Photos by Robert Williams

Hundreds came out to celebrate Jay Estenson and The Yak Shack Beauty Salon and Tanning’s 50 year anniversary on Tuesday, July 1 in downtown Frazee. A meal was provided, along with treats from Frazee’s soon-to-be-open businesses Mama’s Pizzeria N’ Scoops and Home Sweet Bakehouse, along with entertainment provided by Tim Eggebraaten. Estenson was born and raised in the town of Dickey, south of Jamestown, N.D., and got to Frazee by way of her future sister-in-law, Marlyce Berend Estenson, who was teaching in Fargo and owned the salon in Frazee. The two made an agreement for Estenson to work in Frazee, but not for long. She agreed to stay for one year. Somehow, that turned into 49 more as Estenson’s salon became a staple of downtown Frazee.