Arnegard’s 4th to kick off Centennial party
By Zach Stenberg
Farmer Intern
It’s been a year of work in preparation for the upcoming celebration of Arnegard’s Centennial, and yet, it took 100 years of perspiration and hard work to come to the present.
Arnegard has had its ups and downs. As homesteaders came into the area and battled the harsh winters, not everyone stayed. Those who did though, built the foundation of what it meant to be a community.
From the very beginning, patriotism and a sense of community have been a cornerstone of Arnegard. In each of the World Wars, Arnegard had around 100 men serve in the armed forces.
As the Declaration of Independence was signed 237 years ago, and with the break away from King George III and England, the Independent army shot off cannons that illuminated the sky and the newfound feeling of freedom.
How fitting it is then to kick off Arnegard’s Centennial with their traditional fireworks show, alongside America’s remembrance of independence.
Arnegard had its share of trouble in making it to be a 100-year-old community as two great fires in 1959 burnt a lot of the buildings on Main Street. But the town rebuilt and continued on.
And today, Arnegard is on the verge of growing again as new homes and businesses look to put down roots and stake their claims in the community.
Arnegard’s landscape is certainly different than it was 100 years ago, yet its future looks bright for another 100 years.
Arnegard will start its celebration for the 4th of July with the Independence Day BBQ Cook-Off. The menu is anything you can cook on a barbecue, according to Virginia Elliot. The food will be a free will donation.
With Arnegard celebrating its Centennial this weekend, this will be no ordinary Fourth of July Party.
“We normally plan for about 800 people,” says Harold Larson. “This year we’re expecting well over a thousand people, with the 4th starting the Centennial celebration.”
The parade starts around 11 a.m. on Thursday and a $3 button admits people into all of the 4th of July events.
Inflatable “Fun on the Run” games will be blown up and available for all the kids from noon to 4 p.m.
Immediately following the parade there will be a barbecue in the city park, with the beef being donated by the Fleck family.
At 1 p.m., area veterans will be recognized, followed by a Fleck family program and musical entertainment.
Everyone can cheer on the Tractor Pull from 2 to 4 p.m., and for small children a carnival will start at 3 p.m.
The afternoon will continue with music by Kevin and Terrie from 4 to 8 p.m., and there will be an open Mike and Karaoke for all those having a desire to perform in front of an audience.
The evening will conclude around 10:30 p.m. with the fireworks show that will commence just east of the old Arnegard School.