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The Fourth of July celebration at The Lake in Luverne was everything everyone had hoped for and more.
“It was an amazing day,” was one comment on the Star Herald’s Facebook post about the event. “We appreciate it a lot for everyone that made it possible.”
Another said, “The fire works were wonderful; Luverne can be so proud of you.”
According to Luverne Area Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere, more than 2,000 people attended events throughout the day.
In addition to fireworks, the Fourth of July celebration in Luverne included a water parade, a log rolling contest, a triathlon, a bean bag tournament, a sand castle contest, live music, face painting, food and beer vendors, and more.
Parade winners in the children’s division were Oliver Mead as George Washington in first place and Gavin Mead as George Washington in second.
In the adult division first place went to the Ykema Family (Darrel, Jill and Michael) for their “Living the Dream - Redneck Yacht Club.”
Pat Scheidt and Tom Nelson won second place with “Flowers of Freedom — Love the Lake in My Backyard."
Third place went to Walter and Ed Stearns with “Berty at the Helm - 1964 Oday Javelin Sail Boat.”
Log rolling winners (combined time of two rolls in winners’ bracket of five participants) were as follows:
In the adult division, Tom Anderson of Chandler, Arizona, won with a total time of 11.30 seconds.
Second place went to Brandon Oakley, Luverne, with 8.62 seconds.
Will Natte, Luverne, was third with 4.50 seconds
In the 18-and-under division, Luverne’s Carson Davis lasted 35.83 seconds for first place.
In second was Mason Smith, Ivanhoe, with 28.93 seconds.
Third place honors went to Inesita Rust, Cabot, Arizona, with 23.07 seconds.
See page 2B for results of the triathlon, and see page 8A for more photos.
Also see the Star Herald website, www.star-herald.com, and the Star Herald Facebook page.
The all-day event was free and open to the public, thanks to donations from individuals and local sponsors.
“We have some changes that we know we have to make, and we found out we need to raise additional money,” Lanphere said.
“To make the day essentially free, it cost more than we estimated, and we really need to have a zero-based budget or at least earn some to put in a fund for the following year.”
She praised those who put effort into the event.
“It wouldn't have happened without the passionate support of the city of Luverne, Fourth of July Committee, city Public Works, Mike and Traci Davis and all their friends who worked so hard,” Lanphere said.
“We also can't thank enough the wonderful businesses who did pledge and support the event. They made us able to put a plan together.”
To support the cause, tax-deductible donations can be made to the Luverne Initiatives For Tomorrow at 213 E. Luverne St., Luverne, MN 56156.