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  So, once upon a time there was this little village way up north where there were lots of lakes, filled with all matters of fish, and wild animals, like bears and cayotes, foxes, deer, rabbits, badgers, woodchucks and turtles! The people who lived there loved all these wonders of nature and took great pride in caring for all of it. Somehow, people who were especially gifted in artistic ways found themselves gravitating to this little village. They didn’t know each other until they got there. But once there, they discovered all sorts of things they had in common! 

Resort race winner...

10 year old Sophie Bock captured the win this week representing Timber Trails Resort. Photos submitted.

   They loved it, everyone had new friends! So, they set about teaching each other all kinds of different artistic styles. Somehow the word got out about this place..how friendly it was, and filled with all these wonderful animals and fish, vegetation and lakes, lakes, lakes...tons of them. Lakes for fishing, boating, swimming, canoeing, kayaking and the art. People started to come there for a break. 

Turtle race champion

This week’s Grand Winner was 11 year-old Caiden Requet from Milan, Illinois. 

   So, the villagers started to invent festivals to entertain the visitors. They had lots of art and craft shows, so the local folks could show off their talent! They had events like Opening Fishing and they would offer food and games,  they hosted fabulous 4th of July parades, games and bouncy houses for the children, chili cookoffs, BBQ contests, Fly in Pancake breakfasts at their airport, champagne breakfast for the ladies on Opening Hunting. Even in the winter they had parties, like Ice Bocce. 

Slow Poke champion

This week’s Grand Slowpoke went to 8 year old Charlotte “Charlie” Christiansen from Cedar Falls, Iowa.

   Well, that was all well and good...but one thing stood out...the turtles! Thousands of the visitors came up for 10 weeks in the summer to see the turtles. The townspeople loved to entertain the visitors and all the visitors were so happy! They all said these are the memories they had as children...and now they are bringing up their children to see the turtles. So, there you go ..that’s how this little village got on the map. And, everyone lived happily ever after.

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