Pumpkin Party...

Every fall I look forward to going to Carters Red Wagon Farm for their Pumpkin Party. If you have not gone before you are missin' out. There is so much to do. Starting the fun is their corn/straw bale/snow fence maze (that kids get through quicker than adults). It's a lot of fun trying to find your way through. I have to admit I needed a bit of assistance to get out. Some folks got so frustrated that they just snuck out. LOL



Some of the other activities include wagon rides, crow shoot, giant slide, a pumpkin propeller, giant pumpkin boats, "cow milking," carpet ball. Fun for all ages!



On the wagon ride they have a silly skit that includes a huge crow, a bear, a gorilla and a boy as Davey Crockett. It was cute.



Lots of photo ops, too. They have several cut-outs to get group photos or individual photos, but only if you can gather the gang long enough to take one. You can even get you picture taken with a giant pumpkin.



They even have a concession stand. With delicious food like hot dogs, a variety of hot soups, chips, fresh-baked pies, pumpkin cookies, caramel apples, cold soft drinks, and warm cider. This is the ultimate place to have your birthday party. Happy Birthday Daityn and Darryl!



So go on out to the Market for lots of friendly fall fun. You'll have a blast.

Park Rapids Bull Ride

Well once again that fun and rowdy time has come and gone to the Park Rapids Area. The PBR Bull Ride was held the 3rd, 4th and 5th at 6:30 each night. I attended all three nights. Some of the bulls bucked so high it looked like they were hopping around the arena. During intermission we were entertained by a Freestyle Moto X group called Guilty By Association perform. The stunts were neat, but the back flips that Cody Cavanaugh performed were incredible. They would start out on one side of the arena, get up to speed and up and off the ramp they would fly. Another one of the tricks they did was called "Look Back Heart Attack."



On the 4th us Bull Ride patrons got to see a special show from the 148th Fighter Wing Division -US Air Force. A special fly-over at 1000ft. and 350 mph started around 7:30pm. This was amazing to see in person. Can you say fast? Truly amazing!

Each night after intermission, kids who want to grow up to be cowboys, had their chance for eight seconds of fame - or longer - on a sheep in the popular amateur event. But what I like best about the bull rides is the Coldwell Banker Cowboy Poker. Anyone crazy enough to sit around a plastic table on a plastic chair waiting for a bull to enter the arena is well, nuts. At least they get a small token of a hundred dollars for their efforts, but only the last cowboy sitting in his chair wins.

Each night, after the show was over, the top regional band “Switch” played a variety of music for dancing the night away under the Montana Pavilion on the grounds. Along with the bucking action, the Rodeo Idol Contest returned. This popular karaoke contest once again played out. I loved all the singers this year and had a hard time picking just one. I guess the gal that won was from the Menahga area. How cool is that!

Thanks for listening and happy trails. -Jody

Celebrating the Eel Pout...

Leech Lake is the the third largest lake in Minnesota, the fertile waters harbor some of the best walleye and muskie fishing in the Midwest. However, Leech is also know for its large and abundant eelpout. Have you ever seen this freshwater cod before? Well, friends it isn't pretty! They are wonderfully know for their ability to wrap themselves around your arm and then leave you with a gift of slim to enjoy for hours to come.

I still remember my first time catching an eelpout. I was ice fishing with a group of people on Lake the Woods and I thought I had caught a walleye, due to the toying with my lure. As I was bringing up my prize, I remember how awesome I felt, because nobody had caught a thing all day-and that is when it happened. The first time ever seeing an eelpout, I was in shock it was so ugly. All I wanted to do was scream, it was slithering back and forth, throwing its slime all over me. I didn't know what to do. What would you do? I just wanted this ugly prehistoric beast away from me. But how? The only way I knew to get rid of this ugly thing was to stomp it back into the hole, so that is exactly what I did.

Leaving that horror story behind, I want to talk about a more pleasing story. The Annual International Eel Pout Festival held on Leech Lake. This annual festival draws thousands of anglers (partiers?) to Walker, Minnsota every February. The three-day slimefest has something for everyone. If you are a runner, then the Eelpout Peelout -5 mile run is for you. Not a runner, no problem. The Polar Plunge always promises a refreshing and exhilarating experience. Don't feel like going into cardiac arrest, then may I suggest taking in the evening festivities. This is my favorite part. I love seeing how people decorate their camps (aka fishhouses) with decorations and lights and then adorn themselves with fancy articles of clothing and accessories or in some instances lack of.

One favorite pastime is dancing around Santas pole. You recogonize it, right? This is how Santa keeps his elves in shape. No matter what way you partake in the festivities you are sure to enjoy yourself.

Minnesota truly is a state of its own. If you ever visit, make sure you stop by and have yourself a sliming good time.

Happy trails.-Jody