ST. CHARLES, Minn. – The tradition of naming each day of the Winona County Fair for new inductees into the Fair Hall of Fame begins July 10. That will be Gayle Goetzman-Stolpa Day. She grew up on a dairy farm in East Burns Valley and then pursued “my true calling” to be a teacher. She earned two college degrees from Winona State and spent 26 years teaching in Winona and Rochester. During those years she purchased 170 acres, the Big Valley Ranch, for her passion for horses. The public has access to indoor and outdoor arenas and bridle paths. The farm has been put in the Minnesota Land Trust to preserve it against untoward development. On July 21 at 2 p.m. Goetsman-Stolpa and other 2024 inductees will be honored at the fairgrounds:
> Shirley Francis, who farms outside Winona.
> David Schwantz, a retired Altura banker.
> Dale and Clara Newcomb, retirees who still advise 4-H clubs.
> Tom Campbell, of Saratoga, who has served 14 years on the County Fair Board
NOTE: Profiles of other inductees will be posted soon.
Stolpa. Her passion is horses and Big Valley Ranch up East Burns Valley from Winona.