Willmar Fests 2018

Willmar Fests | June 20-24, 2018

C2 Tuesday, June 19, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Queen of Festivals to reign over 2018 festivities

Queen of Festivals Jenna Jagow

QUEEN OF FESTIVALS

Jenna Jagow

Jenna Jagow is the 20-year-old daughter of Will and Sarah Jagow.

She is a 2016 honors and academic distinction graduate from Willmar Senior High School. During her time in high school, Jenna was involved in choir, yearbook committee and the KCEO program through which she started her own business.

Jenna also received varsity letters in swimming and academics. She was chosen by her teammates to be a swimming captain her senior year.

Jenna was a student leader at both the Courage and Respect Retreats.

Jenna was chosen as a student representative for the Rotary Club.

She also enjoyed being a part of her church’s youth group while she was in high school.

During her senior year, Jenna became a Certified Nursing Assistant after volunteering at Copperleaf Assisted Living.

She is a student at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota, where she has made the Dean’s List both semesters of her freshman year and has just completed her sophomore year.

She has been studying as a nursing major and psychology minor with hopes of becoming a surgical nurse or nurse anesthetist in a children’s hospital. Jenna has recently been accepted into the South Dakota State Nursing Program, and will begin her clinical studies in the fall.

This past year as an ambassador, Jenna was blessed with many exciting new experiences and opportunities.

One of the highlights of Jenna’s ambassador experience was the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade in Minneapolis.

Jenna is grateful for all of the friendships she has formed with

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Saturday, June 23rd At Robbins Island

There is no charge for the ski show, a free will collection will be taken at the intermission of the ski show.

ROYALTY | C3

5:00pm - 7:00pm Kids Carnival 7:30pm “The Little Crow Ski Show” 8:30pm - 11:00pm Brat Pack Radio Beach Party Concert 10:00pm Q102 Lakeland Broadcasting “Works Over Water” Fireworks Show Food & Beverage Vendors on site!

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To crown successor June 23

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Tuesday, June 19, 2018 C3

ROYALTY: Princesses in final weeks of year-long reign at Willmar Fests FROM C2

Little Sisters of the Poor Holy Family Residence, for the elderly. This last year she founded the Ethical Questions Society at St. Thomas, volunteered at Our Lady of Peace Hospice Home, was a lab assistant and conducted research in a microbiology lab.

Mary has made the Dean’s List both semesters of her freshman year.

She will begin her junior year at the University of St. Thomas in the fall and hopes to continue her education to become a physician.

Back home in Willmar, Mary is taking several classes, volunteering at the hospital and with her church, while enjoying the warm weather by gardening, running, cooking and spending time with loved ones.

ambassadors from other communities who are also known as “The Sparkle Section.”

After Willmar Fests is finished, Jenna will represent the community of Willmar as a candidate in the Minneapolis Aquatennial. She cannot wait for her next adventure!

AQUA PRINCESS

Mary Carlson Mary Carlson is the 19-year-old daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Carlson. She is a 2016 highest honor with distinction graduate from Willmar Senior High School.

While in high school, Mary was very active in 4-H, Student Council, National Honor Society, Knowledge Bowl, musicals, speech, orchestra, trap shooting, choir and solo ensemble.

Mary also hosted four blood drives with the American Red Cross at the high school.

She was an active volunteer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church as an altar server, vacation bible school leader, little ones music leader, youth choir

Aqua Princess Mary Carlson

International Princess Ashley Olson

and a peer mentoring group leader.

Mary was a 2015 Girls State senator and a 2016 Girls State counselor.

Mary is currently attending the University of St. Thomas in St Paul.

She is majoring in biology on the prehealth track with minors in Catholic studies and in philosophy.

At St. Thomas, Mary works

with admissions as a “Tommie Ambassador,” she is a student worker at Saint Paul Seminary, and also works with Off Campus Events and Services.

Mary is on the executive board for both the Pre-Health Professionals Club and the Students for Human Life Club. Mary regularly volunteers at a local church in St. Paul and at the

INTERNATIONAL PRINCESS

Ashley Olson Ashley Olson is the 20-year-old daughter of Tim and Cindy Olson. She is a 2016 highest honors graduate from Willmar Senior High School.

While in high school, Ashley was very involved in music and participated

ROYALTY | C4

Friday, June 22 at 7:05 P.M.

WILLMAR FESTS NIGHT Willmar Fest Candidates will compete to win the Stingers Willmar Fests Championship Trophy.

FOR TICKETS, CALL 320-222-2010 OR VISIT WWW.WILLMARSTINGERS.COM 2018 Season Presented by

www.marcusconstruction.com 001731987r1

C4 Tuesday, June 19, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

ROYALTY: Junior, Senior ambassadors play a role as well in Willmar Fests FROM C3

in band, choir, jazz band, jazz choir and musicals. Her junior and senior year, Ashley was selected to be in All-State Band and participated in AllConference Jazz Band both years as well. She was All-Conference Concert Band her senior year.

She also lettered in dance and performed on varsity high kick and jazz team for all four years, as well as receiving All Conference Kick her senior year.

Ashley was also a Courage and

Junior Princess Annelyse Scott

Respect retreat leader and part of the National Honors Society.

Throughout high school, Ashley became very involved in her church and joined the Southwestern Minnesota Synod Lutheran Youth Organization Board her freshman year and became vice president her senior year.

Ashley is a junior at Concordia College seeking a bachelor of music degree in instrumental music education.

She plays in the Concordia Band and toured Montana in the spring with the ensemble.

Junior Prince Dante Ramirez

She is excited for her trip to Houston to help lead a Community Life Team as part of the ELCA National Youth Gathering in June, and is juggling her life as an ambassador, a cat mom and a Community Life Team member, while working at conferences and events at Concordia this summer.

In the fall, she will begin her new jobs as a music tutor and a campus tour guide.

SENIOR AMBASSADOR

Audrey Buzzeo Audrey Buzzeo is the 2018 Willmar Fests senior ambassador.

Buzzeo grew up in Nottingham, England, and came to the United States in 1947 because she was engaged to a U.S. service member. They were married in August of that year, and went on to have six children.

After she had children, Buzzeo went to school to learn how to punch cards for the computers of the time, later working for Volvo.

Buzzeo has lived in many places all over the country including New York, New Jersey, Florida and Minnesota.

Of all the places she has lived in the

Senior Royalty Audrey Buzzeo

country, Buzzeo said, Minnesota was her favorite.

“Of all the places I’ve been, other than where I lived in England, I prefer Minnesota,” she said. “And that’s from the heart.”

The crowning of the 2019 senior ambassador will be at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, June 20.

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PRoudofSponsoR Willmar Fests

Check out our website

www.willmarmn.gov

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Tuesday, June 19, 2018 C5

WCER director chosen as Willmar Fests Grand Marshal

By Shelby Lindrud slindrud@wctrib.com he 2018 Willmar Fests Grand Marshal is outgoing Willmar Community Education and Recreation Director Steve Brisendine, who is retiring at the end of June after 19 years in Willmar.

Brisendine said when one thinks that being grand marshal means you were the one individual out of 20,000 people singled out, it is a bit humbling.

“It is a very nice honor,” Brisendine said.

Brisendine was hired as the Willmar Public Schools Community Education director in July 1999. He became the director of the merged WCER in March 2000 and has been the director for the organization’s entire existence. This year both the school district and the city of Willmar have decided to dissolve the WCER partnership, so it seems Brisendine will be the only WCER director.

As director of WCER, Brisendine has helped grow the early childhood education programs in Willmar, along with keeping the ever-popular recreation programs moving forward. Under his tenure the city has added to its recreation facilities, including a second sheet of ice at the Willmar Civic Center, the construction of Bill Taunton Stadium and the opening of the Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center. The Master Park Plan was completed in 2015 and in the past few years projects at Rice and Miller parks, along with Robbins Island have updated the park system.

For years Brisendine has been a part of the Willmar Fests grand parade, as a member of the WCER float.

He never thought he would one day be leading the parade as grand marshal.

“It has never been in my mind to be out front,” Brisendine said.

He feels the honor is for WCER as a whole and recognizing all the great work the organization has done for the community in the past 18 years.

“It isn’t just for Steve Brisendine,” Brisendine said.

The Willmar Fests Grande Day Parade is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. June 23 in downtown Willmar.

T

Erica Dischino / Tribune

Steve Brisendine, Willmar Community Education & Recreation director, will serve as grand marshal for the Willmar Fests grande day parade Saturday.

Rain or Shine

Thursday, June 21st • There will be vendor

4:15-9:00 PM

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s available at the even

Thursday, June 21st 4:15 pm – Kick off with The Rock Station 94.1 The Loon – Meet the Willmar Fests Queen Candidates – Crowning of the Willmar Fests Junior Royalty

t for you to enjoy!

4:15pm – 8:00pm – Carnival Games- Bethel Lutheran Youth Group 5:40 pm – Jaycees Minute 2 Win It 6:00 pm – Willmar Fests Kiddie Parade 6:30 pm – Fireman Challenge

The Willmar Jaycees Block Party is held Thursday evening of Willmar Fests in Downtown Willmar. It features performances from various area groups, the Junior Coronation, and the Willmar Fests Kiddie Parade. All the activities kick off at 5th Street and Becker Avenue in Downtown Willmar.

7:00 pm – The B’s 8:00 pm – “Willmar’s Got Talent” with 94.1 The Loon

C6 Tuesday, June 19, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

A LOOK BACK: Kaffe Fest’s origin

Kaffe Fest predecessor to Willmar Fests

I

t hardly seems possible that this is the 22nd anniversary of the Willmar Kaffe Fest. Of course it is some years ago, but one hardly realizes the passage of time and how long ago it was that the first Fest was held in our city. Well — it was a success from the very start. Somehow this new idea of an annual celebration caught on — by the people of Willmar and the people of the area who flooded in for the event.

There was something inviting about the idea of coming together around a cup of coffee. It was different. Other cities throughout the state had other gimmicks for “a day” — many of them similar, but Willmar hit upon the only one of its kind the Kaffe Fest. It was original — that is why it clicked — and the cup of coffee was a symbol of sociability that was appealing.

HOW DID THE AFFAIR START? One hears many versions of ideas and persons. However, the thing that causes local folks to think of a celebration around the cup of coffee stemmed from a survey that the Willmar Daily Tribune advertising department had made in the 1930s. It seems that a special effort was being made to secure more brand-name coffee advertising in this newspaper.

That was the inception of the thing.

It was known that Willmar was a real coffee town. But to prove it to the coffee companies was another thing.

So it was decided that a survey should be made as to the amount of coffee consumed in Willmar during a year.

Every grocery store was contacted, the cafes, church ladies aides, the Jewel Tea and other vendors who sold to the homes direct – every possible source was checked, nothing was overlooked.

Willmar was a city of around 6,000 at the time.

WHAT WAS THE RESULT — THE TOTAL? The final figure was 165,000 pounds of coffee used in Willmar that year.

Figured in another way, 8,250,000 cups of good brewed coffee were consumed in Willmar in a year.

These were startling figures, and they startled the coffee companies as well. On the basis of the survey, a special circular was printed in two colors proclaiming Willmar as “The Coffee Capital” of Minnesota, and these circulars were sent here and there, to the coffee companies, advertising agencies and other interested parties. Needless to say, the Tribune started to get some extra coffee advertising — and we do not mean just a little.

Well — the result of the survey was just about the talk of the town.

It was well-publicized. Folks talked about it as they sipped their coffee, wherever they were. “So we are the coffee capital of Minnesota, eh?” was the common saying. We had arrived to claim some distinction in Minnesota besides being a “railroad town.”

Naturally, the downtown business district was fully conscious of the special “fame” our city had acquired and claimed. The merchants talked about it — our civic leaders and commercial sparkplugs as well. This was during the time also when many

ORIGINS | C11

Willmar Fests Salutes Our 2018 Festival Sponsors!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

CANDIDATE SPONSORS

Jennie-O Turkey Store

MinnWest Technology Campus Willmar Bus Service Heritage Bank Slumberland Furniture DATA Success Inc. Mills Automotive Group

PREMIER SPONSORS City of Willmar Celebrations Bridal & Formal Wear Willmar Stingers Q102 and Lakeland Broadcasting

PLATINUM SPONSORS Bremer Bank West Central Tribune West Central Sanitation Premium Water Riddles Jewelry

GOLD SPONSORS Fischer Eye/Janning ENT Center Rice Memorial Hospital Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Willmar Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Holiday Inn Express & Suites Maurices

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By O.B. Augustson Editorial reprinted from June 22, 1967

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Tuesday, June 19, 2018 C7

Six young women vie for Willmar Fests crowns Six young women are vying for the Willmar Fests crowns during the 2018 festivities. New royalty will be crowned during ceremonies set from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at WEAC, 611 Fifth St. S.W., near downtown Willmar.

Those vying for the opportunity to represent Willmar Fests and the community through the 2018-19 year are profiled here, along with their photo and sponsors. Here is a look at the 2018 candidates:

LESLIE ALVAREZ Leslie Alvarez is the 18-year-old daughter of Dulce Alvarez. She is a 2017 graduate from Willmar Senior High School.

During school she was active in both orchestra and band. During her senior year of high school, she became a sales associate at Glo’ Studio.

She is a student at the University

Leslie Alvarez MinnWest Technology Campus

of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she is on the pre-health track with a double major in biology and chemistry. She hopes to attend medical school and become a doctor in the neurological field.

At college she is very active in

Staci Banks Mills Automotive Group

the community, spending time volunteering.

Leslie is working at the Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center in Willmar.

In her free time, Leslie enjoys baking, reading, spending time with her family and friends and painting.

Carly Hulstein DataSuccess

Leslie’s Willmar Fests sponsor is MinnWest Technology Campus.

STACI BANKS CANDIDATES | C8

C8 Tuesday, June 19, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

FROM C7

STACI BANKS Staci Banks is the 19-year-old daughter of Earl and Deb Banks. She is a 2017 graduate from Willmar Senior High School.

During school, Staci was involved in volleyball, softball and Cardettes. She was also on the yearbook committee her senior year. Staci received letter awards in volleyball and in dance.

She is a student at Ridgewater College where she is pursuing a business degree and is on the Ridgewater Warrior volleyball team.

She hopes to one day own her own doggy daycare business. She is very passionate about animals and is an animal lover.

Staci is currently a dietary aid at Bethesda nursing home.

In her spare time, Staci enjoys going fishing, being outdoors, working out, hanging out with friends and family, playing with her two cats and her dog, watching Netflix or Hulu and eating.

Staci’s Willmar Fests sponsor is Mills Automotive Group.

CARLY HULSTEIN Carly Hulstein is the 18-year-old daughter of Jason and Amy Hulstein.

She is a 2017 highest honors and

Kali Jensen Slumberland Furniture

Abygail Kienholz Willmar Bus Service

academic distinction graduate from Willmar Senior High School.

While in high school, Carly was very active in music and participated in band, choir, fall musicals, 2701, and solo ensemble, earning a superior rating in all performances.

She earned a letter in academics all four years and a letter in varsity softball for three years and was captain as a senior.

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She was a member of the yearbook committee, National Honor Society, and Key Club where she served as vice president. Carly was also a Respect Retreat leader as well as a student representative for the Lions Club.

Throughout high school, Carly was also active in her church community as she was a member of the Vinje Shalom Church Choir and a Sunday School teacher.

Emily Skalla Heritage Bank

She is a student at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, where she plans to major in elementary education with an endorsement in middle school mathematics. She has been on the Dean’s List for both semesters of her freshman year.

She is a member of the St. Ben’s Women’s Choir and works as a tutor

CANDIDATES | C9

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Tuesday, June 19, 2018 C9 FROM C8 for local Somali students and as an America Reads tutor at Westwood Elementary School in St. Cloud.

She is active in clubs and organizations such as Love Your Melon, Education Club, Hynes Scholar Program, and is a member of the CSB Honors Program where she serves on the Honors Planning & Advisory Council.

Carly works at Willmar Community Education & Recreation as a lead children recreation staff and will continue to be an America Reads Tutor at a St. Cloud elementary school for the 2018-2019 school year.

In her free time, Carly enjoys watching her brothers play baseball, babysitting, spending time on the boat with her family, and volunteering in various elementary school classrooms.

Carly’s Willmar Fests sponsor is DataSuccess.

KALI JENSEN Kali Jensen is the 18-yearold daughter of Connie Jensen and Stacey Olson. She is a 2017 academic distinction graduate from Willmar Senior High School.

While in high school, Kali was very active in speech, KCEO, musicals, one-

Look for our trucks this 2018 Parade Season!

Force Team. She also has gone on several mission trips and has helped lead vacation Bible school and Sunday school throughout the years.

Kali grew up helping her grandfather sell produce at the Farmers Market and is currently working at Cardinal Place.

She is a student at the University of Jamestown in North Dakota as she plans on obtaining a degree in elementary education with a focus in special education and youth ministry.

She is still active in choir, musicals and various ministry teams while in college. Kali is also a member of Orange Tide, which promotes school

CANDIDATES | C10

2018 Willmar Fests Kiddie Parade THURSDAY, JUNE 21ST • Begins at 6:00 p.m.

Check-in and Registration: • 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. on Litchfield Ave between 2nd St SW & 4th St SW. • Children must be registered by 5:30 p.m. to be included in the judging.

• Judging starts promptly at 5:30 p.m Parade: • Parade begins at 6:00 p.m.

• Parade route: Starting between 2nd St & 4th St on Litchfield Avenue. The parade will travel Litchfield Avenue West to 6th Street, South to Becker Avenue.

• Immediately following the parade, parents to pick up children at the corner of 6th Street & Becker Avenue.

• Entrants must be age 12 and under.

• No motorized vehicles unless driven by an adult.

• Sponsored by Bremer Bank and the Y.

Serving your area for over 39 years!

“Good Neighbors You’ve Come To Trust”

320-235-7630 | 800-246-7630 www.wcsanitation.com 001739782r1

act, solo ensemble and choir.

During her junior year Kali was the vice president of Choralaires and she was president her senior year. Kali was selected to be a speech captain her senior year by the coaches and teammates.

She has also received her Silver and Bronze award in Girl Scouts.

Kali has volunteered throughout the community delivering for Meals on Wheels, helping with activities at nursing homes, and helping to prepare and serve community meals.

Throughout high school, Kali became very active in her church. She was a member of the Family Promise Task

Prizes: • Prizes for each category: 1st place - $25; 2nd place - $20; 3rd place - $15.

• 1st place winners in each category will be eligible to ride in the Grande Day Parade.

Winners must supply their own transportation in the parade.

Registration: • Registration is online at http:// willmarfests.com/willmar-festskiddie-parade/ • For questions, please email: parade@willmarfests.com

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Enjoy the Willmar Fests!

We’ll see you at the parade!

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C10 Tuesday, June 19, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

FROM C9 spirit in various activities and sports on campus.

In her free time, Kali enjoys spending time with friends and family, singing, going to the lake and taking many selfies.

Kali’s Willmar Fests sponsor is Slumberland Furniture.

ABYGAIL KIENHOLZ Abygail Kienholz is the 19-yearold daughter of Kelly and Dorothy Kienholz. She is a 2017 honors graduate from Willmar Senior High School.

While in high school, Abygail was involved in choir, orchestra, softball and was the girls basketball manager.

She received varsity letters in volleyball, basketball, softball and academics.

Abygail was also a student leader for the Respect Retreat her senior year.

Abygail is active in church where she teaches Sunday school and is a vacation Bible school leader during the summer.

Abygail attends Ridgewater College where she plans on graduating with her Associates Degree and a communications degree as well. After she finishes her studies at Ridgewater, she plans on majoring in elementary education and minoring in youth ministry.

She works at Cardinal Place, where she watches over preschoolers during the year, and kindergartners and first graders during the summer.

In her free time, Abygail enjoys spending time outdoors, laughing, singing and spending time with her friends and family.

Abygail’s Willmar Fests sponsor is Willmar Bus Service.

EMILY SKALLA Emily Skalla is the 19-year-old daughter of Kevin and Nancy Skalla. She is a 2017 highest honors with distinction graduate from Willmar Senior High School.

While in high school, Emily was active in school musicals, choir, the jazz choir “2701”, solo ensemble, National Honor Society, and was the public relations officer in Student Council.

She received varsity letters in golf, academics and the arts for her participation in speech. She additionally received a choir leadership award.

She was a Respect Retreat leader, and participated as a Student Rotarian.

She volunteered at St. Mary’s Catholic Church during vacation Bible school.

Emily is attending the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities, where she is pursuing a major in microbiology and a minor in child psychology.

She made the Dean’s List both semesters of her freshman year andhopes to go to medical school and pursue a career in pediatrics.

At the U, she is a member of the University Honors Program and volunteers at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital in the playroom. Emily looks forward to serving on the College of Biological Sciences Student Board throughout her sophomore year.

She works at Bethesda Grand nursing home, where she has been employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant for three years.

In her free time, Emily enjoys reading, playing piano, attending concerts, drinking coffee, being at the lake and spending time with her friends and family.

Emily’s Willmar Fests sponsor is Heritage Bank.

WILLMAR FESTS GRANDE DAY PARADE SATURDAY, JUNE 23RD — 10:30 AM Mills is a proud sponsor of Willmar Fests 2018 Ambassador Candidate Staci Banks.

We invite everyone to come join the fun!

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Sponsoring Aby Kienholz as our 2018 Ambassador Candidate

Presenting

Carly Hulstein

Willmar Fests Ambassador Candidate

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Wishing her and all the candidates a great week at Willmar Fests 2018!

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Tuesday, June 19, 2018 C11

ORIGINS: Willmar, coffee capital of Minnesota — Welcome to Kaffe Fest FROM C6

SALUTES our

2018 Gold Sponsors!

meet for a social chat and visit.

This is the heart of the Kaffe Fest.

Entertainment is fine, but the real thing is the social contact where a businessman at the coffee bar serves a cup of coffee to folks who attend the event from all of the area. We have “tended” this bar for most of the years of the Fest’s existence, and we know from experience these many friends from distances who come to Willmar for this annual event of ours. It is nice to see them and to greet them.

So folks of West Central Minnesota — welcome to Willmar’s 22nd annual Kaffe Fest. Come and enjoy yourselves. Take a day off and just visit around. The Kaffe Fest is a major expense to the merchants of Willmar, but it is done as a goodwill gesture, and surely there is room for such between city and country.

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towns were putting on celebrations of various kinds. And naturally the thought occurred that Willmar should have one, too — some event each year. What should it be? Well — you can guess it.

Our repute as the “coffee capital of Minnesota” led to the idea that perhaps a celebration involving coffee would be the thing. It was.

The idea caught on and was adopted.

The celebration would be a “coffee festival” but named in Swedish — “Kaffe Fest.”

So much for the origin. Today, the 22nd annual Kaffe Fest begins and will continue the rest of the week and including Sunday. The Fest will draw crowds to our city to attend the events and — they never miss it — have a free cup of coffee at the coffee bar, where town and country

Willmar Fests

CELEBRATING 70+ YEARS This annual festival promotes Willmar Area Attractions, pride in the community and the quality of life through family participation.

C12 Tuesday, June 19, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Foot Lake 4 a popular Willmar Fests event

T

he Foot Lake 4 Walk/Run is a fun fitness event for the whole family that takes place each year during Willmar Fests. This year’s event is set for 8 a.m. Saturday, June 23.

It is a four-mile, USATF-certified course that starts in downtown Willmar, winds along Foot Lake and the scenic trails of Robbin’s Island, then passes over the First Street bridge before returning to Rice Memorial Hospital.

Runners will be timed using electronic chips included inside each race bib. Water stops are provided at two locations along the route, and splits are available at the one-, two- and three-mile marks. Bleachers are set up near the finish line at Second Street and Becker Avenue for spectators, family and friends.

RACE | C13

Tribune file photo

Runners participate in the 2017 Foot Lake 4 race in Willmar.

Kaffe Fest with the Candidates! presented by Je

Join the 2018 Willmar Fests Candidates for a morning of good conversation and a great cup of coffee. The young ladies are looking forward to meeting the Willmar Community. We hope to see you there!

nnie-O Turkey Sto

re

Join Willmar Fests at Robbins Island on

Wednesday, June 20th• 8:30am “Kaffe Fest with the Candidates” at the ‘The Goodness Coffeehouse

SATURDAY, JUNE 23RD from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

for the FREE Kids Carnival.

The Kids Carnival features a dozen inflatables for all family members including the Princess Castle, Viking Ship, Double Trouble Castle, the XTreme Rush Obstacle course and more.

Xtreme Rush Obstacle Course

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Viking Ship

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Tuesday, June 19, 2018 C13 FROM C12 The Foot Lake 4 Walk/Run is part of the Glacial Lake Championship Running Series, which includes races from towns throughout West Central Minnesota.

Participants may register online through Wednesday, June 20.

Early bird pick up of registration packets is from noon to 3 p.m.

Friday, June 22, in the Garden Court of Rice Memorial Hospital (main entrance, lower level).

Walker and runner packets may also be picked up on race day from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. at the Willmar Ambulance garage. Registration on race day closes at 7:45 a.m. Please allow enough time to pick up your packet.

Divisions

Tribune file photo

Runners participate in the 2017 Foot Lake 4 race in Willmar.

Men’s, women’s and children’s divisions: ages 8 and under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+.

The overall men’s and women’s winners each receive a grand prize and free race entry for 2019.

First-, second- and third-place winners in all divisions will each receive a commemorative Foot Lake 4 race medal.

The largest team of runners or walkers will each receive commemorative medals for each team member.

Winners must be present to receive awards. Results will be posted online after the race.

Parking and safety For participants’ safety, pets are not allowed on the course. Strollers are welcome. Parking is available at the Rice Memorial Hospital South Lot, and the city-owned lot west of the hospital. Please be aware that many city streets are blocked for the Willmar Fests Parade.

Proceeds

All proceeds from the Foot Lake 4 Walk/Run go to funding wellness initiative in the community. To date, proceeds from the Foot Lake Four have been used to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), fund scholarships for Rice Cardiac Rehab patients, and fund wellness events for the community now and in the future.

For more information, please contact: Amber Chevalier, Foot Lake 4 Walk/Run chairperson and race director at 320.231.4396 or check it out online at ricehospital.com/ news-events/foot-lake-4/.

Willmar Fests Night at the Bill Taunton Stadium Friday, June 22nd Willmar Fests Night featuring a competition between Willmar Fests candidates to vie for the Stingers Willmar Fests Championship Trophy!

Stingers vs Waterloo Bucks 7:05pm 001739409r1

C14 Tuesday, June 19, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Willmar Fests 2018

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20

Flag Raising Ceremony, 8 a.m., Selvig Park, downtown Willmar Coffee with the Candidates, 8:30 a.m., Goodness Coffee House, downtown Senior Ambassador Coronation, 2 p.m., Willmar Community Center Queen’s Splash, 4 p.m., Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center Pie & Ice Cream Social, 5:30 p.m., Robbins Island Prairie Winds Summer Band Concert, 7 p.m., Robbins Island

THURSDAY, JUNE 21

Prince and Princess Story Hour, 9 a.m., Willmar Public Library Jaycee’s Block Party, 4:15 to 9 p.m., Fifth & •Becker Ave, downtown Willmar •Meet the Willmar Fests Candidates •Crowning of the Willmar Fests Junior Royalty •Carnival games, Bethel Lutheran Church youth group, 4 to 8 p.m.

•Community Group Performances and •Demonstrations, 5 p.m.

•Jaycees Minute 2 Win It, 5:40 p.m.

•Willmar Fests Kiddie Parade, 6 p.m.

•Fireman Challenge, 6:30 p.m.

•The B’s, 7 p.m.

•Willmar’s Got Talent with 94.1 The Loon, 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 22

Willmar Fests Chamber Connection, 7:30 a.m., Willmar Conference Center Willmar Fests Tennis Tournament Willmar Stingers Baseball, 7:05 p.m., Baker Field at Bill Taunton Stadium

•Little Crow Ski Show, 7:30 p.m.

•Beach Party Concert with Brat Pack Radio, 8:30 to 11 p.m.

•Q102 Lakeland Broadcasting’s “Works Over Water” fireworks show, 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, JUNE 24

Willmar Fests Tennis Tournament Rain backup plan: The Little Crow Ski Show, 7:30 p.m., Robbins Island •“Works Over Water” Fireworks Show,

10 p.m., Foot Lake Schedule subject to change, check willmarfests.com for the latest

SATURDAY, JUNE 23

Willmar Fests Tennis Tournament Willmar Fire Department Pancake Feed, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Willmar Fire Station Rice Memorial Hospital Foot Lake Four Run/ Walk, 8 a.m., downtown Grande Day Parade, 10:30 a.m., downtown Willmar Fests Ambassador Coronation, 3 p.m., WEAC Beach Party at Robbins Island including food vendors, beer garden, music and fireworks •Kids Carnival, 5 to 7 p.m., inflatables and more.

Proudly Sponsoring

Leslie Alvarez

Celebrating community.

Together.

2018 Ambassador Candidate

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“Where Innovation & Collaboration Meet.”

1700 Technology Dr. NE 320-222-9770

Bremer Bank proudly supports Willmar Fest Willmar • 235-1111 Bremer.com Member FDIC. © 2018 Bremer Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Tuesday, June 19, 2018 C15

Willmar Fests 2018 at these locations Grande Day Parade 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 23 Block Party 4:15 p.m. Thursday, June 21

S t.

C l o u d ,

Kiddie Parade 6 p.m. Thursday, June 21

M i n n e s o t a D005647845

C16 Tuesday, June 19, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.