Cleaning out the Nordic Fest e-mail inbox

Photo courtesy of Tim Dugger

We can't let Nordic Fest 2014 come to an end without passing along some reader comments:

Jeff Schmitt from the Winneshiek County Dairy Producers e-mails: "The Winneshiek County Dairy promoters/Decorah FFA sold 30 percent more milk shakes that the 5-year average which was very consistent.  We're on track to having the biggest year ever with the moo mobile.

The next events we'll attend include the Ossian Fest this Saturday, August 2nd; Czech Days in Protivin on August 15th-17th; and Mabel/Hesper Steam Engine Days September 4th-6th.

For rental information contact me Jeff Schmitt at 563 -419-2140."

Meanwhile, Karl Knudson of Decorah passes along this suggestion for Opening Ceremonies:  "Once the areas near Main Street, on the courthouse steps, and directly under the trees are filled up with spectators, the only remaining location from which people might try to view the festivities is sitting or standing under or behind the trees.  However, this year, the leafy branches on the trees were not trimmed and hung down to within three feet of the ground.  Those trying to sit behind the trees found their view blocked by people sitting on lawn chairs under the trees, and those standing behind the trees found their view blocked by the low-hanging branches.

The venue for Nordic Fest or other similar events could be greatly improved if the lowest branches on the trees were trimmed back to create about 6 or 7 feet of clearance, allowing people to sit or stand on the hill behind the trees and still have a good view.

This year, there were a lot of people who could hear, but could not see, the Nordic Fest opening ceremonies because of this problem.  One person could trim the lowest branches back in 30 minutes with a pruning shears."