|
UffDa Fest this weekend in Spring Grove
|
|
|
The first annual UffDa Fest will be held this Saturday in Spring Grove. Festival events are planned for people of all ages and interests, and all events will take place in and around Viking Memorial Park in downtown Spring Grove.
“Kids” of all ages are invited to participate in the Pinewood Derby races. Two race classes are being offered: Cub Scout stock and open-modified. In the Cub Scout stock division, entrants must follow the basic rules and regulations that are included with the car kit. The only rules for the open-modified class are that the car can not weigh more than five ounces and it must fit the track. The entrance fee for the Pinewood Derby race is $15 which includes a car kit. Kits are available in Spring Grove at the American Legion, Bluff Country Artists Gallery, Doc’s Blue Moose, Ivy Grove, Red’s Hometown Market, Spring Grove Communications, Spring Grove Soda, and Viking Electric.
The Pinewood Derby race begins at 11 a.m., with check-in beginning at 10 a.m. Trophies will be awarded in both race classes to first, second, and third place, as well as Best of Show.
At noon the kids’ archery instruction and shoot begins. Youth can bring their own bows or use the bows that will be available at no charge. Instructions on how to handle and shoot a bow will be given by representatives from Bluff Country Archery.
The open archery competition, for those with more experience, will be held simultaneously with a $10 entry fee. Monetary prizes will be given to the top three archers. To pre-register for the Open Shoot, contact Bluff Country Archery in Caledonia at (507) 725-4868. Registrations will also be accepted on the day of the shoot beginning at 11 a.m.
The Minnesota State Fair is known for its food creations on-a-stick. The kids’ creative cooking competition, which begins at 3 p.m., is your chance to create your very own UffDa snack-on-a-stick! There are two age groups: K-6 grades and 7-12 grades. The UffDa snack must be edible and on-a-stick and will be judged on its appearance, creativeness, and taste. There will be three judges so make sure you make three samples of your snack!
For the adults and more “serious” cooks, the rib-off contest gives you a chance to showcase your “secret” recipe. Entrants can pick up their meat in Viking Memorial Park at noon and begin preparing. There is no entrance fee and Kansas City standard BBQ rules will apply. Judging will begin at 6 p.m. and a “People’s Choice” award will be given for the best ribs. Brisket and pulled-pork sandwiches, along with more ribs, will be for sale throughout the contest, beginning at 6 p.m.
Get ready to rock! Have you always wanted to be a part of a band on stage with fans screaming? The Guitar Hero open competition is your chance to rock and test your skills against other rockers. Pre-registration is required to participate, between noon and 4 p.m., with a registration fee of only $2. At 4:30 p.m. the competition begins with two skill levels to choose from: easy/intermediate (age 12 and under) and hard/expert/open class. Play head-to-head against another guitarist in your skill level, with the top expert players advancing to a single elimination tournament for a chance to play in the ultimate championship – Lynard Skynard’s “Free Bird”! Bring your own Xbox “axe” or use one of ours, it’s your choice! Prizes will be awarded to the top three places in both skill levels. “Family friendly” costumes are encouraged!
Calling all owners of classic and unique cars and trucks – come show off your pride and joy at the Car Show. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. in Viking Memorial Park with the Car Show officially beginning at 9 a.m. The registration fee is $10. All contestants will receive a ballot to vote for their favorite entry. There will also be a People’s Choice award. Local business gift certificates and plaques will be awarded to the winners.
Class divisions of the Car Show are pre-‘50s, pre-‘60s, pre-‘70s, 70s and newer, street rod, truck, Long Haul Award, People’s Choice, and Best of Show.
Saddle up your favorite equine and tour the Spring Grove Sawmill Trail and see countryside that is only accessible by horseback. The trail ride begins at 9 a.m. with escorts leaving every half an hour until noon from the Fest Building. Riders can choose to ride the entire trail which is four to five hours or to ride half the trail. Another trail ride will take place on Sunday beginning with a potluck at noon followed by the group ride leaving 1 p.m.
A “Run for the Arts” Challenge 5K and 10K race begins at 9:30 a.m. with check-in time beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Gallery on Main Street. To register to participate in the race, pick up an entry form at the Gallery, or visit their website: www.bluffcountryartistsgallery.org and follow the link “5 & 10K RACE” for a printable pdf entry form. You can also register on-line through the Gallery’s website. Mail-in/drop-off entry deadline is September 27th and the online entry deadline is October 2nd.
The pre-registration entry fee is $22 and includes a t-shirt. It is also possible to register the day of the race. That entry fee is $30 and also includes a t-shirt. The age groups for racing are 19 and under, 20-39, 40-54, and 55 and over. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age group and all runners will receive a participation medal.
A game on the hardwoods will come to the black top during the Spring Grove High School Alumni Boys’ Basketball game. All boys and men that have suited up to represent Spring Grove on the hardwoods are invited to participate in this outdoor event beginning at 2 p.m. The exhibition games will take place in the roped off street just outside of Trinity Lutheran Church or Maple Drive.
For more information about the big celebration, check out the fest website, www.uffdafest.com
|
