Approximately 45 bowlers across nine teams — representing New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Springfield, Comfrey, and surrounding communities — packed the lanes in support of Bridging Brown County, the regional leadership and community-building organization founded in 2003.

The day’ s top score belonged to Nick Selders of Jensen Motors, who captured the first Turkey Bowl title with a 392 series.

Colin Helget followed as runner-up with a 314 series.

One of the most talked-about moments came from Annette Olson, also of Jensen Motors, who bowled four consecutive strikes–surpassing the standard three-strike turkey and drawing cheers from bowlers and spectators alike.

Jensen Motors made a strong showing at the Bridging Brown County Turkey Bowl. From left, Dave Jones, Devin Gulden, Annette Olson, Nick Selders and Eric Nachreiner. Selders won with a 392 series; Olson took home the "Big Turkey" award.

“I don’t recall doing that before,” Olson said modesty after her four-strike achievement.

Jensen Motors made a strong showing overall, with Olson, Selders and Eric Nachreiner each rolling turkeys during the event.

When asked whether he was a regular bowler, Nachreiner said, “Nope, just for fun.”

That spirit of casual participation mixed with genuine community investment created exactly the atmosphere organizers hoped for. While scores kept things competitive, the event’ s bigger goal was to strengthen connections across Brown County.

Sleepy Eye Economic Development Director and former Bridging Brown County board member Kurt Kramer bowled with his Economic Development Authority team, speaking highly of the program he has completed twice.

Bridging Brown County Board members Julie Kraus (left), Karen Haala (center), and Pam Rosenau (right) display inaugural Turkey Bowl raffle prizes at Concordia Lanes.

“It enables everybody to network and find out a little bit more about other people in Brown County and other communities,” Kramer said. “You can drive by a building and see it says Koozi Group or Windings or whatever, but to actually go inside and see what they do — I would highly recommend it. You won’t regret it.”

Bridging Brown County offers monthly business tours, leadership development sessions, and education on the region’s economic and social landscape. Funds from the Turkey Bowl will support these ongoing programs.

The fundraiser drew strong backing from local businesses at multiple sponsorship levels. Strike sponsor at $500 was Sleepy Eye Economic Development Authority. Spare sponsors at $250 were Farmward Cooperatives and Gag Sheet Metal. Lane sponsors at $150 were Christensen Farms, NUVERA, Citizens Bank Minnesota and Arnesons 1919 Rootbeer.

Event organizer and Bridging Brown County Executive Director Karen Haala coordinated months of sponsorship outreach, team recruitment, and prize basket preparation. Board member Pam Rosenau emphasized the generosity of businesses across New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Springfield and Comfrey.

“We actually had a lot of businesses in the communities that were very kind and gave a lot of great goodies to help with our gift baskets,” she said.

Bridging Brown County board members pose with bowling balls in front of a photo booth at the inaugural Turkey Bowl event. Photos- Group Photo L - R: 1st row - Pam Rosenau, Erin Hernandez, 2 row - Karen Haala, Tammy Arnsdorf, Annette Olson, John Flemmer, Julie Kraus Bowling Photo - Denise Lienig

Kramer highlighted Sleepy Eye’s diverse business landscape, including manufacturers such as Koozi Group, North America’s largest calendar producer; agricultural implement dealers Miller Sellner and Kibble; and companies like Affinitas, which does extensive work for MnDOT and the Minnesota DNR. He also noted the agricultural strength of Christiansen Farms, one of North America’s largest hog producers, and Schwartz Farms, which operates pork production facilities across multiple states.

“We’e big ag-related,” Kramer said, noting the interconnected nature of Brown County’s economy. “We’ve had good revitalization of downtown. We still have work to do, but it’s been going pretty good.”

Understanding that network — and the way each community connects to the next — is a key goal of Bridging Brown County’s mission and exactly why fundraisers like the Turkey Bowl matter beyond just the dollars raised.

In addition to bowling achievements, organizers handed out several lighthearted awards. The ‘I’m Just Here for Fun’ award# went to Denise Lienig. ‘Gutter Gobbler’ went to Tara Jeniges. ‘Most Potential for Improvement’ went to Denise Lienig. ‘Big Turkey’ for most turkeys went to Annette Olson.

Bridging Brown County board member Julie Kraus noted the natural connection between the organization and the bowling community, especially with many families involved in Kegel Club teams and events.

Local businesses gave generously to the raffle.

“A lot of the Bridging Brown County families support Kegel Club with bowling teams and events,” she said.

For Kramer and many participants, the Turkey Bowl captured the heart of Bridging Brown County’s mission:

“Getting everybody together as part of one county, and this one area of southern Minnesota.

And if a few well-placed strikes help build those bridges? Even better.

The First Annual Turkey Bowl brought bowlers to Concordia Lanes in Brown County for a day of competition and community fun, including generous sponsorship from area businesses.

Kurt Kramer praised Bridging Brown County for helping residents connect and learn about local communities.