EMMETSBURG - Residents of this picturesque community turned out in droves this weekend, as Palo Alto County celebrated its sesquicentennial.
Saturday began with a parade, followed by entertainment at Soper Park. There were inflatables for the kids, live music by Larry Myers and performances by Doc Anderson's Traveling Indian Medicine Show and Ash and Reuben Fast Horse and their children. The Fast Horses were a late addition to the event lineup, much to the delight of spectators.
''We were very happy to come down and help Emmetsburg celebrate their sesquicentennial,'' Fast Horse said. ''We got here yesterday and entertained the Fourth of July crowd with a little bit of fire and juggling, a little comedy and a little education.''
The Fast Horses travel throughout the Midwest, entertaining crowds at festivals such as Frontier Days in Fort Dodge, as well as performing for schools and universities. Performing for kids is what Reuben Fast Horse enjoys the most.
''Our bread and butter is elementary schools, and those are always a lot of fun,'' he said. ''If you can't entertain kids, you're in the wrong business. Kids are brutally honest, and if you don't keep their attention they'll focus on something else. It's got to be fast and furious.''
Out on the lake, jet skiers and water skiers were abundant as families enjoyed a little fun in the sun. Across the park, kids enjoyed the inflatables, including a Velcro wall; youngsters dressed up in a special suit and were tossed against it by a helpful volunteer.
''This is my area here, kind of what I'm in charge of,'' said Dave Waldschmidt, a member of the Sesquicentennial Committee. ''The kids have a lot of fun with it, and so do I.''
A teen dance was scheduled for later in the evening at Iowa Lakes Community College, complete with free pop and snacks. Country music star Lee Greenwood was scheduled to give an outdoor concert, followed by a fireworks display.
A Fly In Breakfast is scheduled for today, followed by the all school reunion closing ceremonies. A time capsule will be buried at the Court House Square at 6 p.m.
Contact Don Cogger at (515) 573-2141 or dcogger@messengernews.net
