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By Jennine Johnson
The Chisago County Fairgrounds was evacuated
Friday evening, July 11, as a round of severe weather swept through Rush City
and surrounding areas.
Those who thought Thursday’s pleasant showers at the Chisago County Fair would be the end of it couldn’t have been more wrong. On Friday night, the skies opened up and let forth with all its fury, causing downed limbs and an evacuation of the fairgrounds. Sheriff Todd Rivard, who was at the fair at the time, said the evacuation went very smoothly. He did note, though, that some late to evacuate 4-H participants had to be given shelter in a walk-in cooler at the fair.
The warning siren sounded at approximately 8 p.m.
Fairgoers and demolition derby attendees were asked to leave by the police
department and members of the Chisago County Fair board. An announcement was made
over the loud speaker inviting fairgoers who had no other alternatives to seek
shelter in St. John's Lutheran Church, located across the street from the fair
grounds.
The fairground parking lot was at a standstill for approximately 20
minutes as congestion made it very difficult to leave quickly.
Several trees were down in the Rush City area. A power
line was also down at the 130 block of S. Elliot Street.
The fire department was on the
scene.
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