By DEB BENTLY
Staff Writer
An estimated 250 New Richland-area children and family members attended the “Strike up Some Fun” event held from 1 to 4 this past Saturday afternoon at Trappers Lanes in New Richland.
Sponsored by Farm and City Days, the event raised more than $700 to help meet costs for the annual summer celebration held during the second full week of July.
The idea for Saturday’s event stemmed from a meeting held after this year’s summer celebration was complete. Committee members Angela Gehrke, Brandy Jacobson, Sara Jo Vulcan and Jennifer Weber decided both the community and the event would benefit if Farm and City Days became more than a once-a-year phenomenon.
“We wanted to see that sense of community, the celebration of our shared identity, play a role all year long,” said Weber.
The group collaborated on the details of possible events, weighing various factors.
“We wanted it before the holidays,” said Jacobson. “Everyone’s schedules are always very full once we get toward Thanksgiving.”
When the first workable date became Oct. 28, it seemed clear the event should be themed around Halloween.
The Farm and City Days committee expresses its gratitude to Garry and Johnny Walstrom, who consented to the use of the bowling alley building and its bowling lanes. They are also grateful to State Bank of New Richland which, in honor of its 125th anniversary, donated the small prizes, candy and many of the decorations used to set the mood. The Farm and City Days committee and many of their family members and friends volunteered to man the many stations set up for the party.
For $10 a child, those in attendance were given a “five-lane bowling challenge” to earn a treat bag. They were also invited to putt a ball into a paper pumpkin’s open mouth, toss rings and corn bags into targets, to “pin the spider on its web,” and to “pick Frankenstein’s nose” to receive a treat.
Children were also encouraged to have their photo taken in front of a brightly decorated backdrop and post the pictures on the event’s Facebook page. The winner of the costume contest is in the process of being selected based on which picture receives the most “likes” by midnight on Halloween. The prize is a movie theater gift pack that includes a $50 gift certificate, popcorn, beverages, candy and a cozy fall-themed blanket.