The Minonk Sesquicentennial Committee met Wednesday night at City Hall to discuss events
for the upcoming celebration of the city's 150th anniversary. Chairman Kathy McKay said that
she has received a committment from CDAC Amusements of Peoria to stage a carnival for the
weekend of June 10-13. McKay said that the carnival is of a very high quality which would
consist of 10-15 rides and 12-15 concession stands including 4 food trailers. More information
on the carnival can be found at their website at http://www.cdacamusements.com.
Discussion centered on how to split events between the sesquicentennial celebration and the
Fourth of July celebration. Chairman McKay said that it will be necessary to put as many
events as possible into the sesquicentennial celebration in order to draw enough people to
pay for the carnival. The majority of the group members preferred to
keep the fireworks and the parade for the Fourth of July celebration rather than shifting
them to the sesquicentennial celebration. Fireworks Committee Chairman Pat Copp said that his
committee members are adamantly against shifting the fireworks from the Fourth of July to the
sesquicentennial celebration. Chairman McKay said that she would like to get feedback from the
public as to whether they prefer to keep the Fourth of July celebration as it is or if they would
prefer to have another annual celebration the second weekend of June and just retain the fireworks,
entertainment and parade for the Fourth of July.
Lana Ruestman said that 3 bands have been lined up for the Fourth of July entertainment. They include
the group Cosmos, Sister Groove, and Shotgun Charlie.
Ron Redenius said he is looking for volunteers to help him and Reverend Swenson to organize the beard
growing contest. Redenius said that they need volunteers to help design and make buttons for the
contest. They will be meeting at the Immanuel Lutheran Church on February 15 to make the
buttons. Those interested in helping should contact Redenius or Reverend Swenson.
The committee decided to hold its next meeting on March 3 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
