Will These Events be Back in 2021?

Unthinkable things happened in 2020. The Steele County Fair got canceled. Schools did not hold their proms. Graduation turned into a parking lot commencement. Virtually everything else was transitioned to a drive-thru. The Young Life cake auction shifted to an online activity. Many of these events were still a success last year. Which, if any, will return to something close to 'normal' in 2021?

Early each year a big crowd usually gathers for the chili cook-off in Owatonna to benefit the Andrew Lawrence Memorial Scholarship Fund. I have not seen any notes about that event on postponement or cancelation. The Young Life Cake Auction will likely still be virtual event. That's what director Lindsay Thompson said when I saw her during Young Life's 5K New Year's Day run/walk. It is scheduled for April 18.

The From the Heart Run to benefit local families battling cancer traditionally is held the first Saturday in May. Last year was canceled. Their website indicates the event will be held May 1, 2021 and the registration link appears to be active.

This gets us to the time of year for Corky's Softball Tournament, which was postponed to September, then canceled outright in 2020. School proms and graduations may still feel the effects of the pandemic.

Will bleachers be full for high school football in the fall of 2021? Will homecoming parades return? So many questions. So little certainty.