Well, the big weekend is over and Odebolt did itself proud. The 125th anniversary of the town was very successful with perfect weather, big crowds of people enjoying themselves, a parade that lasted an hour and a half, and lots of activities for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to each and every one of the Odebolt community that made it all happen!

THE GALA BALL
(Held Saturday evening, June 8, 2002 at the Odebolt Community Center)

Rose Schultz sent in the following:  The "Ball" was a BALL!!!! It was fun for young and old. I was on the decorating committee for the ball. We used white lights all around the room to enhance a classier and romantic atmosphere. We decorated the tables with folded cards of the past families (pictures and captions from the 100th celebration), floating candles in rose bowls, beautiful candleholders and votive cups (all borrowed), and shredded Mylar of silver and gold. The dress of people was all types, from bib overalls to old-fashioned gowns. I was also one of the beard judges and had great fun doing that. Lois Oxendale (Mayor from Arthur) and myself called each one up to the stage, as they were to JIVE to Macho Man. When they got on stage we came up with something funny to say about each one. It was funny!!!! I did hear we were close to 300 people but don't know what the caterer's number was. We were served chicken and roast beef, can't remember the potato, mixed veggies, and ice cream topped with strawberries for desert.

CROWNED JUNE 8TH AT THE GALA BALL:  Senior King David Maples; Senior Queen Mary Ann Siebrecht;  Junior King Travis Schroeder; Junior Queen Janet Hoefling
BEARD CONTEST WINNERS - In the judging June 8th at the Quasquicentennial Ball, Brad Rosemeyer won best of show, Merv Buller 2nd, and Ron Sorensen 3rd.

THE ODEBOLT-ARTHUR COMMUNITY SCHOOL 4TH ALUMNI REUNION
Held Friday evening, June 14, 2002

There were about 400 in attendance at the alumni banquet and program Friday night (June 14) who enjoyed seeing their old school as well as fellow former students. The banquet, held in the multi-purpose room (the old gym), consisted of a double serving line (with food catered by Mohr Catering of Sac City), with seating at the same tables the students use, reminiscent of the old days in school. The program was held in the "new" gymnasium. Jim Gustafson (class of 1961) was MC and brought lots of chuckles with favorite sayings of long-time Odebolt-Arthur teachers. Rev. Harold Johnson (class of 1940) gave the Invocation. The Alumni Band, led by Barb Huldeen, did a great job performing "Onward Trojans" and "O-A School Song" as well as other numbers. Some of the members I recall were Dick Duffy, Bonnie Girvan, Mike Peterson, Polly Loger, Curt Johnson, Dave Lashier - twenty some total (maiden names used)! Manie (Collenbaugh) Ogden was the eldest alumnus present - from the class of 1922!  Marilyn (Hogue) Fields (class of 1965) presented the "Class with the most present" (and I can't remember which class it was!). Janice (Smith) Reinschmidt (class of 1961) performed several beautiful numbers on the saw, bowing with a violin bow, a tradition she has taken up from her father. Curt Wareham (class of 1987) presented a slide show of pictures from Odebolt's past, which everyone enjoyed. Howard Hustedt (former coach) presented drawings of the remodeling plans for the "large room" and garden at the nearly completed Community Center. Ron Rex (mayor and class of 1950) gave a Memorial Walk update followed by a pie auction with Dave Wilken (class of 1975) auctioning off some pretty expensive pies, all for a good cause - Memorial Walk Park. It was a very enjoyable evening. Many people went on to the Odebolt Community Center afterward where drinks and popcorn were served and music provided by an area band. It was hard to hear the band over all the talk! It was a beautiful cool summer night and great to be out and about.

Thanks to the Alumni Reunion 2002 Committee - Nancy Richardson (1951), Ron and Jeannie Lange (1959, 1961), Roger (1961) and Ellen Buehler, and Jim (1961) and Mary Gustafson. The Alumni Reunion 2005 Committee will be Bob and Nancy Youngren (1970,1970), Marla Raasch (1994), Brian (1977) and Janet Down, and Duane and Donna Buehler (1959,1959).

THE BREAKFAST
Held Saturday morning, June 15, 2002

The community breakfast was held Saturday morning in the Fire Station on 2nd street with long lines of locals and alumni greeting each other and talking while awaiting their turn to be served a great breakfast.

THE PARADE
Held Saturday afternoon, June 15, 2002 at 1 p.m.

Thanks again to Rose Schultz for the following:  As Co-Chairman of the Odebolt Creek Days Parade, I am pleased to announce that there were 172 entries this year. I have no count on the amount of people that attended but I have been with the parade for 7 years and have NEVER seen so MANY PEOPLE along the route. It was solid people the whole way!!!! It was so exciting. We had many great comments on it.

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There were many many more events and activities throughout Saturday and Sunday. The people of Odebolt really worked hard to put on a spectacular weekend!  Sunday afternoon my sister and I visited the Pioneer home and were impressed by the wonderful restoration that has been done on the house. We then went on to the Odebolt Museum and spent time viewing the great historical resources they have. There were many visitors at the museum enjoying a look at Odebolt's history. If you have never visited, you are missing out!

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