The new Miss Steamer was announced by Britny Villwock, our 2006 First Attendant and crowned by Heather Duban, contest organizer and Miss Steamer 2002 at the Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. annual winter banquet. This year's Miss Steamer is Jamie Becker, daughter Bill and Nancy Becker of Northfield. Jamie is very active at Northfield High School and in the community. She participates in basketball, volleyball and track and also plays in the school orchestra. Jamie is also involved in the Rainbow Saddle Club. One of her goals for the show is to attract a younger crowd.

Her first attendant is Casey Taylor, daughter of Ken and Kim Taylor, also of Northfield. Casey is student council treasurer at Northfield High School and was student director for Rodeo 2006. They will represent the club at area parades, community festivals and other farm shows, besides working at the various club events.

Last year's Miss Steamer, Jennifer Janak was unable to attend the banquet, but Britny Villwock thanked club members for the opportunity to represent Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. She also recognized Roger Caron and Curtis Piper for their help and guidance at various appearances.

Area businesses who donated gifts to our royalty include: Avon representative Carmen Sevcik, Chappuis Jewelry of Faribault, Dandelet Jewelry of Faribault, Duban's Tried Acres of Faribault, Kay's Floral of Faribault, Mary Kay representative, Margaret Speck, Write-on of Cannon Falls and the families of Rolf Haaland and Melvin Hogan. The Miss Steamer pageant was organized by the late Luann Barta, in 2000 and is open to youth between the ages of 13 and 18 who are related to club members.

We look forward to seeing Jamie and Casey at area events and know they will do a fine job of representing the club. Best wishes to Jennifer Janak our 2006 Miss Steamer and to Britny Villwock, her First Attendant. Thanks for a job well done!

Bill then went on to recognize one of the original founders of the club, Smokey Cross and presented him with a framed picture of him as grand marshal of the 2006 Show parade. Smokey has been given a lifetime membership in the club. He expressed his thanks and amazement at how much the club has grown. Other framed photos were presented to Jim Code and Mary Villwock for their work  in the sorghum patch and to Del Sorgatz operating a tractor with the wrong color.

Businesses, groups or individuals who donated the use of the equipment and/or work to the show were recognized and included: Larson Implement, Bridgewater Township, Gleason Construction, Flom Disposal, Kurt Rauvola and River City Co-op, and Dick and Roxanne Simon.

Bill also listed donations to the Club: The Swartwoudt family - corn crib and 2 wagons, Curtis Piper - summer kitchen, LaVerne Rippley - construction, Karen Fence and Jerry Anderson - pallets for wood, Northfield Tractor and Equipment - metal roofing, Tom Duban - bundle wagon, Tom Wetzfield - skid loader and Joe Hollinger - field work.

After the crowing of the royalty, gospel and bluegrass music was provided by Mowin' Weeds under the leadership of Don Weed. There were brief interruptions in the program to announce the winners of items on the silent auction and donated door prizes. This year's silent auction items filled six tables and raised over $1,000.00. Thanks to Roger Janak, Kathy Pleschourt, Val Villwock, and Heather Duban for the hard work with the silent auction. Thanks also to Mowin' Weeds for the fine entertainment. We hope to see everyone next year for another fine evening of food, friendship and entertainment.

2006 Raffle Winner

The 1st Prize raffle winner of the 1952 Ford 8N Tractor was Steve Waliga, Northfield. Congratulations!! 2nd Prize - Ford Pedal Tractor - Ed Bunne, LeRoy; 3rd Prize - 1/16th Scale Ford Toy - Richard Huston, Faribault. Congratulations to all!!

Winner: Steve Waliga

September 1-3, 2006

Thank you to all who worked so hard to make our 2006 Labor Day weekend show successful: grounds workers, raffle ticket sellers, sponsor contacts, vendors and exhibitors, parade participants, present and past years' royalty, demonstrators, musicians, committee chairs and members, gate workers, cleanup crew, sponsors and all who visited us. See you in 2007!