Redfield’s original settlers first got together for a family-style picnic in 1877, and the Old Settlers Celebration has happened every year since. There have been changes over the years, but the air of social rest remains.
“Feelin’ Groovy – Celebrating the 60’s” was the theme of this year’s weekend-long celebration, sponsored by the Redfield Lions Club. The food and music and clothing styles of the 1960s were revived but not so much the era’s social unrest — unless you count the Dallas County Republicans for Trump.
The three days of a carnival-like merriment brings in fun lovers from around central Iowa for the live entertainment, parades, arts and crafts show, street dancing and incredible amounts of food. Many events were held at the Redfield Park Slab.
Friday’s events included a kiddie tractor pull, miniature golf, bingo and official presentations, such as the singing of the National Anthem by Melissa Landis and Alyssa Clausen, welcome by Mayor Dustin lantz, and granting of the Citizenship Award, Hall of Fame Presentations and Redfield Lions Club Scholarship.
Chad Elliott provided musical entertainment at the Park Slab, and the park shelter house provided a venue for a screening of the timeless Disney classic movie, “101 Dalmatians.”
Saturday’s events included were highlighted by the parade. This year’s parade marshals were Albert and Mary Carmichael.
The Christian Church bake sale and Lion’s Club breakfast started the day, followed by the Hanging Rock 5K Challenge run, sponsored by men of the Redfield American Legion.
For the kids there was miniature gold, food and crafts, kiddie parade and inflatables, while the adults also enjoyed the parade, classic car show, Legion Auxiliary lunch, bags tourney, bingo, horse shoes, and several free musical acts, including the West Central Valley High School Jazz Band, Carol Montag, the Rural Acoustic Collective, Nate Nelson’s acoustic show and an open acoustic jam featuring Melissa Landis and friends.
All Breed Fun Show at the Redfield Horse Arena was followed by the evenings events, including a Bill Riley Talent Show at 6 p.m. and a screening of “Herbie and the Love Bug” at 8:30 p.m. A street dance followed with the band Stone Thro performing.
Sunday began with church in the park by the Christian Church and Hilltop Chapel. The Dexfield alumni banquet was served at the Redfield American Legion Hall.
A mud volleyball tournament and three-on-three basketball tournament livened up the afternoon along with Becky Bell’s Traveling Show. The busy weekened ended with a fireworks display at the Redfield WCV Middle School.
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