Linneus Family Field Day returns

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    LINNEUS — The town will be bustling with activity as they reinstate Linneus Family Field Day on Saturday, July 28.
    The day’s event starts off at 10 a.m. with a parade on Route 2A, leading into a community barbecue. There will be games for all ages going on throughout the day, including a dunk tank and bouncy house.
    The first Field Day was held in 1991 as a way for the community to get together and show its community spirit. The celebration was held annually until its last year in 2003.
    “It was started to get everyone together and have some fun,” said Carrie Palmer, representing the Linneus Recreation board. “We’ve held a variety of activities over the years.”
    One year, organizers set aside a Music Friday with Ted Bither, while another year they set up a drive-in movie theater. There have been horseshoe tournaments and a community softball game.
    “We’ve had a pig scramble, half dollar sawdust pile, a petting zoo and many more games,” added Palmer. “But, this being the first year back, we decided to try just a few things to build on for next year.”
    Organizers are hoping to reestablish Field Day as an annual event.
    The theme of the parade, which will run through Route 2A, is “Patriotic” celebrating the country’s independence, along with the community’s pride.
    “We want to show our country’s spirit,” said Palmer. “We would like to see some of the families in the town put a float in the parade.”
    Palmer does have a few entries so far, but there is room for more.
    The community barbecue will be a good place to reacquaint neighbors, while enjoying burgers and hot dogs, along with potluck salads and desserts. The meat is being supplied using leftover Field Day funds and the recreation department will also accept any donations.
    “We wanted to keep it simple for the first year,” explained Palmer. “We have signs posted and hopefully, this piece will help get the information out.”
    Linneus Family Fun Day has been prompted to come back by its residents and organizers hope this tradition will carry on.
    “It will be kind of interesting to see some of our children who participated in the games when the event first started, coming back to help run them as adults, as well as helping to organize this year’s celebration,” added Palmer.
    To enter a float in the parade or to make donations, call Linneus Town Office at 532-6182.