The Viola Gopher Count was organized in June 1874 by sons of the
pioneer settlers of Viola Township when they gathered for a
lemonade picnic in Wendell Vine's pasture. The first hunting party
was known as the Viola Gopher Hunters. Sides were chosen, and it
was agreed that the group catching the least number of gophers by
the next July first was to treat the members of the winning team.
As the years passes, and the destructive gopher was no longer a
menace to the farmers, most of whom were sons of the hardy New
England pioneers who settled Viola Township, the hunters turn the
day into a community celebration and offered prizes and later
bounties for gopher tails. A day in June each year was set aside
for the counting of tails and awarding of prizes. Hundreds of
people come and fill the day with races, games, concerts, parades,
speeches, family picnics, and an evening dance. The Viola Gopher
COunt is the only event of its kind in the world, and a continuing
source of spirit and pride for this Olmsted County village.
