Heavy clouds rolled in from the west as I stood on the west edge of the ball field in Morristown late Saturday afternoon.
ONLY BLOCKS FROM THE HEART of Morristown, next to Babe Nordmeier Field on the west edge of town, corn sprouts in tidy rows upon the fertile earth.
This southeastern Minneosta community runs rural through and through with businesses centered on agriculture. Farmers live and work on land passed down through generations.
I climbed onto the back of the riser/stage to shoot this photo. In the foreground, behind the Dam Days royalty, are the trophies and ribbons and perhaps other prizes in the bags.
On Saturday afternoon, locals and those who grew up here, and others, like me, gathered under a tent on Main Street to watch the Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pull during the annual Dam Days celebration. It’s a grassroots event that melds a deep appreciation of the town’s rural roots with the connections of family and friendly competition.
Even the Dam Days princesses participated in the pedal pull. Look at the faces in the crowd.
As I observed the pedal pull, I focused not only on the determined little ones peddling with all their might, but on the proud parents, the equally encouraging grandparents, the enthusiastic siblings, the sweet princesses and more.
Cameras and encouragement abounded.
Before me I viewed a competition, yes. But I also noted smiles and felt that sense of community which prevails in the heart of rural America. At this moment in time, in this small town, all is well in the world.
The vehicles of competition, momentarily parked.
This little guy cheers on a competitor.
…while this preschooler was getting tired. She wasn’t sleeping, but…
Cheering on a contestant.
Sweet Dam Days royalty turned around and flashed their royal smiles when they realized I was behind them.
Happy and determined.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Perfect picture of the “royalty”!!! LOVE those smiles!! Genuine!!!
Aren’t they just the sweetest?
Adorable!
Gee, I should enter my ‘Murray” pedal tractor into a pull. I still have my pedal tractor from my youth. I got it for Christmas in 1954! It is still in rather good condition after all these years. I put a lot of miles on it! My Granddaughter rode it a little when she was smaller. Now it awaits in the corner of the basement for it’s next driver. I look at it remembering that Christmas in 1954. The house was full of relatives, and my Tractor was waiting for me behind the door going down to the basement. Too big to be wrapped, it had to be hidden until the moment of glee. Now, out of that house full of close relatives, only 3 of us are still alive. Now you know why I look at that red tractor in the corner, and memories flood my mind. I was 3, on that Christmas Eve, and the next day, the 25th I turned 4. Yet that Christmas stands out like it was last year! Oh how I loved the 1950’s!!!!
What a wonderful memory. Given you were only three, almost four, that tractor made quite an impression for you to recall details of that Christmas.
What a lovely picture you painted with words and photos Audrey of what goes on in so many of the small communities across our great country with our families living their lives as they do despite all the chaos that appears to be happening in this large world we live in. There is no need to watch “reality” shows on TV when we have REAL shows like this in our own back yards. Thanks for bringing it to us who did not have the opportunity to attend those “Dam Days”.
You are most welcome, Harriet. I know how much you appreciate rural Minnesota and all it offers. I will have two more Morristown posts–one on an historic mill and another of an old schoolhouse turned museum. I expect you will enjoy both given your special interest in history.
Pedal pulls and the “Musebakken 500” soapbox race are highlights of our town’s celebration, also (http://www.houstonhoedown.com/photopage.htm ) Everyone cheers and it really is good natured fun!
I’m glad you mentioned the soapbox derby as Morristown had one of those, too. I missed it, unfortunately.
Both our boys competed. Unfortunately, their Radio Flyer wagon was dismantled in the process!!!!!
One of our kids competed in a pedal pull once, too, and actually placed. Can’t remember which kid or where, but it was a spur-of-the-moment entry. So, was the wagon dismantled when your boys were practicing?
Building their soap box resulted in such re-creation/dis-assembly.. The ride toys were always challenged with various ramps in order to provide that “air-born” experience!!! Ugh!
Oh, yes, we built ramps for our bikes. I don’t remember anyone ever getting seriously injured.
Me either! A few bent wheels, though!!!
I like small towns. 🙂
They are great, aren’t they?
Nothing better than a good old fashioned tractor pull – Great Captures – thanks for sharing:) I enjoy watching the kiddos ride the sheep when the rodeo is in town. Happy Monday!
I have not been to a rodeo in years. Sure to be lots of great photo ops there.
Love all the sweet faces of those little ones! Love the “stormy sky” photo…so pretty (God’s artwork in progress)
We were headed to the car show at the ball field when I saw that stormy sky with the incredible light. I could not leap from the van fast enough to reach the edge of the farm field. Never mind the vintage cars that were driving away as the show had just ended.
I remember that era of childhood covetousness when my siblings and I desperately wanted a pedal-powered tractor. It still looks like buckets of fun to me!
I surely witnessed lots of fun at the pedal pull. I always wanted a pogo stick growing up.