Uffda Day 2002 dawned with a barrage of four letter words — rain, wind, snow and cold. But, after that inauspicious start, the day steadily improved and the Rutland Community Club chalked up another successful community event. Although attendance was slightly reduced due to the foul weather, a large crowd lined Main Street to watch the noon parade. Local auctioneer Dollar Bill Smith volunteered his services and sound equipment to announce the parade which was also broadcast by Chad Loomis over KQLX radio of Lisbon. KXJB-TV weatherman Bruce Asbury made the parade and later ate his way from the Uffda taco stand at the new Fire Hall on Bagley Street to the fresh buns and muffins from the woodfired cookstove at the Pioneer House on Arthur Street. Craft booth proprietors reported another banner year.

The weather may have been cold but the people of Rutland gave every visitor a warm welcome to the 18th annual observance of the community’s Fall festival. Uffda Day co-chairpersons Kris Nerison, Shari Leinen, and Dan Anderson reported that the event went off without a hitch.