We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Jeff Finley drives the pumpkin train to take kids for a trip around the pumpkin patch. Jeff's dad, Ken, gave visitors to his pumpkin patch an opportunity to pick their own pumpkins, squash and gourds. These young passengers took advantage of a beautiful fall day to enjoy a mini-train ride.
Even kids who didn't come with a decorated sugarbeet had an opportunity to express themselves and create an entry on the spot. About 25 entries, mostly by kids, were judged and ribbons were awarded for Most Colorful, Best Decorated and Best-Themed for Fall into Festival.
Chinook Chamber President Daniel Dahl said he was pleased with the turnout for the Fall into Festival, the 2020 version of the Sugarbeet Festival. With concerns from COVID-19 there was some hesitancy to host even a smaller festival this year. "But," Dahl explained, "our chamber leadership wanted to have a festival and with the other activities in town, it turned out to be part of a good draw for visitors." He was especially pleased with the number of vendors who came to sell their wares. Dahl said, "This year we had vendors calling us wanting to come to Chinook."
Out south of town Finley's Pumpkin Patch drew a large number of families coming to pick pumpkins for decorating and carving. A miniature 'pumpkin train' was a new addition and was a hit with youngsters who enjoyed a ride around the patch. In lieu of paying for the free pumpkins visitors were encouraged to make donations to the Blaine County Library to help support children's programming.
With a cool start for the Fun Run at 8am, about 25 runners and walkers made the 5K run with temps in the high 30's. Top runners included: eight-year old Enom Seymour, first place; Hailey McMaster, second place and Leslie Zellmer, third.
Mid-day the traditional sugarbeet decorating contest was judged. Youth winners by categories were: Most Colorful, Lily Skoyen and Justin Huravitch; Best Decorated, Kaylie Skoyen, Kenly Tempel and Kiley Huravitch and Best-themed for Fall into Fall was the team of Zoe Scoffied and Cynnlock Gibson and Alisha Manari. Claire Pyette Stoner had the Best Decorated Sugarbeet in the Adult Division. Winner in the Business Decorating Contest was the Eagle Club's "Facebook post card" display.
A parade was held in the late afternoon and according to Dawn Colby with the Chamber leadership, "There was a good turnout of entries and spectators." The downtown evening concert featured music by Havre's "Blind Luck."
This year posed some unique challenges with the pandemic but local organizers and visitors rose to the occasion. The great fall weather helped as well. Thanks to all who made this abbreviated Sugarbeet Festival a success.
