spark show dedication

[Lee]

When did the Avery crew starting dedicating their spark show? What inspired it? I hope it continues as I think it is a very cool Rollag tradition.:scuba:

[M Kerkvliet]

I think Rick probably started that Jeff. I'll let him explain when he sees this thread.

To be continued...

[40avery]

Thank you for asking.

When people I consider mentors take time to teach me and inspire me I really take it to heart. When I see people with a passion for Rollag doing everything they can to make the show go, it inspires me. I try to thank them as I can and I am sure it is not enough. I also want others to know that I deeply respect people as noted above.

With that said when I started seeing people that really impressed me pass away - never to have their advice again - it really hurt. One of the little ways that I could say thank you was to dedicate the spark show. JIm's Avery is the spark show king and as such draws attention. It is my aim to take a little of that fame and share it with those passed that have made a big difference to me.

The hardest one was losing my Dad and Danny Roen in the same year. If you noticed I could not do that one. I was fortunate to have my friend Jerry Christiansen read the script that I had tearfully prepared. It was made more special in that my Mom and family were in the stands. Mom did not know we were going to do it. It worked out very well but was the most emotional spark show I have ever been a part of.

I thank God for Jim letting me be a part of the crew and for all the crew as they are all a very talented and knowledgeable group that I love to work with.

As long as I am a part of the group this tradition will continue.

Rick:)

[Lee]

I heard the dedication that year and it really hit home. My Dad passed away suddenly in 2001. While never a member, he loved Rollag. I can still see him at the rail of the B-R Sawmill, looking at the 110 skid engine. During the show we would break off from the rest of the family and go look at tractors, just me and him. He would tell me which neighbor had what and when. Now, I take an hour or so, alone, and go out and look at tractors.Thanks again.

Jeff:scuba:

[40avery]

What a parallel!!

Dad and I did exactly the same thing. He loved the Avery gas tractors and everything steam but especially the twin cylinders!

The last time that Dad was down The family never told me they were coming. I was still on the 353 at the time. I came into Hickson and hit my mark, turned to the fireman to check on things and then looked out the window and there he stood. I will never forget that one. I took him for a cab ride and after my shift Rollag duties took a back seat. It was him and me for the rest of the day.:)