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Saturday's events at Ellendale Days this year started out with a cloudburst as some planned activities were nearly drowned out.

Whereas in most years proud motorists linger throughout the morning to discuss their prized antique vehicles at the car show at the United Methodist Church, this year's contest had them beating a hasty retreat to get out of the downpour. Fortunately, Lions Club members Becky Larson, Cindy Nelson, Allie Larson, and Nola Roberts had the good fortune to be able to sell goodies under an awning, a benefit contestants could only enjoy behind the wheels of their cars.

Dick David and Becky David Lassahn were on hand to oversee the yearly First Lutheran Church Rummage Sale to benefit the youth group, but, as shoppers had to venture out into the rain to get there, the parking lot was not overcrowded.

Undaunted by the weather, the craft vendors on Main Street had their wares set up by 10 a.m. Many of them were first-timers at Ellendale Days.

Patty Hocking and Nancy Kepka sold their unique, upcycled crafts from found items, including their giant mushrooms, which were a popular item that were still selling after the parade in the evening. “We've been crafting together for a lot of years,” said Kepka.

Wendy Trihus, who owns a local farm, was there to sell her jar vases of homegrown flowers.

Deb Clark, also a local farm owner, offered baked goods, crocheted elephants and turtles, neck kerchiefs, and even a large bird house for sale.

For the hungry passer-by, Tina Robran had a tantalizing display of homemade soup mixes, pickles, jams, salsa, brownies, and even packages of frosted green “frogs” made from Oreos and pretzels.

Jackie Kottner was at her usual post selling baked goods, as she is every Saturday during the summer from 10 a.m. to noon.

Kim Eckstein, who moved back to Ellendale just this spring after a 40-year absence, sold deli wraps, something she knows more than a thing or two about, having worked for years managing a deli in Oklahoma.

Most of the craft vendors stayed until after the parade, which turned out to be a good choice, because it gave parade attendees, as well as local business owners, the opportunity to shop.

The rain didn't seem to deter many from attending Donavan Eaker's estate sale. Visitors could fill a shopping bag for $10, or just choose individual items. Throughout the house, furniture and many other household items were for sale, including Eaker's extensive collection of teddy bears, which filled the hot tub and decorative nooks.

Though the bounce houses were a little late getting set up, the rain had finally abated by the time they were up and running. The kids got soaked anyway, as one of them provided its own waterfall.

Balloon Artist David Olson entertained all who ventured near with the hundreds of animals, flowers, and giant rattles he could fashion from balloons in under a minute. He interacted with visitors like a true, enthusiastic entertainer, sometimes relating fun facts about the figures from the animal kingdom that he created from air and rubber. David has been entertaining with his balloon creations for 35 years.

The Heritage Society Lunch in the Park at 11 a.m. was moved to the Community Center at noon, where Everett Jensen, Daryl Paulson, Mike Callahan, and Wayne Sommers told about their experiences growing up attending the old, one-room school houses in the area. Barb Mrotz announced the speakers, and Brenda Dokken sat at a display table where people could view photographs, learn more information from pamphlets, and donate to the preservation of the school buildings.

Everyone was thankful that the parade was able to take place as scheduled at 4 p.m. People lined the streets to watch, as fire trucks, an ambulance, and sundry area businesses rolled by and threw candy, or, in the case of Steve's Meat Market of Ellendale and Neighbors Meats of New Richland, meat and cheese sticks, for the kids.

The Kiddie Tractor Pull, sponsored by the Ellendale Fire Dept., took place in front of the Community Building at 5 p.m., and though the sky sprinkled over the crowd and threatened to soak the paperwork, it soon cleared up again, and kids ages 4 – 11 got to enjoy competing for first-, second-, and third-place trophies for each age.

The Kiddie Tractor Pull ended at 6 p.m., whereupon many onlookers made their way to RJ's Bar & Grill, where tables were set up outside, so people could enjoy the live band, Windsor 5.

All in all, what started out as a wet, dismal day, turned into a successful and well-attended, and even sunny, Ellendale Days.

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