‘Spring Fever Days’ a long Emo tradition

The 48th edition of “Spring Fever Days” will unfold in Emo this Thursday to Saturday (April 16-18).
Back in 1968, the businesses had their own door prizes. Later, with the assistance of a former resident, the Emo merchants had a draw for accommodations, tickets, and spending money to the Calgary Stampede.
Copy from 1968 reads, “The Emo Chamber of Commerce has launched a full-fledged campaign to show district residents that a small community can offer a variety of services and products at competitive prices.”
That first weekend celebration—held April 5-6—was wrapped around a huge boat show put on by Tompkins Hardware and a mammoth clearance sale in conjunction with John Deere Days.
Tompkins had arranged to bring in 57 boats from Lund and Arkansas Traveller. They also had the full lineup of Johnson outboard motors and were giving away a 3 h.p. one.
Degagne Equipment, meanwhile, was giving away a Canadian Model 140 chainsaw and had more than 20 used tractors on the lot.
The four grocery stores also had super specials. Fairway was selling a 32 oz. jar of Squirrel peanut butter for 79¢. The Loney brothers over at Cloverleaf on Front Street had T-bone steaks at 98 cents/lb. and sirloin steaks at 94 cents/lb.
The Corner Store on the highway, which was both a restaurant and grocery store, offered a special roast beef dinner for visitors while Tompkins Solo Store on Front was selling packages of Jell-O at 8 for $1.
Gordon Meyers at Meyers Clothing had men’s dress socks at three pair for $1.89 and women’s nylons at four pair for $1.
Both garages—Emo Motor Sales and Border Sales and Service—had savings on used vehicles.
That first Emo “Spring Fever Days” held on the first weekend of April was a huge success.
Many of those businesses from 1968 don’t exist anymore. But a new, ambitious group of businesspeople is adding new enthusiasm to the weekend celebration.
Since 1968, the district has come to understand that spring and the jump to summer happens at Emo’s “Spring Fever Days.” The celebration has grown with burgeoning community participation.
It has withstood snow and freezing rain. It has enjoyed balmy summer temperatures and bright blue-sky Saturdays.
This weekend, merchants will give away $1,000 in “Emo Bucks,” and almost every business will have in-store draws.
Small tractors and the newest four-wheelers will join the skiffs, pontoon, and family boats on display.
Ted Corrigan and Dale Strachan will be out selling tickets for the Emo Walleye Classic draw and the Emo Fall Fair raffle.
Barbecues, breakfasts, and hotdog roasts will make it a family affair.