• Leraas Home
• Leraas Family Tree

Reunion 2007

Fergus Falls & Barrett, MN

The Leraas Reunion was held July 13-15, 2007 at the Bigwood Event Center at the Best Western Hotel in Fergus Falls, MN. There were also activities at Ottertail Lake and Barrett (www.barrettmn.com).

Friday, July 13, 2007

Button from a Tour of the Kirkbride Hospital courtesy of the Friends of the Kirkbride foundation

Friday began with registration and getting to know each other. Many attendees took a free tour of the historical, eight-story, red tile roof Kirkbride Tower, a castle-like structure built in the 1890s, one of the few remaining complete examples of a Thomas Kirkbride-designed psychiatric hospital.

On Friday evening we had a wonderful buffet dinner, talent show, story sharing, memorials, and a silent auction at the Bigwood Event Center. 

We were also presented with slides & movies of the Leiro Gaard in Norway by Judith Leraas Cook, Solveig Nelson and Jill Beatty. The evening culminated with a skit on how to make lefse.

Here are some pictures from the Friday. Click on any thumbnail to scroll through larger images.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Saturday began with Continental Breakfast, Morning Devotions, and History Talks by Jill Lien Beatty, Linda Ray and others. Next were some games with a Norway theme. Many family members took the opportunity to attend the Phelps Mill Festival.

In the early evening the family split into two groups and took turns for a cruise on Otter Tail Lake and dinner at the Graystone Restaurant. In the evening, many enjoyed downtown Fergus Falls, the parks, shops, the “Falls”, museums, as well as the Minnesota-shaped pool at the hotel.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

On Sunday morning, attendees met for a Family Service and Hymn-Sing at Immanuel Lutheran Church, just outside Barrett. After the service, the family toured the cemetery and then some historic nearby Leraas farms.

At noon, festivities began with a Picnic Lunch at the Barrett Community Center and nearby Powers Park. There were games for all ages, as well as posing for pictures.

Leraas Family Heritage Cookbook

Jesse Allen Leraas (Bonnie’s son) and wife Tammy Leraas compiled the first ever LERAAS FAMILY HERITAGE COOKBOOK, which was for sale during the reunion. It is filled with favorite recipes, heirloom recipes, or home remedies that your grandmother used to make, including several recipes for lefse!