Becker hosted the 3rd Annual Erich J. Kanne Memorial Archery Tournament in the Becker High School Fieldhouse Saturday morning.
Hundreds of attendees from four different states arrived to participate. Dozens of vendors featuring thousands of saleable items were showcased on the floor as well as table-upon-table of donated merchandise used for raffles and a silent auction.
Plaques were given away for first, second and third place prizes in the archery contests and the Army National Guard even brought a 30-foot rock climbing wall to help entertain those who refrained from the archer’s area.
The day was kicked off by a rendition of the National Anthem by Laura Babneau and an inspirational prayer conducted by KTIS Radio personality Dave Clutter, who is a family friend of the Kannes.
Erich Kanne, a 2012 Elk River High School graduate who won a state archery competition in 2009, was the honoree of the memorial. Kanne had just come home from basic training in the Army when he died June 27, 2013 in an accident.
Erich’s parents, Kari and Dave, set up a 501(c) nonprofit foundation and decided to hold an annual archery tournament in his honor. Past year’s events have been held in Princeton and St. Michael.
“We are thrilled to have been able to host very successful annual archery events, volunteer our time to other foundations and to give back to children and our military service people,” said Kari.
Saturday’s event started at 9 a.m. and featured numerous tournaments for both adults and youths. Pizza Depot sold concessions all day and a couple of the bigger raffle items were a Predator hunting blind and an Elite Impulse bow.
Brad Duenow of Glencoe has been shooting arrows for about six years and says he’s always enjoyed competing in tournaments. Brad is a factory worker at Worldwide Dispensers and can sometimes be found at Little Crow Archery Club in Hutchinson, perfecting his hobby.
Seven-year-old Marla Rupar of Elk River was on hand at the tournament with her father, Paul and both are part of the Granite City JOAD (Junior Olympic Archery Development) out of Zimmerman. The mission of Granite City JOAD is to promote the sport of archery among youth, as well as adults, encourage sportsmanship and volunteerism and to provide youth with positive and enjoyable opportunities to excel in the sport of Archery.
Marla looked like a seasoned pro as she drew her bow back and fired on a target some 30-50 yards away. She finished in first place in the Y-F-FS/269/13 category.
Bale sponsors included: JJC Outdoors, Anoka Equine Veterinary Services, Minnesota National Guard, Bow Daddy, Audio Video Extremes, Riverside Farms, Whitcomb's, Forever Yours Tattoo, Granite City JOAD, Minnesota Archery, Pizza Depot, 1st Choice Archery, Minneapolis Glass, Tinkerland Daycare, Spanky's Double "B" BBQ, R- Strings and Cables and The Outdoor Group.
Vendors included: Jamberry, Pink Zebra, The Outdoor Group - Elite, Pursing Around, JJC Outdoors, Bow Daddy, Minnesota Archery, Minnesota National Guard, Usbourne Books, Beyond The Yellow Ribbon, Origami Owl, Solle Naturals, 31 Bags, Youneque, On Target Promotions, Scentsy, Tupperware, Treasure Nest, Mary & Marthas, Close to my Heart, Tastefully Simple, Norwex, Pizza Depot, Mary Kay, Ruth Wiechmann handmade mittens and more.
“We truly feel blessed to have such an awesome group of friends to help us put on such a big event,” said Kari. “There are many hours of planning and prep time each year to make this all come together and we give thanks to God for providing such a beautiful day and a room full of heaven sent blessings!”
