Smokin’ in Steele gets new name, new look

Smokin’ in Steele has run its course, but it’s not going away.

It has had a few iterations, beginning in 2001 as the Hometown Fair held in the parking lot of the Owatonna Hy-Vee store. It featured carnival rides, food and family events.

After just a few years, the parking lot was no longer big enough to hold both the Hometown Fair and parking for the store’s customers, so former store manager Casey Connor and Scott Kozelka walked across the street to the Steele County Fairgrounds.

“We asked Elmer Reseland if it was OK if we used the Beer Garden and set up some rides,” said Kozelka, who is now manager of the SCFF.

The Hometown Fair eventually became too much for just a couple of people to run.

Enter the Owatonna Knights of Columbus #945; Connor and Kozelka were both members.

“The Knights took it over and ran it as the Hometown Fair until 2007, when it became Smokin’ in Steele,” Kozelka said.

And so it was, for the next 18 years, with a couple years off for COVID.

It’s been a good run, said Joe Elbert, who has been on the event committee for the KCs, “but we lost quite a few members out of the main corps of people,” he said. “They just got old, and some are no longer with us.”

So, in a show of community partnership, the Knights of Columbus offered the opportunity to continue and grow the event to Kozelka and the Steele County Free Fair.

The Fair Board of Directors considered the offer – and unanimously agreed to step in.

With a vision to build on its strong foundation, the Fair will keep the traditional dates, while expanding the experience into a wide-ranging, community-based celebration – with a new look and a new name.

“Spring into Summer” will serve as a launch point, of sorts, into the busy fair and festival season, bringing together families, local businesses and visitors for a weekend full of entertainment, competition, food and fun.

The expanded event will feature a mix of returning favorites and new additions, including a 16-team softball tournament; live music from local, regional and potentially out-of-state entertainers spanning blues, country, rock, pop and more; a flea market; backyard BBQ competition; 10-12 food trucks and stands that are fan favorites at the SCFF; a 5K fun-run, sponsored by Tom Thumb donuts; a cornhole tournament and much more.

The weekend will kick off Thursday with a bourbon and cigar sampling evening ticketed fundraiser, with a catered meal.

“This event is about bringing people together and showcasing the best of our community,” Kozelka said. “Just like the SCFF itself, Spring into Summer will be free to attend and family-friendly.”

Fair leadership will call on area volunteers and subject-matter enthusiasts to help lead elements of the weekend such as the softball tournament and the backyard BBQ competition.

In keeping with the tradition of giving back, the Fair will partner with another local nonprofit organization, which will receive a portion of the funds raised.

Community members, businesses and organizations are encouraged to get involved; those with ideas, interested in volunteering, or looking to help sponsor this free community event are invited to reach out directly to the Steele County Free Fair office at 507-451-5305 or steelecountyfreefair@scff.org.

 For more information and announcements about the Steele County Free Fair’s Spring Into Summer event, visit: www.scff.org/spring-into-summer.