A blast from the past

The Hap Ketelsen Community Center will be a happening place Saturday night when the Everly Heritage Museum hosts its annual fundraiser.

This year's event, "Cruisin' On Main," will transport guests back to yesteryear.

"Since it's a summer show this time, we wanted to choose a theme that would suggest happy, summery rock and roll music," explained Connie Goeken, one of the event's organizers. "Also, a lot of the songs are from the 60's and 70's, a time when 'cruisin' was a common teenage pastime."

In addition to live music performed by area musicians, "Crusin' On Main" will feature food, drink and good company. All proceeds will support the activities and mission of the Everly Heritage Museum.

"All of our income is used either for ongoing operational expenses or for exhibit development," Goeken said. "We are a completely volunteer-run organization, from the board members to those who staff the museum during its open hours and give tours."

The museum opened in 2021 following two years of planning. Its creation was spurred by the closing of the Clay Central/Everly 7-12 grade school in 2019, which necessitated a location to house the community's old trophies and other memorabilia.

The facility also houses several other artifacts of community significance from local businesses, area veterans and past events. On special display right now is an exhibit by museum board member Mark Scharnberg that features photos and information on area grain silos.

"It helps showcase the importance of silos to our agricultural history," Goeken said. "We thought it was unique to feature this iconic piece of farm building that is often overlooked."

The exhibit will be up through the all-school reunion in August. The museum is open on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and also by appointment.

Goeken hoped folks would turn out Saturday to invest in the future of the facility, which has become a local staple since it opened three years ago.

"Our focus has been on acquiring more artifacts from past or present Everly residents in order to preserve as much local history as we can," said Goeken. "Many families have come to the museum when they're having reunions, and it is an especially popular stop for those having class reunions."

Doors open Saturday at 6 p.m., with heavy hors d'oeuvres served during the cocktail hour from 6:30-7:30 p.m. A cash bar will be open with cash-only payment. The two-hour concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available by calling Cindy Fliss at (605) 553-1431.