Board position, new members needed at annual meeting

By Robert Williams

Editor

Turkey Days in July may be a thing of the past after 2026, according to Frazee Area Community Club President Tom Watson. Moving the annual event up a month to June is going to be a discussion point at the club’s annual meeting on Thursday, March 19, at the Event Center.

“It’s going to be discussed,” Watson said. “There’s just so much going on in July.”

Last summer, Turkey Days coincided with both the Becker County Fair in Detroit Lakes and the East Otter Tail County Fair in Perham. Despite record vendor numbers and a solid showing all weekend, the fourth weekend in July is becoming a clogged time on the summer calendar.

Vergas benefited from hosting its annual festival, Looney Days, just a week later at the end of July and found a rare quiet weekend that allowed thousands of people to swarm the village all weekend. 

Frazee Community Club members are going to discuss the change but there will be no decision  made. Any changes would occur in 2027 or later and the expected month for the move remains June, but that is also a point of discussion.

After the meeting, the Community Club will utilize an online poll of residents to get their feedback prior to making any decision.

“We’re going to put it to the vote of the people,” said  Watson.

There will be some voting Thursday as there are two community club board member spots open at Vice President and Secretary. Watson remains as president and Dani Ketter is currently holding the Treasurer position. Other current board members are Sharon Trieglaff Jons, Jackie Lucca, Madison Olson, Brikker Ware, Ashley Renollet and Jenn Winn.

Members are key to keeping events going and improving.

“We need help, the board can’t do everything,” said Watson.

The Frazee Community Club’s annual meeting begins at 5 p.m., with a baked potato bar hour prior to speakers at 6 p.m. Joining Watson will be Frazee Community Development Corporation Treasurer Erik Anderson leading a discussion on Wannigan Regional Park. Other updates expected will be coming from Frazee’s Economic Development Authority which has been actively pursuing more housing in the area. Mayor Mike Sharp or one of the city council members will speak about happenings at the city, another civic group that has put housing atop its list of priorities.

An update on fundraising and future construction plans of the pickleball courts will also be discussed, along with a review of art installations around town over the past year which was led by the Community Club, including the $15,000 mural at the park downtown.

Last year’s mural installation by artist Lili Lennox and Micah Lennox is something Watson singles out as a big benefit to the community that comes from increased membership in the community club.

“Here’s what we can do if we’ve got membership,” said Watson. “We also need board members and business people and people who are invested in businesses on Main Street to help out on the board.”

As much as the meeting is about sharing successes and information, it is equally about membership. Being a member of the club helps support many activities in Frazee besides big events like Turkey Days. It also supports flower gardens, yard beautification projects, the annual corn feed, back to school events, blood drives, Veterans Day lunch, summer parades, holiday events and various other community events.

Annual memberships range from $25 and $50 for silver and gold individual/family memberships to bronze, silver and gold business memberships of $100, $200 and $500.

For more information visit: frazeecommunityclub.com

The club’s annual meeting is free and open to the public.

Frazee Area Community Club annual meeting

Frazee Event Center

Thursday, March 19, 5-7 p.m .