Dear Crookston,
As the chair of the 2024 Ox Cart Days Committee, I’d like to say thank you. Thank you for coming out and showing your support for the biggest small-town festival in the state of Minnesota. Whether this was done through a sponsorship, working as a volunteer, working as a vendor, or simply buying a button to attend one of the over fifty events that took place over the span of the week – thank you. We spent a year wondering if anyone would come to our party, and you certainly did – rain or shine. And we are especially grateful to our 69 sponsors this year from all over the region to help make all of this possible.
I would also like to acknowledge the numerous city employees who worked diligently behind the scenes. Thanks to Jake Solberg, Scott Butt, Ashley Rystad, Keenan Devier, former City Administrator Charles Reynolds, current City Administrator Jeff Shoobridge, our City Council, Mayor Dale Stainbrook, and the entire Parks and Recreation and Public Works teams, we were able to host a festival that the entire community can take pride in. The support and guidance from the city were invaluable in establishing a framework that will ensure the longevity of Ox Cart Days. We also appreciate the contributions of our local police, fire, and sheriff’s departments.
No one wants to move an outdoor festival inside due to weather, but the moment we had to make the call Thursday morning to do so, an army of parks and city employees were assembled and made it so that we could pack the Crookston Sports Center with food, music, kids, and so many chairs (and a special thank you to the Crookston Library who lent us their band for their evening that so many of you enjoyed). And then to move everything, food trucks and all, back outside the following morning in the fog while hoping the rain would miss us after lunch. Our parks department did a fabulous job with the beast that was this festival, and I apologize if I woke any of you up Friday morning after working so hard the night before.
I’ve often compared Ox Cart Days to an old-fashioned plate spinner trying to keep everything balanced and thriving (and as if on cue, our own “orchestra” seemed to speed up around Friday, adding to the challenge). Our goal is to ensure everything runs smoothly, and in the event that something does falter, we aim for it to be minor and manageable for next year. My sincerest thanks to the following plate spinners: Dan Erdman, Jess Bengtson, Sheila Menard, Jana Hodgson, Rae St. Oro, Melanie Lessard, Bo Brorby, Brian Frisk, Danny Holwerda, Tiffany Biermaier, Steve Krueger, and Jasmine Melsa. I could not have done this without you. While I spent months injured at home and unable to even drive to town you pushed forward in person on planning, meetings, and occasional promotions while I handled things remotely through my phone and laptop. I don’t recommend trying to plan something of this magnitude through correspondence, but I couldn’t have been prouder of this team for what was accomplished.
As an aside, I need to recognize Mark Ecklund for being the hardest-working man in Polk County. Every year he is selling buttons all over town for more than two months in the heat, rain, fog, and whatever else is thrown his way. He is one of the main reasons we have had success year after year.
We are currently reviewing feedback from our end-of-event surveys to inform our planning for next year. While several factors were beyond our control (such as weather, the CHS band deciding not to participate in the parade, yellow jackets), we have plenty of opportunities for improvement, including increased shade and seating, additional children’s activities, and greater accuracy between our website and pocket schedules. Though there are some things that we can’t bring back like the bed races as they no longer exist.
We tried a few new things this year and were happy with the results. Our goal is for Ox Cart Days to be an event you look forward to annually, sparking excitement when you see the first billboard or hear a mention on the radio. Or when you see the sign-up while grocery shopping or eating out with the family – yes! That’s right! Ox Cart Days is around the corner, and I wonder what they’ll have in store this year!
We look forward to seeing you next year from August 11th through the 17th. Thanks again for making 2024 an exceptional year for the festival and all of us!
James Pogatshnik – 2024 Ox Cart Committee Chair
