Staff Writer
International Falls Bass Tournament master of ceremonies Chip Leer noted that this year’s tournament presented the greatest challenges to the anglers and that the victories were hard earned and well deserved.
He could say the same for the many fans and entertainers that ignored the drizzle and cooler temperatures to make for a weekend of fun and excitement away from the water as well.
The local entertainment was well received on Thursday. The tent was packed for both the afternoon Teen Idol and the Casting Call competition later that evening. Paul Nevanen served as the emcee of both events. (Watch this week’s Journals for more photos of the events.)
The 2008 Teen Idol champion is Dylan Strieff, 11, with his rendition of the early 1980s band classic, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” by Journey. He said it is one of his favorites and that it is also a good performance song. He got the crowd cheering along with his stage presence and a good natural smile.
“I got it from watching my dad,” said Strieff. “I go on stage just to have fun.”
Tessa Wallks took second place, followed by Amber Hozsowski, Dylan Ossachuk and Jaime Sjoblom.
Talent must run in the Stieff family. Dylan’s father, John Strieff, who runs a local DJ and karaoke business, won the Casting Call competition later that evening. As the final performer, he sang Van Halen’s “Ice Cream Man,” complete with Dairy Queen bib, visor and cooler full of ice cream bars to toss to the kids.
“I like all of Van Halen’s songs, whether they are David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar,” said Strieff.
Friday morning brought a different tempo. There was classic country permeating the grounds from the Country Nites Band.
Third Street was lined with classically restored and custom designed vintage cars belonging to members of the Early Iron Car Club. Pat Harris, vice president, Early Iron Car Club, said the members share a common bond of old automobiles and love the chance to exhibit them to the public. The club exists, he added, to help each other benefit from the experience of others in restorations and in networking for parts. The organization is unique for its Canadian membership and alternative versions of American built cars marketed north of the border.
The big trucks followed on Saturday.
The Family Fun Zone events were free and numerous. This great combination kept the kids captivated and having fun. The minnow races were very popular even if the cold weather did wipe out the first batch over night.
Along with magicians and local children’s author Mary Casanova, who captivated the kids with a participatory reading of her books, the RAD ZOO live reptile demonstration completed a knock-out weekend of quality kids fun.
Jamie Pastika, Rad Zoo, showed just how smart kids are as they answered in depth questions about reptiles and amphibians from all over the world. His spouse, Melissa, said kids are really into the animal shows and learn a lot on their own. The kids eagerly welcomed a chance to pet everything from snakes to salamanders to an American Alligator.
The Pastika’s have run the show based out of Owatonna for three years. They are professional zoologists and met while doing similar work at Disney World.
Family Fun Zone coordinator, Brenda Jones, said volunteers and organizational collaboration was the key to a successful event.
“People came out in force and everything is running very smoothly,” she said.
The Ronald McDonald Show on Saturday nearly filled the big tent with kids.
The Littlefork Church operated a bass tournament game for kids, an idea dreamed up by the Rev. Randy Barstad. The kids “purchase” a fishing license and then reel various sized paper fish once an hour. They keep watch as a leaders board is updated. Winners get a rod and reel, a chance to sit in the real tournament winners bass boat, but Marty and Inge Kaivola say it’s the free lure with every cast that draws the kids.
“The kids really come for the bait,” said Mary Kaivola.
The Falls High School sports team had supporter booths, selling food or offering games to raise funds for the upcoming year.
The baseball team had a taco booth that was donated by Dominoes Pizza. Coach Vic Heinlen said the funds would help the team make a March trip to Florida, to build team unity, camaraderie, and for a chance to play outside in the early spring.
Friday evening was a hoot if you were a fan of homespun Minnesota comedy.
Annette Hustad and Susan Tina Edwards brought their energetic “Lena and Tina” act, bringing even bass championship president Gary Potter, and vice president Ward Merrill on stage for a fishing segment. The couple told new jokes and gave old jokes new life with a Borderland spin.
The Swingin’ Seratomans followed with a little more of a raw edge on the home spun humor.
GB Leighton closed the event Saturday night. They followed the awards ceremony and big drawings, by which time the crows was ready to let loose with a late night of contemporary heartland rock band.
