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Elkader is celebrating 175 years

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By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register

 

“Elkader, as a community, has weathered many storms—floods, tornadoes, the 80s farm crisis, recent economic downturns, pandemics—and we are still here just as strong and vibrant as ever.  I think that is important to note on this 175th anniversary. We should be proud of our resiliency. We should be proud that we still have a downtown that, for the most part, has every storefront full.  That is not common for a community our size,” said the city’s mayor, Josh Pope. 

 

The celebration to mark Elkader’s 175th anniversary begins on Friday, June 18, with a children’s theater camp performance of BOTS at the opera house at 7 p.m. 

 

Activities continue in full force on Saturday, June 19, starting with an 8 a.m. scavenger hunt in Founders Park. The day will be capped off that evening, with a picnic in the park and Rhythm on the River concert featuring Patsy & Plum Street Band from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

 

Throughout the day, attendees can also enjoy photo opportunities around town, including a face-in-hole cutout in Founders Park, 175th anniversary merchandise for sale in Founders Park and a rawdog special at Wilke’s (while supplies last). Elkader businesses will have historical information about their stores, and there is also Art in the Alley, a self-guided tour that celebrates the culture of the city. 

 

Other highlights for the day include a kickball tournament, coloring and chalk art contests, spelling bee, Pony Hollow Trail walk, beard contest, museum and school tours, historical programs, children’s pioneer games and crafts, and Tales of Elkader’s Past, which will have Opera House Players stationed at historic sites bringing the past to life.

 

The anniversary weekend comes to a close on Sunday, June 20, when Clayton County Conservation will lead a Turkey River float trip from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

 

When it came to organizing the activities for the celebration, Elkader City Administrator Jennifer Cowsert said the volunteers on the committee were great to work with. 

 

“Everyone was so enthusiastic and several spent a lot of time on this,” she said. “We started by identifying the groups that might be interested in this, such as the city, Main Street, the Chamber, the museums, Clayton County Historic Preservation, Opera House Players and interested others. Then we reviewed what had been done in past events, discussed some ideas, took those back to the individual groups and asked that they decide what they want to be in charge of or coordinate. The work of all of the groups together really made things a lot easier.”

 

Pope said it is important to take a moment to reflect on these sort of milestones.  

 

“It instills pride in our community and, when people are proud of their community, they are invested in it.  They will continue to volunteer, or shop here or have a business here.  And that is why we need to make sure we are here in another 175 years. This type of celebration shows that people find value in living here and having a business here, and that is something to celebrate,” he added. 

 

Find a full listing of events on the “Elkader 175th Anniversary” Facebook page or at www.elkader175th.com.

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