Springfield celebrates River Days

Friendship Days in Comfrey

By GUY PRIEL

Journal Staff Writer

SPRINGFIELD -- As morning rain clouds gave way to afternoon sunshine, residents gathered at Riverside Park in Springfield on Saturday to celebrate features of the community that make life better for residents.

The event, which was the annual Riverside Days, began Friday night with a children's parade, and continues today.

There will be a breakfast served by the Lions Club at the Airport, a quilt show throughout the day, and a parade at 1 p.m.

Festivities included water contests between the Springfield Fire Department and other surrounding communities, varieties of musical entertainment, food booths, a quilt show, and a supper provided by the Springfield Fire Department, which was considered the highlight of the event.

"This has been a part of our summer activities for the past few years, and it always means a lot to us to come here and share with members of the community," Thomas Lewis of Lamberton said.

Whether meeting old friends or making new ones, many of the people participating in events on Saturday were passing through town when they noticed all the activities and decided to visit for awhile.

"We were on our way to a wedding in South Dakota and decided to see what was going on over in the park," Stephen Erickson of Rochester said. "We saw the signs and decided Riverside Days sounded like an interesting event to attend. It has been fun."

Watching the water fights was the highlight of the afternoon for many visitors, who welcomed the opportunity to get wet in an attempt to combat Saturday's humidity.

"There was a lot going on this weekend in the area to choose from, so we really had a hard time deciding what to attend, but we are glad we came here," Melissa Anderson of Sanborn said.

Down the road in Comfrey, residents were gathered at the community center to celebrate Friendship Days, which honors the spirit of the community that managed to rebuild after the March 1998 tornado that leveled the town.

Celebrating with baseball games, parades, entertainment in the park, and lots of food, residents celebrated the opportunity to met new friends, welcome returning friends, and celebrate the spirit of community.

"This has been a really great day for all of us to celebrate what these people have gone through," Stephanie George of St. James said. "I have made many new friends and will be back again soon."

When the tornado struck in 1998, many people fled Comfrey, while others were left wondering if the town could ever rise again from the rubble that was left behind, she said.

"This is not only about friendship, but about survival, recovery, and hope for everyone," she said.