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August 16, 1999
Poor weather fails to dampen fair crowdBy TONY ZIEBOL Journal Staff Writer ST. PETER -- It was a rainy, windy, cold and generally a miserable day but that didn't stop people from attending the last day of the last Nicollet County Fair of the century. There was no shortage of activities and sights. Bingo was very popular and so were the carnival games. Plenty of animals including, horses, cattle and pigs greeted visitors and there was also a dogshow. A new 4-H building was on display and had many activities and things on display. The building was constructed after several smaller building were destroyed in the 1998 tornado. In another building, exhibits ranging from the Republican Party to children's books to pet supplies were displayed Demolition football, a variation of the demolition derby was also a new event this year. Between an old fire truck and John Deere tractors, Eric Ouren of St. Peter showed off his chainsaw carving ability. A bear and a couple of troll-like figures were auctioned off in the afternoon. The largest one went for $150. Eric and his wife Robin started Ouren Woodcarvings in Iowa in 1993. Eric carves both large and small figures out of large stumps using his chainsaw and will make anything upon request (and a fee). They usually go for $75-$150. Scandinavian flat-plane carving is nearly a lost art, but Eric is one of a few working to keep the tradition alive. Using basswood and a simple carving knife, he carves four to eight inch figures and then Robin paints them with oil and acrylic paints. These are priced anywhere from $25-$100. A talented couple, the Ourens also do caricature carvings based on photographs. Spectators were amazed at Eric's ability. "Those are really wonderful," said a woman from Gaylord. "I wish I could do something creative like that." Behind the Ourens and the tractors, screams could be heard coming form the carnival rides. The Zipper seemed to be the kids' favorite, as they lined up for a short thrill. Fair attendees enjoyed themselves despite the weather. "I wish the weather would have been nicer, but it's been fun nevertheless," said Bill Johnson of Des Moines, Iowa.
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