and Sarah is an assistant coach for cross country.

Events to check out

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There are many Water Carnival events occurring this year. Here is a preview of some of the events you can expect to see. The Medallion Hunt will begin Monday, June 11. Search here, there and everywhere for the medallion, hidden somewhere around Hutchinson. Clues will be released each day until the medallion has been found through Sunday, June 17. The Second annual Water Carni-

MEDALLION

val Motorcycle Run will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 9. The ride will start and end at Buffalo Wild Wings in Hutchinson. Check out the free Concert by the River on Thursday, June 14. The Jason Paulson Band will be playing from 7 to 11 p.m. at West River Park. What better way to kick off your Water Carnival weekend than a carnival by the water! Have some fun and check out Carnival Midway in West River Park, Thursday and Friday night, June 14 and 15, from 6 to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, June 16 and 17, from noon to 10 p.m. Thursday night is also Family Wristband Night (Wristbands are $15). The Kiddy Day Parade is again taking place in Library Square at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 16. Rain location will be the Recreation Center. Following the parade is the Junior Royalty Coronation, after this year’s corona-

tion, two bicycles will be given away, so come on down and show your support. Don’t forget to show your support for this year’s queen candidates at the Water Carnival Queen’s Dance at Crow River Golf Club. Join the fun, starting at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16, with DJ music by Eagle Rock Entertainment. Admission is free and the public is encouraged to attend. The Classic Car Show will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 17, at Butler Field at the Hutchinson Airport. Come take a look before you head over to the parade. This year’s Grande Day Parade will start at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 17. The parade route starts at Main Street and First Avenue Northwest, proceeds south on Main Street, west onto Fourth Avenue Southwest, south on Lynn Road, west on Linden Avenue and ends at the intersection of Har-

rington Street and Linden Avenue. As always, check out the fireworks display Sunday, June 17. Free seating and parking is available at Roberts Park, Oddfellows Park and Les Kouba Point. The show will begin at 10 p.m. over the Crow River.

New this year Yoga in the Park, a new activity this year, is a fundraiser for hospice. Exhibits will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with yoga starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 12 in Library Square. Live music at the American Legion on Friday, June 15, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Free admission. The band Bad Romance will play at the McLeod County Fairgrounds Pavilion (move inside if raining) on Saturday, June 16, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Gates open at 8 p.m. Free admission.

Changes from past years Canoe races and boat parade are moving to Thursday night, June 14. The canoe races will begin at 6:15 p.m. at Les Kouba Park Boat Landing, and the boat parade will begin at 7 p.m. at West River Park. The Teddy Bear Band concert is in a new location this year. Join them at noon Friday, June 15, in West River Park instead of Library Square. The Adult Kickball Tournament is moving to Saturday, June 16, at 10 a.m. Come see the third annual tournament in Les Kouba Park East and cheer on your favorite team.

Listen to KDUZ 1260 AM and KARP 106.9 FM for festival updates beginning Monday, June 11.

Continued from page 1D

THE ANNUAL HUTCHINSON JAYCEE WATER CARNIVAL MEDALLION HUNT is a one-man operation. Each year, Christian “Christy” Christensen writes the clues and hides the medallion.

Nine clues will be offered during week he is willing to divulge that he always hides the medallion in a Hutchinson park. This year’s medallion hunt will run during Water Carnival Week: Monday, June 11 through Sunday, June 17. While the hunt only lasts a maximum of seven days, the Hutchinson resident works on it throughout the year. “As soon as the hunt ends, I start writing clues for the next year,” he said. “I also look at all the parks in Hutchinson. I took photos of every park, so I know what every park has to offer.” Factors that play into his clue writing include local themes. “Last year, everyone was talking about River Horse,” he said. Christensen likes to know how the hunt is going, so it’s not uncommon to find him walking around a park or two. “I’ll go out and talk to people when I

see them hunting and ask for their input and comments,” he said. “I get a lot of questions from people asking, ‘Should we be looking here?’ My response is always, ‘If you think it’s not appropriate or not safe, it’s not there.” You don’t want to be trampling flowers or have your kids crawling on rocks near the river. It (the medallion) is always hidden in a safe and appropriate location.” A total of nine clues — seven daily clues plus two Hutchinson Leader newspaper bonus clues — will be available this year. Clues for the medallion hunt are posted every morning online on the Hutchinson Leader website, www.hutchinsonleader.com. For people who don’t have an Internet connection, the clues are posted in the Hutchinson Leader front window at 170 Shady Ridge Road N.W. Bonus clues can be found in the print edition of the Hutchinson

Leader on Wednesday, June 13, and Sunday, June 17. Christensen is looking forward to the hunt just days away. “I love it,” he said. “It’s one of the most fun things I do during the year. Last year, I was walking around different parks. I’d walk up to people and ask, ‘Having any luck?’ Some people would keep their clues thinking I was hunting, too.” In addition to the challenge of the hunt, Christensen sees it as a good thing for Hutchinson. “I know people from other communities come to Hutchinson to participate,” he said. “It brings people to town.” Christensen has also noticed people cleaning up the parks while they’re searching for the medallion. “I think that’s really cool that people are taking the time to pick up a bag or plastic they see and put it in the trash,” he said.

STAFF PHOTO BY KAY JOHNSON

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Water Carnival

3D 70TH ANNUAL HUTCHINSON JAYCEE WATER CARNIVAL June 11-17, 2012

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012 HUTCHINSON LEADER

Q U E E N C A N D I D AT E P R E V I E W

Karleen Doering

Patience Marie Duscher

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What is one of your favorite memories of Hutchinson? One of my favorite memories of growing up in Hutchinson was playing softball with my best friends from the time I was in first grade up until my high school years. I was able to participate in the summer recreation league, as well as play competitive softball each school year. I was presented with the opportunity to meet a lot of new faces throughout all of the years, some of which are my good friends today. I will never forget the memories that were made each spring and summer at Linden Park and Roberts Park. Why did you decide to participate in this year’s Water Carnival? I decided to participate in this year’s Water Carnival because I would love the opportunity to represent my hometown. This is a great chance to give back to the community that has supported me for several years. I am also interested in the historical background and I am eager to learn more about the town I call home. If given the opportunity, I feel I would be a good representative of Hutchinson.

What is one of your favorite memories of Hutchinson? My favorite memory of Hutchinson is when I did One Homeless Night, a fundraiser for the homeless. I stayed with my youth group at Library Square in cardboard boxes and tarps overnight. We also held signs up to raise money. We got the chance to experience how the homeless live. It snowed that night too so when we woke up some people were not completely covered. My feet were sticking out and I felt the pain on my toes from the snow. We packed up our belongings and carried them to a church and had the chance to eat breakfast. It really opened my eyes to what the homeless have to go through. After that night, I was so thankful for what I have in my life. What are your future goals and ambitions? I have a lot of goals and ambitions which I want to fulfill in my future. I will continue my education at Minnesota State University, Mankato, to

obtain a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences and plan to further my education by earning a master's degree in anesthetics. I hope to work as an anesthesiologist within the medical field.

Why did you decide to participate in this year’s Water Carnival? I decided to participate in this year’s Water Carnival because when I was little I always thought the Miss Hutchinson candidates were so beautiful and I looked up to

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them. I always thought it would be a lot of fun to be a candidate. As I have grown up, I have seen all the activities they are involved in and also wanted the opportunity. Usually I work a lot during the summer, so I thought it would be fun to do something a little different. I am excited and feel honored to have the chance to represent the town I grew up in. What are your future goals and ambitions? In the near future, I will be moving to California to live

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with my cousin and getting to know my family there a little better. I will be attending school at either University of California Los Angeles or University of Santa Lorna. I will be pursuing my bachelor of science degree in nursing and I will specialize in obstetrics. After my schooling is completed, I will be looking forward to working in a hospital and living my dream. On my free time, I will be relaxing on the beach and enjoying what California has to offer and finding ways to involve myself in the community.

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4D WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012 HUTCHINSON LEADER

70TH ANNUAL HUTCHINSON JAYCEE WATER CARNIVAL June 11-17, 2012

Q U E E N C A N D I D AT E P R E V I E W Fallon Macemon

Rebecca Lauer

Sponsor: NuTelecom Parents: John and Kimberly Macemon Age: 20

Sponsor: Hutchinson Mall Parents: Jim and Lynn Lauer Age: 19 What is one of your favorite memories of Hutchinson? My favorite memory of Hutchinson would have to be the first time I returned after leaving for college. Being away from Hutchinson for about a month and a half, I had adjusted to the life of Minneapolis. However, it was a great feeling being back in Hutchinson. I went to a high school football game, ate at Zellas, and walked the Luce Line Trail. Everything I loved doing in Hutchinson was still here, just waiting for me to come back. Even though being at a high school football is much different than a Gopher game at TCF Bank Stadium, it was great to see all the familiar faces of children I’d taught in swimming lessons, past teachers, and old friends. The heart-warming feeling of still being able to call Hutchinson home after not living here was reassuring and unforgettable. Why did you decide to participate in this year’s Water Carnival? I decided to participate in this year’s Water Carnival because of the great experience it offers. I have talked with many past candidates and all they say is how wonderful an experience Water Carnival week is and how much fun they had. Many girls said win or lose, you are treated like a princess for a week and have a fabulous time. After hearing all the

praise, I could not pass up the opportunity. Whenever I went to the pageants or coronations, I always imagined what it would be like to be up there on stage and I am extremely excited to be given the chance to experience it! I cannot wait to be a part of the all activities, especially the parade! I am looking forward to making unforgettable memories and being a part of the Water Carnival tradition. What are your future goals and ambitions? My immediate goal is to finish my education at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities where I am pursuing a double major in Spanish stud-

What is one of your favorite memories in Hutchinson? One of the fondest memories I have of growing up in Hutchinson was when my dad, my little sister and I would bike on the Luce Line Trail. From the moment both my sister, Kelby, and I were able to ride bikes, and as soon as summer had come around, my dad would wake us up shortly after the sun had just began to rise. From there, he would tell us to get dressed because we were going to go on a bike ride. Together, we three would bike until the sun was shining bright and the world was just beginning to awaken. We'd then stop to grab breakfast to go at Super America and begin making our trip back home. Those bike rides on the Luce Line Trail were so special to me, and thinking about them conjure up some of the best memories I have of my childhood.

ies and communications and a minor in management. Also, I hope to study abroad for a semester in Spain and travel Europe. After graduating, I hope to work in public relations. I love working with people and organizing events. My ideal occupation would include working for the University of Minnesota, promoting the university and, more specifically, the Learning Abroad Center. I also would love to be involved in the admissions process helping future students fall in love with the school like I have. Wherever my life leads me, I hope to be working with others and enjoying it every day.

Why did you decide to participate in the year’s Water Carnival? The reason behind my decision to participate in this year’s Water Carnival had largely to do with my strong love for the community of Hutchinson. Having spent my entire life in Hutchinson, this town has become such an important part of my past, present and someday future life. I found that it would be a great opportunity to partake in such a wonderful celebration that brings together this entire community. Being part

of a tradition that has spanned nearly 70 years will make this experience that much more special. With that being said, I am more than thrilled to embark on this new and exciting journey and cannot wait until the festivities begin! What are your future goals and ambitions? As a current student at the University of St. Thomas, I look to graduate and receive my bachelor of science degree. From there, I have full intentions of attending dental school, preferably at the University of Minnesota, to become a general dentist. Upon graduating dental

school, there is no doubt that I will return to the community of Hutchinson, the place I call home, with the anticipation of starting my own dental practice. After successfully establishing myself, a great ambition of mine is to settle on my father's farm where a dream of mine is to develop a grape vineyard and someday have a winery. A future ambition of mine that I find extremely important is to someday give back to the community of Hutchinson by actively participating in community events, getting involved in my church, as well as coaching youth hockey players in the Hutchinson Hockey Association.

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Water Carnival

5D 70TH ANNUAL HUTCHINSON JAYCEE WATER CARNIVAL June 11-17, 2012

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012 HUTCHINSON LEADER

Q U E E N C A N D I D AT E P R E V I E W

Liz Marcus

Elise Ristau

Sponsor: Wells Fargo Parents: Terry and Gerry Grinde and Brad Marcus Age: 20 What is one of your favorite memories of Hutchinson? One of my favorite aspects of Hutchinson is our community festivals and events, such as the Taste of Hutchinson, Arts and Crafts Festival, McLeod County Fair, and the HOPE walk for Relay for Life. When I was a senior in high school, I was able to put together a community event of my own: a 1940s-style mockUSO dance at the Hutchinson Event Center. I loved the process of finding a Big Band group, community sponsors, concessions, and memorabilia, and working with interesting people throughout our town. However, the best part was the culmination of work on the day of the dance, seeing new and familiar faces having a wonderful time together and being able to offer an event which brought forth so many things I love. Why did you decide to participate in this year’s Water Carnival? Growing up, the Hutchinson Water Carnival has always been one of the most enjoyable events of the summer, especially the Grande Day Parade. Recently, I've been lucky enough to be a part of the film crew with Hutchinson Community Video Network, which allowed me to see a little more of the events from a different perspective. This

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year, after having watched the pageant and parade through the camera lens for a few summers, I decided that I just might be brave enough to try participating as a queen candidate. I'm looking forward to partaking first-hand in all the week's activities and enjoying the unique opportunities our Water Carnival presents. What are your future goals and ambitions? This fall, I will begin attending St. Catherine University in St. Paul, earning my master of library and information science degree. Ultimately, I hope to enjoy a career as a public librarian in Hutchin-

son, or a similar community. I was fortunate in being hired at the public library in town when I was in high school, and I have truly grown to love my work there, building relationships with my coworkers and the regular library patrons, and constantly learning a new aspect of the library field. I am also very interested in community and nonprofit organizations, and I just finished my bachelor's degree in business management and sociology at Concordia University so that I might be more prepared to work or volunteer in that field, possibly assisting and giving back to the senior citizen community.

What is one of your favorite memories of Hutchinson? My favorite memory of Hutchinson is summer. This community is beautiful year round but the summers here are spectacular, which what brings me home every year from college. There isn't any other place I would want to spend my summer. I was involved with the Water Carnival parade for 10 years with the Phoenix Drumline from carrying their banner to finally being a participant. Not to mention the countless days that have been spent at the beautiful lakes around the area with great friends and family. Finally to wrap up summer with the County Fair where I cannot count the number of times I have walked around the fairgrounds circle, with friends laughing and having the times of our lives. Why did you decide to participate in this year’s Water Carnival? We moved to Hutchinson when I was six years old and this became my hometown. I have loved growing up in Hutchinson, the friends I have made and people I have met made for a great upbringing. After going away to college, I have developed such an

appreciation for this town and learned the importance of community. Hutchinson is a wonderful community and it has become so dear to my heart. While I was home for Christmas break I decided I wanted to do something to get more involved with the community and running for Miss Hutchinson in this year’s Water Carnival seemed like the perfect opportunity. It opens doors to meet wonderful people, make new friends and spend more time in our city. I am so excited to be a part of Water Carnival this year. What are your future goals and ambitions? My first goal is to complete my degree at Minnesota State University, Mankato with a

double major in community health and psychology. With this degree, I want to help people with their physical, mental and spiritual health. In the fall, I will be a community advisor in the dorms where I can begin to help the girls on my floor in these areas on a smaller scale. I want to be a resource for residents as well as the people I will work with someday, someone to turn to or confide in or to seek help or get advice. I hope for the degree to equip me with the knowledge to pursue a career where I can serve others. I also would love to move back to Hutchinson after college, get married and raise a family here. Being a part of community like this is so important to me.

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6D WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012 HUTCHINSON LEADER

Water Carnival

70TH ANNUAL HUTCHINSON JAYCEE WATER CARNIVAL June 11-17, 2012

Q U E E N C A N D I D AT E P R E V I E W

Haylie Schmeling Sponsor: 3M Co. Parents: Wendy Schmeling and Ryan Bonniwell Age: 19 What is one of your favorite memories in Hutchinson? One of my favorite memories of Hutchinson would be when I graduated from Hutchinson High School. I look at this as being one of my favorite memories because throughout my high school career I learned many things that I hold true to my daily life. Being able to receive knowledge from amazing teachers and a truly remarkable institution not only makes my family and friends proud but also myself. Through the good and bad it has taught me to be strong and independent. A woman that can achieve anything she wants. I met a lot of people I will never forget and learned things that will help me be a successful and active person in the community.

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Why did you decide to participate in this year’s Water Carnival? I decided to run for Miss Hutchinson because I believe that Hutchinson has many amazing people and is an incredible city. Every since I was a little girl, I remember wanting be the queen or princess representing my town. Every year, I kept my eyes open for those Hutchinson candidate posters and just always knew I wanted to be part of this tradition to celebrate the city of Hutchinson. I am thrilled to now be a part of that. Being a candidate will be a memorable event whether I win or lose.

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