Despite Weather Fort Pierre Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Was A Success –
By Sunny Hannum
In spite of having to cancel wagon rides due to a horse virus, a snowstorm dumping several inches of snow, and a strong northwest wind, the cook-off and tree lighting were attended by about 100 people. The event raised $496 towards helping needy families with heating bills.
Cook-Off contestants this year were the Fort Pierre Chamber (chili & soup), Shad Ludemann (chili), Michelle Maupin Barrett (chili), Reg Nelson (soup), Janice Deal (soup), and Dave Bonde (chili). Best Chili Award went to Michelle Maupin Barret and Best Soup Award went to Reg Nelson, a comeback winner from previous years.
Fort Pierre Development Corporation has many people to thank but most of all A BIG THANK YOU FOR THE TOWNSPEOPLE THAT CAME OUT TO BRAVE THE COLD. When the going gets tough, the tough get going!
Also, a big thank you to Jill Edgmon, Duffy Center Manager, for assisting with the preparations and helping the FPDC Office Manager Sunny Hannum with the cook-off. A thank you to Larry Cronin for assuring the contestants that they had electricity. Thank you to Eric Drageset, Sunny Hannum, Dave Bonde, and Jill Egmon for table set up and to everyone who helped us to tear down.
Thank you to all our sponsors: Community Youth Involved – 25 dozen cookies; Dakotamart – crackers, bowls, spoons, coffee, cocoa, etc.; AGE Construction & Gerad Johnson – Tree removal & set up;
City Employees – Tree set up & decoration, St. John’s Catholic Church – The Christmas Tree and Father Korban for throwing the switch; Dakota Radio Group & Cruiser – Music; Santa – Larry Johnson. (Photo credit Christmas Tree Kitty Duffy; Cook-Off Photos credit Sunny Hannum)
