Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Most events held despite rainfall
The H-M High School Class of 1983 attempts to stay dry during the parade.
Danny McCarty peaks through the foam at Friday night's youth dance.
Youngsters on Trinity United Church of Christ's float hide under umbrellas while squirting the crowd during Saturday's rainy parade.
As raindrops trickle down, Summer Celebration Committee member Drew Sweeney tosses a frisbee during the parade.
Knox Klein gives it his all during the pedal pull at Neebel Park.
The Nedd Freely Funn Band was able to pump out tunes under the tent Saturday afternoon.
Abby Douma tries to spike it past Cayle Carney during a soggy volleyball tournament Saturday afternoon at Neebel Park.
Youngsters enjoyed inflatables and games like laser tag between rainstorms on Saturday.
Though Mother Nature tried her best to dictate otherwise, organizers of Hartley's Summer Celebration found a silver lining.
"We had the biggest crowd we've ever had for the meal and dance on Friday night, and everyone had a lot of fun," said committee member Rachel Wilson. "Saturday was wet, but we were able to pull almost everything off that was on the schedule."
The party started Friday night without a hitch. Visitors packed Neebel Park for the Lions Club supper and stayed for the youth dance, which featured a DJ and foam party that was enjoyed by people of all ages.
"I think it was a big hit," Wilson said. "Bring a towel next year, because I'm pretty sure we'll be having that again."
After everyone rested up, Saturday kicked off with a breakfast sponsored by the Masons, 5K run/walk and a bike ride. The parade then got underway downtown with clouds looming large on the horizon.
It didn't take long for rain to fall once floats started rolling down Central Avenue.
"It was a very wet parade," said Wilson.
Precipitation didn't relent until roughly 2 p.m. Events were then able to pick up steam at Neebel Park, and inflatables were blown up while the sky stayed dry.
"The kids were able to get out at least for a little while," Wilson said.
Wet conditions only canceled the burnout contest in the afternoon. An ominous evening forecast also axed Casey Muessigmann's performance at the street dance; however, firemen still hosted music and kept the beer garden open.
Sunday's small slate of events wrapped up the schedule. Wilson said that while the weather may have dampened plans, everyone did the best they could in light of the circumstances they were dealt.
"As tough as it was not to have as big of a crowd as we were expecting, we understand why. It was really wet out," she said. "We're already planning for next year and we'll be looking forward to that."
