'Oldtimers' receive annual honors

The Carlton County Labor Day celebration is known for its parade and picnic on Monday, but the fun actually starts a day earlier at the annual Oldtimers Banquet.

"This event's main purpose is to honor the retirees of the Carlton County labor force," said Rep. Mike Sundin of District 11A, one of the event organizers. Sundin said the teachers, millworkers, and other union workers who worked to create equal opportunities for all laborers should be celebrated.

One of the banquet's most notable events is finding out who boasts the oldest Carlton County Labor Day pin, and who the longest-married couple is. The oldest button was from 1973, while the longest married-couple award went to Duane and Mary Arntson for the third year in a row.

They have been married 73 years. The runners-up are celebrating 69 years of marriage this year.

The Arntsons have lived in Carlton County nearly all their lives, with Mary moving to Esko when she was 6 and Duane growing up in Cloquet. When he was 17 years old, Duane began his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a gunner. In July of 1946, Duane returned from combat; he and Mary married and moved to Esko, where they raised four kids, and continue to live.

The attendees of the banquet were treated to food catered by B&B Market and raffle prizes from numerous businesses.

"We couldn't do it without the donations from local businesses." Sundin said. The event relies on donations and volunteers who help serve the 100 or more union retirees and their families. "We are grateful for all the help we receive."

The banquet kicked off the Labor Day festivities for many of the unions which had representatives at the event. The parade, which took place on Monday, represented several different unions, sports teams, businesses and other local groups. The parade also represents what local organizers tout as one of the longest continually running Labor Day celebrations in the country.