Uffda Day 2012, dawned clear, cold and breezy with the thermometer registering 27 degrees at 7 a.m. as the Rutland community got underway for another celebration. Entrants in the 3rd annual Uffda Day 5K run/walk faced a stiff wind causing more than one entrant to wonder if they would get frostbite by the time they reached the turnaround point a mile south of town. All participants made it across the finish line with times raging from 22 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes.

The cold weather kept most visitors inside throughout the morning, enjoying coffee, conversation and a lot of good things to eat, along with visiting the craft booths in town. By the 1 p.m. parade time, the wind had gone down to a gentle breeze the temperature climbed into the upper 50s. The parade was a little shorter than last year consisting of 55 units that included several political candidates. There were a number of interesting entries in the parade but the biggest hit of the parade was undoubtedly the Aberdeen Fire Department Bagpipe Band from Aberdeen, South Dakota. With bagpipes wailing and drums beating, the band members wowed the crowd, many of whom had never heard bagpipe music that actually sounded like music. Following the parade, the pipers also performed at several locations on main street, in front of the Hall, and at the Fire Hall.

Once again, Chair Lori McLaen, commented on the success of the day made possible by the time and commitments of the residents of Rutland who work for months to prepare for Uffda Day. When the day is finished, it takes time to recover. Uffda!

By 10 a.m. the arts and crafts vendors were opening their stands. Demonstrations and food sales began promptly at 11 . David and Pat Bladow had the classic and antique car show organized on Gay Street and Mary Ann Thornberg showed folks how grandma did her baking with a wood burning cookstove at the Pioneer House.

The parade started promptly at 1 p.m. with Dollar Bill Smith announcing the parade entries to the crowd on Main Street. Before and during the parade, individuals consumed 18 roasters of scalloped potatoes and ham at the Town Hall, and all the other foods stands were sold out by the end of the day. Chairperson Lori McLaen declared the day another unqualified success.

The sun was barely above the eastern horizon at 8 a.m. when nineteen runners and walkers were at the starting line to compete in the first annual Uffda Day 5-K event that had been organized by the 2010 Chairperson, Lori McLaen. The group included walkers from age 8 to 72, 11 from North Dakota, 6 from South Dakota and 2 from Minnesota. By the time the last participant crossed the finish line, the arts and crafts vendors were setting up for the day.

The American Legion Color Guard from Bergman-Evenson Post #215 led the parade past another large crowd estimated at 2,500 to 3,000. Many of the classic cars rolled down main street followed by the tractors, horses, Miss Sargent County, and several new and unique participants all to the fun and delight of those watching the parade.

Another first-time event was the wine tasting sponsored by the ND Grape Growers Association. Prairiewood Winery of Elliott ND and Red Trail Winery from Buffalo ND had booths set up in the dining room at the Lariat Bar. The old Lariat Bar building, now at the corner of First and Arthur Streets, was the center of action for a number of vendors and Wolfie The Clown and other activities for kids of all ages. The Rutland-Cayuga Rural Fire Department offered time for the kids to cool off and water down with the fire hoses.

The street from the Bank to the Legion Hall was blocked off for the car show and antique tractors. Dave and Pat Bladow did another outstanding job of organizing a fascinating collection of antique and classic automobiles.

Throughout the day, music, food, demonstrations and displays, coupled with a beautiful sunny day, made Uffda Day another festive event.

In preparation for the 25th Uffda Day, volunteer workers started early to roll out 2,500 pieces of lefse to sell in packages of three – or to be consumed at the Hall community dinner. As usual, more lefse was made for those who wanted it hot off the grill at the Rutland Senior Center where they could also get their freshly made rommegrot while being entertained by the musicians throughout the day.

The parade had several new entries including an old fashioned bicycle and a bubble blowing sprayer that had the kids sticking out their tongues to catch the bubbles. The Sargent County Envirothon team float tossed candy to the waiting kids. Other activities included a pudding eating contest for the kids and a blindfolded cupcake walk that was also a hit this year.

Mother Nature was anything but friendly for Uffda Day 2008 with gale force winds and rain throughout the day. A crowd of visitors still found their way to Rutland to make the best of a bad situation. The parade began at noon with the antique tractors , vintage cars carrying county queen candidates, horses and floats tossing candy to the children who ran to catch the candy before it would gather in the pools of water along the street.

Those seeking lefse to purchase this year took a wagon or trailer ride over to the Nordland Lutheran Church to grab a bag or two or ten. Crafts were moved out of the Legion Hall to the Fire Hall as the new fitness center was occupying the Legion building. A limited supply of Uffda Day T-shirts were available for purchase at the Rutland General Store and Alley Cuts.

The Rutland Depot Museum was open and featured demonstrations of embroidery and needlework. Maude offered freshly baked buns and muffins in the pioneer house kitchen and a place to warm up and get out of the rain. Many made the best of a bad situation knowing all too well that Uffda Day only comes once a year.

Despite damp, cool and misty weather, the Uffda Day parade began at noon sharp with two of Rutland’s most senior citizens, Hazel Preble and Edith Pherson, sharing the honor as Grand Marshalls of the Uffda Day Parade. They were chauffeured in a 1958 Ford retractable hardtop convertible owned and driven by Roger White of Stirum. One of the units that added some zip to the event was the volunteer band composted of 33 members of the Sargent Central Cadets Band led by Kaia Thorfinnson. The “Mad Hatters” precision shopping cart drill team sponsored by the Rutland General Store and the Troll Patrol, kept the crowd laughing.

This year there were several new musical attractions in town, including the Sweet Adeline barbershop quartet, and other performers at the Hall and Senior Center. Classic cars were on display along with restored tractors and machinery.

The Lefse Lenas prepared approximately 4,500 lefse the dinner and to be sold with every single one gone within the hour. Food booths sold Uffda tacos, cotton candy, homemade ice cream, brats, and more. It was another fun day of food, music and reunions of friends a family.