Park to celebrate anniversary this weekend
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
It seems so long ago, and it is.
My mother, Carole Schember, remembers Harmony Park when it was known as The Narrows at Geneva Lake. First Baptist Church of Clarks Grove held its annual picnic there. There were also family reunions held there, while others would come to the park because there weren't too many local parks back then.
The park has changed a bit since then, and she remembers that the "smart weeds" grew higher than her head, and one went through them very carefully to get to the outdoor toilets. Lawn mowers were of the push variety back then and the park area was so large it was never mowed, though it did pasture cattle. Nonetheless, it was a favorite spot on the large and beautiful lake best known for hunting, a little fishing, and cattails.
One wonders what the lake would be if it were not in the middle of an area of peat ground and not very deep. Hunters lost their lives, snowmobiles made their runs and a few people built homes on this scenic Southern Minnesota lake.
My granddad worked on the gang that helped to make useable land of some of the surrounding territory of Geneva Lake, and my aunt "Toody," Helyn Langlie, was the first to use the cradle in the lodge on the east side of the lake.
Geneva Lake has a history of life and development that goes beyond present day residents’ memory. But, The Narrows became a haven for hundreds of people who came to enjoy the property, now known as Harmony Park.
And, though like everything else there is often controversy, it still serves its name, and people flock from far away by the hundreds.
The park includes shelters, a stage and land no longer plagued with "smart weed," though it is still a spot of nature and a favorite to hold events for charity.
On July 18, Harmony Park held its annual charity event, Project Earth, hosting celebrity Patch Adams and raising $50,000 for charity. Adams, touted as a “clown, activist, author and physician” is best known for the 1998 film “Patch Adams,” in which his life was portrayed by Robin Williams.
The event is produced by the Minneapolis band, "Wookiefoot" and its 501© 3 nonprofit - "Be The Change Charities" in conjunction with Harmony Park, owned by Jay Sullivan and Amie Bartlett.
Sullivan said that the money raised from this charity function has gone on to save many lives around the world. It has also helped improve the lives of countless more people over the years. The fundraisers have gone on to support everything from medical supplies for refugees in Sudan, landmine removal in Cambodia as well as building a school in Nepal.
“It’s so amazing for him to witness a gathering in Freeborn County that attracts people like Patch Adams, and even more amazing to see the effects of it ripple across the world to help so many people who are less fortunate.”
Harmony Park is also a popular site for weddings. Seven weddings are booked for this summer and at least seven in 2017; he already has a couple booked for 2018.
Harmony Park will celebrate its 20th anniversary over the 4th of July weekend. Many bands who got their start at Harmony Park have gone on be major performers. “Trampled by Turtles” is one. They have even been on the David Lettermen Show. Stu Allen went on to play for Grateful Dead.
According to Sullivan, many of the bands that have played Harmony Park over the years are planning to come back for reunion shows during the 20th anniversary celebration.