Prairie Fest 2022
Saturday, March 26th

A PRAIRIE FEST 2022 REPORT AND THANKS

Over 300 Prairie friends gathered on Saturday, March 26 in person for the Prairie School Foundation’s beloved Prairie Fest.  After a two year wait we were able to celebrate our Kentucky Derby Theme.  Yes, the horses ran a bit slower because instead of three year olds they were now five year olds! 

The good news is our sponsors and bidders had not slowed down one bit.  In fact, they proved to be more energetic then ever.  We send out our special appreciation to our major Prairie Fest sponsors, OPN Architects, Cedar Rapids Toyota, T & K Roofing and Sheet Metal and Hills Bank.  We also enjoyed the support of 18 corporate table sponsors.  And we had a full stable of bidders for our silent and live auctions of unique items. 

After counting up the proceeds from our sponsors, ticket buyers, donors to the Families In Need Fund, horse racing bets and Derby bingo players and the winners of over 160 auction items then subtracting our expenses we have net proceeds over $57,000 including an astounding $11,715 for the Families In Need Fund.  As a reminder, the top priority for the funds we raise is the purchase of educational equipment, materials and programs for the benefit of Prairie’s students. 

You made our Kentucky Derby Prairie Fest one to remember and we want you to know how grateful we are for your support.  Please mark your calendars for March 25, 2023 when our Prairie Fest theme will be Slumber Party!

2023 Event Details

Date: Saturday, March 25th, 2023
Location: The Hotel at Kirkwood Center
Theme: Slumber Party

A Special Thanks To Our

Prairie Fest 2022 Sponsors

Off to the Races!

We're grateful to everyone who purchased horses and have cared for them during the
last two years. We're ready to see them race!

5 O'Clock Somewhere - jockey Jackson Buffett, owner Becky Joens
Alexander - jockey Minerva, owner National Honor Society
Big Assets - jockey Cash Vanderbilt, Owner Fairfax State Savings Bank
Built for Breeding - jockey Ronolly Rausch, owner Fran & Dan Forslund
Butt-dialed - jockey Oopsy, owner Kim & Tom Durgin
Comfortable Chair - jockey Jean Luck, owner Team D
Double Down - jockey Juan Alicia, owner Allison & John Barnes
Erenstonsil - jockey Keeks Ressler, owner Debbie Erenberger
Frostbite - jockey Guido Forslund, owner Fran & Dan Forslund
GIDDY UP GOMER - jockey Colton Cantermore, owner Angie & Kurt Tjelmeland
Go Betty Go - jockey Tommy Turbo, owners Tom & Janelle Whinery
Horsey Gilmore - jockey Adam Saddler, owner Ray Orthodontics
Horse- You got served - jockey Jailbird, owner Kim & Tom Durgin
Irish Michael - jockey Andrew Johnson, owner Jill Gilhooly
It's Right There - jockey Jappa Road, owner Team D
Just Makes Sense - jockey Papa, owner JMS Transport
Lucky 8's - jockey McKenna Collins, owner Chris & Molly Hoeger
Lucky Rose - jockey Ella Grace, owner Tami Brush
Miss Fire - jockey Rick O-Shea, owner Kreg & Karla Tjelmeland
Neon Lights - jockey RU Ready for Some Fun, owner Erikka & Aaron Vosmek
Refund - jockey Tax Man, owner Frank G. Becicka CPA
SOON 2B ELMERS - jockey Hugh Jarse, owner Angie & Kurt Tjelmeland
Teacher's Pet - jockey Al O. Cation, owners Alisa & Randy Rumery 
Zihuatanejo - jockey Andy Defresne, owner Mike Farr 

Prairie Fest is the largest fundraising effort for the district.

A few of the unique items to be sold during the auction include:

Prairie School Campus Street Signs (Each winning bidder can personalize their street sign with their business name or perhaps the names of their Prairie Students).
A lifetime family activity pass for all Prairie-sponsored activities.
Premium seating for Prairie graduation.

Collage signed by former Prairie Hawks, Kris & Keegan Murray.