By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
Hundreds of visitors and residents were in attendance throughout Farm and City Days weekend in New Richland, July 5-7.
The most popular attractions included the classic car show, which drew a record 149 cars this year, up from a record year of 127 in 2023. This year’s big winner of Best of show was Noah Kreitinger of Owatonna with a 1947 Ford COE, featuring the Dean’s Towing decal.
Other events included three new events sponsored by the State Bank of New Richland, including the adult blow up races; mini golf, and a petting zoo.
The winner of the $100 cash prize for the adult blow up races was Jacob Schuller.
Making a return this year was the famous dunk tank, which featured popular names in town, including: Matt Schultz, Pastor Scott Williams, New Richland officer Drew Deraad, Chief Tanyce Bruegger, Curt Pederson, and Chad Neitzel. This event was sponsored by the NR Ambulance Department.
Other popular events included Neighbors Meat’s Cow Pie Bingo, Power Pedal Tractor Pull for ages 4-11 (sponsored by NR Auto Repair, Midwest Repairables and Thompson’s Body Shop).
Saturday night included a rambunctious–but well behaved–crowd at the street celebration, with Top Shelf Band performing Saturday night. Advertised as ending at “midnight,” the event went until about 11:45 p.m. Over the previous years, the street dance was advertised as ending at 11 p.m., but often went until after midnight.
A parade, escaping the raindrops by a couple hours, showcased many, many groups and organizations. The selection of this year’s grand marshal was Mitch Heimer, owner of Wagner Foods.
A plethora of other events took place, including Water Wars with the New Richland Fire Department, and many different displays throughout town.
These displays and more are shown throughout this edition of the Star Eagle.
The Farm and City Days Committee deserves a lot of credit in its efforts to put together our
annual community-wide celebration. “It was great to be able to be together,” SaraJo Vulcan said.
Thanks to everyone who made it a success.” The committee includes: Angela and Ryan Gehrke, SaraJo Vulcan, Brandy Jacobson, Jennifer Harrington Weber. If you see them, thank them for a job well done!
Farm & City Days Parade Grand Marshals
• 2024 — Mitch Heimer
• 2023 — Kathy (Schumacher, Flor) Hinkley
• 2022 — State Bank of New Richland, Bonnerup Funeral Home, and NRHEG Star Eagle
• 2021 — Karl and Tammy Proehl
• 2019 — Chris Schlaak
• 2018 — Carlie Wagner
• 2017 — Mary Ebnet and Rick Schulz
• 2016 — Town & Country
Garden Club — Kris Pfeffer, Delores Bartholmey, Mary Sack, Joanie Proehl, Pastor Charles Espe, Lou Anderson, Julie Phinney, Jodi Johnson, Betty Hullopeter, Avis Rugroden, Mike Phinney, Barb Finseth, Kay Adams, Dawn Halgren, Gerald Hullopeter, Eleanor Schlaak, Janae Janike
• 2015 — Wayne and Merlys Wenzel
• 2014 — Surviving WWII veterans: Richard Crumb, Eugene Warke, Bud Shurson, Donnie Bartness, Tony Arnfelt, Dr. Albert Flor, Gordon Peterson, Harold Thompson, Winston Evenson, Kenneth Eaton, Donald Smith, Audrinne Smith, Marie Querna
• 2013 — 2012-13 NRHEG Girls’ Basketball Team — Hannah Lundberg, Maddie Wagner, Marnie Wagner, Carlie Wagner, Abby Crabtree, Paige Overgaard, Anna Stork, Jade Schultz, Katie Cole, Kelli Harrington, Raelin Schue, Ryann Hagen
• 2012 — Gail Schmidt
• 2011 — Pastor Paul Andree
• 2010 — Larry and Pam Goehring
• 2009 — Myron Schumacher
• 2008 — Gene and Sylvia Dodge
• 2007 — Mary Ann Schlaak
• 2006 — Vince Peterson
• 2005 — Don and Audrinne Smith
• 2004 — Pastor Phil Lewison
• 2003 — Gene and Mildred Budach
• 2002 — Orrin Ribbe (Honorary Gary Billing)
• 2001 — Bernie Anderson
• 2000 — Dale and Dawn Halgren
• 1999 — Beth Wesselhoeft
• 1998 — Jim Jessen
• 1997 — Margaret Engesser
• 1996 — Pastor Charles Espe
• 1995 — Lee Mendenhall
• 1994 — Gene Amley
• 1993 — Elmer and Marilyn Quiram
• 1992 — Jean Horn
• 1991 — Bill Robinson
• 1990 — Vince and Edna Erdmann
• 1989 — Herb Prescher
• 1988 — Abraham Family
• 1987 — Dr. Albert Flor
• 1986 — Harry Anderson
• 1985 — Leo Eckart
• 1984 — Dr. George H. Olds