September 20, 2022
Teamwork among members of the Mayville State campus and the community highlighted another successful Mayville State University Farmers Bowl. The annual celebration of the area’s agricultural way of life took place Saturday, Sept. 17. Coordinated by the MSU Foundation, working together with alumni and friends in the Mayville-Portland community and beyond, this was the 27th annual Farmers Bowl. Activities included a parade, a family fun festival that included live music by Kenny and the Classics and facepainting and bounce houses for the kids. The Comets hosted Presentation College in the Farmers Bowl football game, and the Farmers Bowl Auction was the grand finale for the day.
Members of the Mayville State Alumni Association board, Doug Anderson, Don Cavalier, Mary Cavalier, Lucia Jacobson, Dean Krogstad, Lori Nelson, Wayne Nelson, Kelli Odden, Cindy Petersen, Pam Soholt, Herb Thomson, Cleone Whelan, and Ann Willeson were instrumental in planning and preparation for all the Farmers Bowl festivities. Auction committee members included Teresa Agnes, Doug Anderson, JoDee Dungan, Taylor Simon, Beth Swenson, and Ann Willeson. Students Zoe Agnes, Kade Susie, Kylee St. Croix, Logan Sherva, and Phillip Maritato each played a part in the auction event activities.
The May-Port color guard and Mayville-area emergency vehicles led the parade, followed by Mayville State President Dr. Brian Van Horn driving Harlan Johnson’s restored antique John Deere tractor. The parade included some antique vehicles and farm machinery, along with more modern-day entries. Many of Mayville State’s student-athletes walked along the parade route, and several Mayville State student clubs and organizations also participated with parade entries. The May-Port CG High School marching band entertained parade-watchers with their music.
Led by assistant softball coach Vance Christianson, Mayville State athletes and coaches prepared and served the tasty corn on the cob and hot dogs served near Jerome Berg Field immediately following the parade. The tailgating area was filled with revelers who went all-out in support of the Comets while having some fun.
A nice crowd of fans weathered the rain and celebrated with the Comets in their 28-17 victory over Presentation College. The Comet defense forced an interception with 1:51 left in the fourth quarter. This victory marks the Comets’ third-straight win and their first winning streak since 2016.
Back by popular demand, the Farmers Bowl Auction wrapped up the day’s activities in the MSU Campus Center Luckasen Room. The auction was back after taking a break during the last few years. Silent and live auction bidders enjoyed great food and spirited bidding on a fantastic assortment of donated items in the auction. Auctioneer Dennis Biliske of Resource Auction called the bids in the live auction event. When all was said and done, this year’s auction and other Farmers Bowl activities, including several sponsorships and the Farmers Bowl Cash Raffle, generated more than $57,000. Proceeds will benefit Mayville State University and its students through the work of the MSU Foundation.
Rammie Olson, Mayville State alumna from Fargo, N.D., was the winner of the $1,000 cash prize in the Farmers Bowl Cash Raffle fundraiser that was offered to alumni and friends all over the United States. Rammie very generously forfeited her winnings for the benefit of Mayville State. The $1,000 prize will be added to the MSU Foundation endowed scholarship that has been established in memory of Rammie’s dad, Jeff Braaten. The Braaten family set up this scholarship several years ago.
Generous sponsors helped to make the festivities more enjoyable for all and boosted the overall Farmers Bowl revenue. Farmers Bowl sponsors were Agassiz Drain Tile, Advanced Drainage Systems, Agassiz Sales, Nilson Brand Law, Top Hat Lounge, Wells Fargo, First State Bank, Finley Motors, Brudvik Law Offices, and the Comet White Hats. Supporting sponsors of the auction were Larry and Cathy Lande of Greeley, Colo., Tim and Sue Strand of Mayville, and Central Valley Bean Cooperative of Buxton, N.D.
“Farmers Bowl is the product of many great volunteers working together for the good of our immediate and extended community and Mayville State University. We are very grateful for all who get involved with Farmers Bowl,” said Mayville State President Dr. Brian Van Horn. “From the people who do the physical work, to those who attend and participate in the events, to those who donate items for the auction, and those who attend the auction and make purchases, Farmers Bowl is a great team effort. We appreciate all that is done to make Farmers Bowl a success year after year. I add a special note of thanks to our sponsors. Because of their generosity, Mayville State and its students will experience even greater benefits as a result of the annual Farmers Bowl activities.”
Committees for next year’s Farmers Bowl are forming now. If you’re interested in getting involved, contact the MSU Foundation at 701-788-4750.
Click on a thumbnail below to enlarge a photo, then use arrow key to scroll.
