CURRIE CELEBRATES SESQUICENTENNIAL

This year’s Currie Town & Country Celebration will mark the 150th anniversary of the town of Currie and the 50th anniversary of the End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum. Activities are planned from July 1st-4th, culminating with the largest and most expensive fireworks display to date. “We’ve spent more money and upgraded the system so it is safer and faster,” said committee member Shari Thomas. “Luke Radke runs the display and he does a fantastic job. We put on a good show and a great party!”

The president of the Town & Country Boosters is Ed Sweetman, and he believes the celebrations have been organized for almost fifty years. Ed said, “The boosters plan the weekend, but this year other Currie people have helped too and we couldn’t have done it without them.” The boosters raise funds all year at eleven sites through pull tab and e-tab gambling. They also provide Bingo at several sites throughout the year. These services generate substantial funds, and the committee is proud to fund not only Town & Country events but give donations to over thirty-five local organizations, charities and families in need. Shari Thomas said, “We donate money all year long. It’s really rewarding to be on this committee.”

This year the special celebration will include: ax throwing, rib cook-off, 5K run, a history walking tour, flea market, kids pedal pull, petting zoo, face painting, horseshoe tournament, car show, bouncy houses, food trucks, movie in the park, parade, volleyball and bean bag tournaments, tug-of-war (town versus country), duck races, street dancing and of course fireworks. Kari Torkelson is especially excited about the movie in the park. “Years ago there used to be free movies outside at the ball diamond. Now we’ve purchased a big theater and sound system so we can show movies outdoors during the day.” Shari added that events are spread throughout the community all weekend, and there is something fun for every generation to enjoy. “Saturday especially is kids day, and we currently have over twenty-four vendors at the flea market.” She also described the growth of the street dance. “When we started years ago the dance was in the parking lot but we decided to pay a little more for bigger bands and it’s really grown. Now we have bands asking us to put them on their schedule - they love to come and play for us!” Ed added that visitors come from all over Minnesota and the surrounding states. And the committee emphasized that sober rides home are available through JOYRIDE.

One of the weekend events will be a walking tour on Saturday, July 2nd, led by local historian Romane Dold. “I’ve lived in Currie since I was six years old,” he explained. “I farmed for thirty years and was a banker for twenty-five years.” Though Currie doesn’t have a large population (about 200) Romane believes the bank and elevator provide financial stability and the proximity to Lake Shetek creates an appealing recreational draw. The city is known as the “Gateway to Lake Shetek” and once boasted a population of 500 residents. Romane said, “I remember when we had three grocery stores, three elevators, and two hardware stores. Wednesday and Saturday nights were big shopping nights, with cars parked for blocks up and down Mill Street.” Romane remarked the original streets in Currie were: Mill (the street that once led to a mill at the Des Moines where the bridge is currently located), Des Moines and Church, and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Though there is currently a street called “Main Street” the actual main street with businesses is Mill Street! There are many more interesting facts about the history of the community that Mr. Dold will share during his tour. He has also written a book about Currie that will be for sale at the Town & Country Celebration, along with other merchandise. Additionally, several descendants of founder Neal Currie will visit, one coming from Colorado.

Of course everyone hopes for sunny weather for the entire weekend, but creativity solves problems when the weather doesn’t cooperate. The one hundred year celebration parade was held during a downpour, so the band climbed into their bus and played their music through open windows as they drove down the street! After the parade, the sun came out and the square dancing began! So mark your calendars and come to Currie for as many events as possible. Check the schedule printed in the newspaper or the Facebook page “Currie’s 150th Year Celebration”.