Uffda Day 2000 was another resounding success, according to co-chairpersons Lori McLaen, Hal Nelson , and Kris Nerison. The large crowd in town was undeterred by the overcast skies and a light rain shower that afternoon. Much of the success was due to the preparation by a diversity of workers from age 8 to 89. In preparation for the event, 4,515 pieces of lefse had been rolled – the most to date – with help from the Rutland High School alumni, over a period of four weeks.
A new attraction this year was the schoolhouse that was moved into Rutland earlier in 2000. Built in 1895, the building was used as a school in Taylor Township of Sargent County until 1955, when it was moved to Cayuga, where it served many years as the American Legion Hall. Bill Anderson purchased the building at an action in 1999 and donated it to the City. Ron Narum and his wife, Doris Ann, worked on furnishing and fixing up the building ever since.
This year, 20 roasters of scalloped potatoes and ham were served at the Hall. While eating, the crowd was entertained by piano and organ music on the City Hall stage and later by an accordion and guitars. Those not in the mood for a smorgasbord, could fine bratwurst at the old fire hall next door. There was cotton candy available for desert and freshly pressed apple cider.
The parade began at noon with a fly over by Rodney Erickson and his boss, Steve Weatherby, in an AT-6 Texan vintage World War II era training plan. The El Zagal Viking Ship floated past parade watchers as did Melroe Bobcats, miniature cars, several parade floats and the Wild Rice Antique Tractor and Plowing Association antique tractors, interspersed among the horse drawn carriages, horses and riders and antique and classic cars.
Antique tractors were on display on First Street along with the classic cars ranging from a Model A Ford, circa 1930, all the way up to a 1999 Plymouth Prowler. Demonstrations of tatting, wheat weaving, wool spinning, rope making and corn shelling could also be found. Across the street, the Post Office had a special stamp cancellation all day for visitors to bring home a memento of the day. Homemade ice cream was being served at the laundromat. More than 300 visitors signed the guest register at the Depot Museum. It was another successful Uffda Day.
For more pictures and information on Uffda Day 2000 check out the ND Horizons magazine article available at https://digitalhorizonsonline.org/digital/collection/ndhorizons/id/4661/rec/9
