Record year for Hometown Sampler

The top was blown off the record books for the 28th annual Hometown Sampler that supports the Steele County Food Shelf, now called Community Pathways of Steele County, Inc.
With the exception of a missed year in 2021 due to COVID-19, the Hometown Sampler Concert Series has brought local musical talent together to help raise funds for the Steele County Food Shelf.
The weekend of music supports community hunger needs.
Dom Korbel, executive director of Community Pathways of Steele County, couldn't believe the total that rang up after four concert shows helped raise funds to perpetuate the Community Pathways food shelf.
He revealed the grand total for the four concerts at $28,032. Pathways volunteers also collected 200 pounds of food.
Attendance was listed at 1,200 for the four shows held at the Little Theatre in Owatonna.
"The overwhelming generosity of our Steele County residents just amazes me," said Korbel.
Korbel dusted off his trusty calculator for the four shows and came up with these impressive totals: 
            • Friday: $11,775
            • Saturday afternoon: $3,938
            • Saturday evening: $4,806
            • Sunday: $7,513
Four very talented musical groups entertained some lively audiences following action on the LTO stage. The musical lineup looked like this:
Turn the Page— Colin Whalen, John Lestock, Jessica Dant, Paul Kunkel, Vianna Bohlen and Scott Rogness.
Bad Tangerines— Michael Ferch, Erin Terres, Tammi Ferch, Libby Berg, Don Hettinga, Jodie DeKam and Dan Dent.
The Gogs— John Weisenburger, Lindsey Hugstad-Vaa, Nate Sherwood, Mark Anderson, Soren Bjornstad, Dan Leer, Marcia Anderson and David Dow.
Mile 5— Benn Konold, Gavin Glynn, D.J. Chatelaine, Noah DeKam and Logan Johnson.
All entertainers were invited on stage for a finale number which turned out to be a popular Beatles number, "Here Comes the Sun."
An unexpected highlight came mid-way in the show when triplets Kelsie Bowman, Carter Bowman and Cora Bowman were invited on stage to dance to the music. The triplets were celebrating their eighth birthdays on this date, March 4.
Dave Otto and John Havelka were emcees for the Hometown Sampler. They brought some funny humor to the evening.
At Community Pathways, its vision is to promote a stronger and healthier community by being a trusted resource for food, clothing and other support.
The food shelf exists, says director Korbel, "because thousands of our friends and neighbors in Steele County rely on our help to provide basic needs and resources for their families."
Korbel continued to elaborate on community needs saying, "While we wish there was no need for our work, we are proud of the community's response.
"We are mindful and grateful to the many people who freely and frequently volunteer their time, dollars and energies as well as those who lead the organizations we join in partnership."
Many of these concert entertainers were returning to the stage for the first time since COVID-19 struck.