"Benjamin Pratt knew what was needed and had a vision of the personality of this community.  He knew there would be times of hardship, but knew that there must be a time for merriment and fellowship as a balance for sanity.  From his declartion has been borne a festival where thousands of people return to capture the  memories of their roots.  The Prairiesta has been named for this celebration and began with the events as we know them today, back in 1941.  The celebration is held every ten years and brings the merriment that was proclaimed and a time for reminiscing and vision for the strong future we desire."

(Picture and text from The Russell Daily News - June 1, 2001)