Minonk celebrates 4th

The Grand Marshal for this year's parade was Virgil Folkerts who drove a 1928 Minonk fire truck recently purchased by Dr. Paul Naik. Virgil has been an active volunteer in the Minonk community his entire life. He has been a fireman, an alderman, and a zoning board member. In addition, he has volunteered for many community projects, most recently helping build the Westside Park pavilion. In addition, he has helped many individuals on work projects. He is an outstanding citizen and truely deserves to be recognized for his many contributions to the community.

Sesquicentennial exhibits were held again with old Minonk photographs and memorabilia on display at the Anderson building (Old City Hall) and at the office of MinonkTalk. The showing of the video "Minonk Remembered" created by Minonk native James Weistart was held at the Picket Fence after the parade and drew a large crowd. Jari Lynn Oncken narrated the video for the audience. Copies of the video without the audio are for sale at the MinonkTalk office for $10 apiece. Call 309/432-3000 to make arrangements for a copy.

A large crowd gathered at Sutton's Park in the evening to hear the music of "The Modern Cowboyz". At dusk the fireworks display started with a spectacular opening burst. The fireworks this year were better than ever. Some of the fireworks bursts were the biggest ever seen by this writer.