By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher
A lot of effort was put into promoting music and fireworks at St. Olaf Lake July 4 — maybe a little too much effort.
John Flor, chairman of the St. Olaf Lake Association, got a phone call Monday from the Waseca County Sheriff, who gave a long list of legal requirements the association simply did not meet.
“I had no idea,” said Flor. “I had asked for police presence for the music and for traffic control. The bottom line is we can’t meet their requirements in this short of a time.”
In the past, authorities were known to look the other way during firework displays at St. Olaf Lake, traditionally held on or around July 4. But it was officially a private show for lake residents and those who heard through the grapevine.
This year Flor saw an opportunity to include more people while raising funds for the New Richland Area Food Shelf. He and the lake association secured a grant, hired a band, put up flyers and purchased advertising.
As diappointed as he is with the situation, Flor made it clear he doesn’t hold the sheriff’s department responsible.
“I don’t want the sheriff’s requirements to be blamed for this,” said Flor. “We just don’t meet the requirements.”