Waseca Sleigh and Cutter

For the seventy-sixth time, the Waseca Sleigh and Cutter parade brought horse-drawn units of many different kinds to the streets of Waseca on Saturday, Feb. 28.

 

Sleigh and Cutter committee president Scott Roemhildt reports there were 32 units in this year’s parade. Based on preregistration numbers, up to 41 groups may have taken part had it not been for a weather forecast predicting up to 5 inches of snow throughout the morning.

 

As it was, 4 inches of snow fell, blanketing the fairgrounds as parade participants made their preparations. Snow continued to fall throughout the parade.

 

Roemhildt comments, “The giant snowflakes and lack of wind seemed to energize our riders and teamsters getting prepared at the fairgrounds.  ‘Hallmark TV snow’ and ‘snow globe snow’ were among the descriptors.

 

“The parade itself was picturesque, with many spectators and participants commenting on the beauty of the snow with the horses. The good energy continued into lunch, with lots of laughter and conversation.  During a short program, we thanked volunteers, introduced participating royalty and discussed a common weekend for the event going forward. The parade participants decided the fourth weekend in February would best fit their schedules.”

 

While it was a shame to lose so many participants, Roemhildt speaks with apparent pride when he says, “The parade has never been cancelled in its history.” The possibility had been discussed late in the week as the winter weather advisory was announced, but members of the Sleigh and Cutter committee, some of the parade participants and Waseca County Sheriff Jay Dulas made a group decision to move forward. 

 

The annual Sleigh and Cutter festival begins with each new year and includes a wide variety of events including a pageant which crowns seven or more young ladies with various titles, among them “Miss Sleigh and Cutter.” Two contests are featured during the festival: one asks area residents to identify a mystery local figure referred to as “Frosty” with cash awards up to $1,750 for correct guesses. Another encourages local families to go searching together for the “Sleigh and Cutter Medallion” to win $1,750 in “Chamber Dollars,” money which can be spent at area businesses. 

 

Planning for the next year’s events begins even before the current year’s are complete. Roemhildt invites area residents to contribute their ideas and energy to the longstanding tradition.

 

“We have an excellent Festival committee, with the many duties of the Festival split among us. We would welcome anyone interested in joining us. We meet monthly year round. Interested parties can contact me at 507-995-9832.”