Curt Soine wins Best of Show in Park Rapids , MN Decoy Carver of the Year for 2021

The 24th Annual Park Rapids Decoy show was held Sat. Dec. 4th at the American Legion in Park Rapids Minnesota. As usual it was a great show, both for the buy public, collectors, vendors and carvers.
 While Park Rapids may be a small venue, it is historic as the home of the Bethel Carving family, and the 4th and 5th generation Bethel carvers were there selling fish decoys.
It was great seeing everyone again, and the decoy sales were strong.  Actually, the small shows have been having very good sales across Minnesota this year, as everyone is finally getting outdoors and active again.
There was a good selection of old decoys from several vendors, along with antique fishing tackle and general sporting collectables. Some nice early Pearl Bethels were on Andy Ripley's table, and a few walked out the door.

A big part of the show is the Minnesota Decoy Carver of the Year Contest.
The Best of Show went to Curt Soine from Granite Falls, MN., who had a replica Hans Janner decoy entered. This is the hard calss to win as it is only voted on by the other carvers- so congratulations to Curt.

In the Collectable Class first place went to Rick Wirth with his quilted decoy, second to newcomer Sam Coulson of st Cloud and third to Paul Sparks of Wadena.

In the Working Class first went to Paul Sparks of Wadena, second to Rick Worth of Detroit Lakes, and third place to Curt Soine.

​Curt Soine wins Best of Show in Park Rapids , MN Decoy Carver of the Year for 2021