Shafer to celebrate 150 years

By MaryHelen Swanson
Sally Barott attended a funeral of a ìfine man from Shaferî last December. It was like going home to a community reunion.
So inspired by the moment was she, that she decided to plan a super celebration of the 150th anniversary of the small city for this fall.
ìI realized how important the old family bonds are in this small town area,î Barott said. And the words of John Melencampís ìSmall Townî that she heard on the radio on the way home from the funeral seemed more than appropriate for how she and others feel about their hometown of Shafer, Minn.
Work began in January this year, getting permission from the city council to organize the 150th celebration, organizing a committee and planning events to take place Oct. 3, 4 and 5.
One major event will be on Friday, Oct. 4 at 5 p.m. at the Jane and Vincent Videen Farm. Itís going to be called the ìSettlerís Picnicî Shafer Reunion.
All Shaferites, new and old, are invited to this special event. There will be a blue grass band, ìTrue North,î an historical re-enactment and, as Barott said, ìgood old-fashioned fun.î
Bring your own picnic lunch, blankets and lawn chairs. Soft drinks will be provided by Girl Scout Troop 1881 and Marlen and Frank Messin, Plastic Products, Lindstrom, will provide a large tent.
Planned events include:
Friday, Oct. 3:
ï Best Ball Golf Tournament at Countryside Golf Course
ï 150th Anniversary commemorative postage stamp cancellation at the post office
ï Jacob Peterson House tour, built in 1900
ï Shafer historical exhibits in the old Shafer City Hall
ï Swedish Immigrant Bike Trail demonstration tour
ï Settlerís Picnic Shafer Reunion
Saturday, Oct. 4:
ï 4th annual Shafer/Franconia Fire and Rescue Classic Charity Car show
ï Swedish Egg Kaffee and baked goods
ï Shafer historical exhibits continue
ï Pig roast at Shafer Saloon & Grill
ï 1923 Shafer Bank Robbery re-enactment
ï Dedication of the new Shafer City Hall
ï Tractor parade
ï Shafer/Franconia Fire & Rescue Fall Dance at the fire hall
Sunday, Oct. 5:
ï Church service in English and Swedish at old Shafer City Hall
ï Tractor parade finale.
Questions? Call Sally Barott at (651) 257-4773.

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