Follow your dream , home .
Page 8 James J . Hill Days • Thursday , August 30 , 2024 sailor . mnsun . com
Talking with this year ’ s Grand Marshal
By JAY MORGAN jay . morgan @ apgecm . com
The Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce has chosen Bob “ Shoebob ” Fisher as the grand marshal for the 2024 James J . Hill Days festival . He will lead this year ’ s James J . Hill Days parade at 3 p . m . Sunday , Sept . 8 , on Lake Street . A longtime resident of Wayzata , Fisher is known for kickstarting the annual Interfaith Outreach Sleep Out fundraiser to raise awareness for homelessness in the Wayzata community and beyond . Approximately 25 years ago , Fisher chose to sleep outside in a tent for as long as it took to raise $ 7,000 for families who couldn ’ t afford a Thanksgiving dinner . He was able to raise over $ 10,000 and has since inspired many to participate in the annual fundraiser . Also known as “ Shoebob ” due to being the
previous owner of Bob ’ s shoe repair shop in Wayzata , Fisher has been a devoted member of the Wayzata community .
Below is a conversation with the grand marshal , which has been edited for length and clarity .
Q : You inspired the making of the IOCP Sleep Out fundraiser which has now been held for over 25 years , what inspired you to sleep in your tent outside and kickstart a fundraiser that has raised millions for the homeless ?
“ I was inspired to do the sleep out , one night in November of 1995 . I was just trying to learn how to winter camp because I had really weak ankles . I had broken them both already and I wasn ’ t good to skate or ski or anything . I wanted to learn how to do something in the winter time so I had my tent set up in the backyard . I decided to stay
out from 10 p . m . to 5 a . m . When I got in my mummy bag , I foundout I was claustrophobic . I laid out there all night long just kind of thinking about what a stupid idea this was . Around 2 a . m . I got imprinted on me the words
‘ this is a good idea what you are doing but move the tent to the front yard and do something for the needy people in Wayzata ’ so I did move my tent to the front yard the next day . I thought there might be 100 needy families that might need a hot holiday meal since it was right around Thanksgiving so I decided to sleep out until I raised enough money . I figured about $ 70 a family so about $ 7,000 to feed 100 families on Thanksgiving . After sleeping out for about two weeks , I went to Interfaith and brought them the money .”
Q : As someone who has made many aspiring achievements including inspiring the IOCP Sleep Out fundraiser , conducting the first pitch at a Minnesota Twins Game , and becoming a wellknown entrepreneur , what has been one of your most accomplished memories that you are most proud of ?
“ When Interfaith Outreach talked to me in the first place over 25 years ago , they said
See Marshall , Page 10
NOW OPEN
Follow your dream , home .
Perched off Mound ’ s Cooks Bay and the Lost Lake Harbor on Lake Minnetonka , this 62 + co-op perfectly balances lake community charm , modern amenities , and local conveniences , all with the benefits of maintenance-free homeownership and a built-in social network in one of the area ' s most walkable neighborhoods , right off the Dakota Rail Trail .
Artessa Mound Harbor features abundant amenities that serve as an extension of members ' homes including • pickleball courts • wellness studio • hobby space • outdoor terrace featuring a pergola with a cozy fire pit and grilling stations • gardening areas , and more . 75 % of homes sold . Prime homes remain !
Engel & Völkers Lake Minnetonka 700 Lake Street E , Suite 200 | Wayzata | 612-338-3836
Schedule a Tour Today .
( 612 ) 283-5240 www . ArtessaLiving . com
HARBOR PLACE
© 2024 Engel & Völkers . All rights reserved . Each brokerage is independently owned and operated . All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified . If your property is currently represented by a real estate broker , this is not an attempt to solicit your listing . Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act .
MAINTENANCE-FREE 62 + OWNERSHIP ONE-LEVEL LIVING