Residents at St. John’s Lutheran Home entered an astonishing 159 items to the Freeborn County Fair this year. The home also had an entry at the Minnesota State Fair. As an organization, St. John’s created and entered a scarecrow at the state fair and won first place.

“For the residents it gets them back in the community,” Director of activities Diane Wichmann said. “It can occupy and entertain them, but being part of the community is very important.”

Wichmann said most residents get excited about being a part of the community by participating in the fair. Also, many residents used to participate in the fair when they were younger for 4-H, FFA and regular open class as well.

Of the 159 entries at the fair, 84 were in floral and 75 were other categories like woodworking, quilting, crafts and cooking.

One resident, Joe Probst, won grand champion and best of show for the planter he helped create. He has started gathering ideas for next year, and he always keeps it a secret.

He has all his ribbons hanging on his door, which many residents do because they’re so proud of what they accomplished.

Another resident, Deb Trytten, got reserve grand champion for her planter. She was helped by Nancy Sather, the garden program director at St. John’s. Trytten didn’t know she’d be entering the planter at the fair, but is proud of her work.

“I was surprised that we got it and afterwards I was pleased that it got reserve grand champion,” Trytten said.

The scarecrows were made by the entire home, and it was the fifth year St. John’s has entered a scarecrow at the state fair. All the neighborhoods in St. John’s help to create the final product. By popular vote the scarecrows look like Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz from the show “I Love Lucy.” Sather said everyone had creative ideas and had a say in the design.

“They need to laugh and have a good time,” Sather said.

The garden clubs at St. John’s are also having a good year. So far the home has been able to use potatoes, cucumbers, corn and tomatoes that were grown by the residents. Wichmann and Sather like being able to keep the residents busy and also doing things that can help the whole home, like make food. Another way the home is staying connected to the community is through the Freeborn County Relay for Life. Together residents raised about $300 and had their own ceremony for the relay.

Wichmann said it’s nice for the residents to be able to make something that’s shown at the county fair. She also said the staff learns about patience and competition from the residents during the fair.

“It just puts a smile on everyone’s face,” Trytten said.