Posted: 12/12/07
Winter Wonderland
celebration a success
By Daniel McGonigle
Argus Managing Editor?
The cold temperatures didn't keep the hearty folks of southeastern Minnesota from gathering together to celebrate all things winter...and this wonderful land known as "Caledonia."
The Winter Wonderland city celebration was a big success and mother nature even cooperated and allowed some lucky residents the chance to see God's Country from about 1,000 feet in a hot-air balloon.
Balloon rally organizer Randy Weibel and several balloon enthusiasts, launched 11 balloons on Saturday afternoon after the early morning launch was scrapped due to wind conditions not being favorable.
The result, a splash of yellows, reds, and rainbow colored balloons dancing across the grey skies in the background, while eager on-lookers sent good cheer and waves from the ground below.
The balloon rally wasn't the only exciting thing to happen this weekend, however.
New queen Sandy Kinneberg sat atop a float in the Grand Parade, which took place on Friday night. On-lookers young and old, lined the streets of downtown Caledonia to wave and cheer as the parade entries made their way by.
The Houston County Historical Society's Old Fashioned Christmas was "very well attended," according to the event's organizers.
Santa could be spotted at various events throughout the weekend and all the nice little boys and girls of Caledonia gave Santa an earful of the items they'd like to see lining their stockings this Christmas.
The Lions Breakfast was so well attended, that: "we ran out of food," said Kermit McRae, a Lions club member. That was the first time that had ever happened as far as he could recall.
The Quilt show drew a nice crowd as well, and everyone was sure to enjoy the beautiful quilts and a nice slice of homemade pie.
The Snowflake Medallion was found Saturday morning by Emily and Nathan Hagerott.
Sherrie White won the Lion's Club trip for two to Hawaii.
Organizers of the Winter Wonderland Celebration were Founder's Day Committee members: Robin Wedl, Lynette Privet, Laura Eglinton, Amber Foster, Sandy Welscher, Betsy Pieper, Heather Hammell, Scott Connor, Laura Welscher, Lisa Ely, Kathryn Lamb, Arien O'Heron, Cindy Colleran and Allison Traff.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com