BIG WEEKENDS ON TAP
There will be plenty of activity in Freeman this weekend as two major events are on the calendar — Ribs and More at the Ranch on Saturday evening, June 26 and the community’s Independence Day celebration the following day.
Ribs and More at the Ranch, the fundraiser for Freeman Academy, is returning in 2021 after taking 2020 off because of concerns about COVID-19. The event will again be held at the school’s boulevard and is scheduled to run from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. In addition to pork ribs, the menu will include Schmeckfest stewed beef and sauerkraut, potato salad, fruit salad, ice cream, floats and sno-cones.
The event is also doubling as a school reunion, with classes celebrating 50 years or longer since graduation treated to a buffet meal served at 5:30 p.m. in Pioneer Hall. RSVP’s were due June 1; contact development director Meranda Van Ningen at 925-4237 ex. 235 for more information.
Then on Sunday, June 27, the Freeman community will celebrate Independence Day with its traditional observance at the baseball/softball field complex across from the Swimming Pool Park. Chislic and other concessions will be served beginning at 12 p.m., with youth ball games all afternoon.
Action begins with the 6u boys at 11:45 a.m. followed by the 8u boys at 1 p.m., 10u boys at 2 p.m. and 10u girls at 3:30 p.m. All games will be against Scotland at the softball field. The 13-14 Sticks Teeners will face Scotland at 3:30 p.m. at Merchants State Bank Field, with the Blacksox hosting Tabor at 7:30 p.m. followed by fireworks.
CorTrust Bank and Merchants State Bank are both once again sponsoring the fireworks and the chislic, respectively.
Menno’s big bash
The Menno community is gearing up for its own celebration to be held over the course of multiple days next weekend.
Saturday, July 3 will be the big day thanks largely to the all-school reunion that is planned for the afternoon and evening on Fifth Street. The reunion will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. with registration taking place at the fire hall. A dance is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. in front of Rooster’s/The Schnitz and will feature the band Bullet Proof. Other activities include:
n he Menno Mad Frogs Bean Bag Tournament at the baseball field Friday, July 2 starting at 3 p.m. Registration ends at 2 p.m.
n road race will be held Saturday morning with registration at the fire hall beginning at 7:30 a.m. For more information check out the Menno Athletic Club’s Facebook page.
n he annual Independence Day parade be held Saturday beginning at 11 a.m., using the theme “God Bless America.” All floats are to register in front of the Menno City-School Auditorium by 9:30 a.m.
n pork barbecue by the FFA at the city-school auditorium and brats served by the American Legion at the Legion Hall will follow the parade.
Then on Sunday, a community worship service will be held at the City Park at 10 a.m., with American Legion baseball against Wessington Springs at 4 p.m. and the Mad Frogs hosting Freeman at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will follow.
