The Pour House in Clarks Grove holds Bean Bag Tournament

A small crowd gathered the morning of June 14 outside the Pour House in Clarks Grove. Teams took part in informal bean bag competition, bounce houses were set up for children; raffles, door prizes and free popcorn were offered.

Bennett Schlaak organized the event on behalf of Farm Bureau Financial Services and the organization’s county federation. Schlaak explained members of the Bureau can acquire their insurance through the organization. Regarding the June 14 gathering, he said, “For this event, Bruce Nielsen, owner of the bar, who I’ve known for some time, let us set up here at the Pour House. The Bureau provided the bean bag boards and the prizes.” There were Farm Bureau shirts and hats. Schlaak’s brother, Alex Schlaak of Legend Woodcrafts, provided a custom American flag themed bean bag toss set. There were also numerous door prizes valued at over $250 and a raffle contest. There were blow-up bounce houses for children and a mountain of popcorn. Adults were encouraged to acquire their own beverages inside at the bar.

Two locals, Shaun and Virginia Magyer, brought their kids Elizabeth and Lilian, who were enjoying themselves energetically in the bounce house. Said Shaun, “I hope the kids are tired tonight.”

Schlaak’s hope is, “This is aimed at young farmers and ranchers; we want them to meet other like-minded people. The bounce house is to attract kids. With TV the way it is today, it’s a magnet pulling kids away from their hometowns. If we can stop just one today, then it was worth it.”

Schlaak was hoping for a hundred people, but said he understood that, with the recent rain, “Farmers are really busy today playing catch-up in the fields, so I get it if they can’t come.”

More information about the Farm Bureau and its programs is available from Bennett Schlaak at 507-465-0170.