The temps rose to the upper 90s making it a hot day to be out and about, but the strong, cool winds helped the vendors and kids in the bounce houses to cool off slightly as the day progressed. The streets were full of people, approximately 3,000, by some estimates, and every face had a smile. Thousands of lefse, many roasters of scalloped potatoes with ham, more roasters full of rice pudding, gallons of rommegrot, hundreds of Krumkakke, sandbakkels & abelskievers, Uffda tacos, hot dogs and bratwursts had been consumed by the time activities started to wind down.

The American Legion Color guard composed of Ted Lee, Larry Christensen, Andy Hoflen, Andy Harris & Calvin Jacobson led the Uffda Day Parade through town, and the now permanently reopened Lariat Bar, under new ownership and new management, supplied refreshments to patrons throughout the afternoon and evening hours.  Arts & craft vendors, more than 30 of them, reported a great day, and the nickel scramble, once again sponsored by Joe’s Ag Supply and the Kenny & Tanya Hamilton family, had enthusiastic participation by kids of all ages.

Among the highlights of this year’s event were the 2023 car show organized by David & Pat Bladow, and members of their family, that included 112 antique, classic, restored & modified automobiles from throughout North Dakota, South Dakota & Minnesota, the sawmill – operated by Dale McLaen, Alan Olstad, Joel Susag, and Sod Buster volunteers from Fort Ransom – powered by David Susag’s 70 Oliver tractor, and musical performances by local talent at the Seniors’ Center and Town Hall throughout the day.

Thanks to Tony Banish, there are now several color drone photographs and a video or two, that show the vibrancy of Uffda Day and of the city of Rutland at its finest on Uffda Day 2023.