Tower-Soudan Depot Days

While Depot Days was mainly started as a fundraiser for the Tower-Soudan Historical Society, over the past few years the event has become a grand community get-together. And the volunteers at TSHS don’t mind a bit.

Ann Flannagan and Jim Macomber led the organizing committee. They recruited dozens of other volunteers, brought in other community groups, and lined up three days of entertainment.

The Tower Volunteer Fire Department set up their tent to provide shade for the volunteers and covered seating for those watching the entertainment. Fred Precht, from Minnesota Power, helped install temporary power for the stage. Fortune Bay Resort Casino lent use of a nice sound system.

The TSHS volunteer crew ranged from the under-10-crowd to the over 80-crowd. Teenager Sabrina Larson helped run the silent auction, which raised over $1,500 for historical society projects. Miss Tower-Soudan Lindsay Sikora spent three days in her royal dress, and helped open up the festival on Saturday. Flannagan’s three grandchildren spent the weekend dressed in volunteer vests, running errands, helping with tasks, and also having a grand old time.

The event also provided the opportunity for other community groups to raise money for worthwhile projects. The Tower Women’s Club raised over $1,000, which will be used to buy new planter boxes for Tower’s Main Street. The Tower Fire Department Relief Association sold tickets for the annual raffle fundraiser- the prize this year is a 16 ft. Lund with motor and trailer. The winner will be drawn on Sept. 6, so there is still time to get your tickets.

Good Ol’ Days was busy selling hamburgers and beer. Randy Semo said the weekend was a lot of fun, and hopes to extend the entertainment next year into the evening hours.

Entertainment featured both local favorites Cowboy Angel Blue and five of the Gawboys’ young teenage girls. Jordan Gawboy showed off his juggling skills. Book readings by local historian Marvin Lamppa and children’s book author Mary-jo Wargin were enjoyed by the crowd. Nancy Yapel read from books written by her daughter, Deanna Yapel Ziemba. On Sunday, Casey Aro led a hymn-sing and then Due North ended the day with their classic bluegrass.

Hibbing magician Chuck Perry was a big hit with children on Saturday, and he stayed all afternoon creating balloon sculptures.

There were 32 vendors, selling everything from classic fair food to homemade body lotion. Bird houses seemed to be everywhere. And lots of locals were stocking up on birchbark baskets. Flannagan said all the vendors were satisfied with their sales, and most said they would come back next year, even though the date, the traditional last weekend of July, will be competing with the St. Louis County Fair.

Plans for next year’s Depot Days are still up in the air. Flannagan said the committee will be meeting to make plans for next year.