Sleigh and Cutter history highlighted in WCHS display

The Waseca County Historical Society has set out displays ranging from sequins to equines to help visitors connect with the rich local roots of the Sleigh and Cutter festival, now in its 76th year. As those who visit the Society’s exhibit will quickly see, the event has brought Waseca area residents together for generations.

 

And, Historical Society executive director Amy Danielson wants people to know, the more the merrier. “If you have artifacts to share, we’d love to put together more displays.” 

 

She mentions a recent visit from Jolene Hawkins, who was named “Miss Waseca” in 1970. Hawkins brought in trophies and a tiara awarded to her during the pageant. The items she donated are displayed next to an elegant blue cape and lacy dress worn by Darlene Paulson, who earned the title “Miss Sleigh Bell” in 1959; near the dress, which is draped over a chair, is a large photo poster of Paulson, quite probably taken the night she was crowned.

 

Nearby is a photo booth with a small sleigh where visitors can nestle in under a lap robe for a quick picture. Other items, Danielson mentions, have been somewhat surprising for visitors who have seen the display so far. 

 

Among the first to come when it opened in mid-December were erstwhile beauty queen Hawkins and her family.

 

A whole collection of scrapbooks regarding the event is available for those who have some time to peruse: newspaper articles and photos appear alongside event programs and other memorabilia. A reader can learn that the event started in 1950 when an organization of area horse owners put it together for the sake of sharing their interest with the community. No vehicles with wheels were permitted for the first two decades. Instead, snow was collected off Clear Lake and laid in a track along the route; it was picked back up afterwards and returned to the lake. The change allowing wheels took place after organizers chose to reduce the expense–and the liability–of holding the parade.

 

Another element of the current display which Danielson finds remarkable is that numerous local organizations collaborated to make it possible, including bringing in a life-size fiberglass horse currently on loan from Farmamerica. The Waseca County Horse Thief Detectives organization has also made some contributions.

 

“It’s one more illustration of the collaboration it takes to put together a community event,” comments Danielson. “That helps make the display special, and brings in extra variety.”

 

Danielson suggests that community members have many opportunities to contribute their talents and knowledge. “Every organization involved is looking for volunteers,” she comments. “Indoors or outdoors, there are ways your skills and knowledge can help make the whole event even better.” She offers that anyone interested can visit the Sleigh and Cutter website under the “take action” heading to sign up.

 

She also encourages area residents to watch for future developments. She says the route of the parade has been returned to a former path which will take the parade right past the Historical Society building at 315 Second Ave. Northeast. The intent is to have chairs available outside, and simultaneously serve as a place to step out of the wind and cold.

Additional plans, she says, are under consideration and will be shared as they are finalized.