Thousands flock to Lafayette

Town's Centennial , Hedren's celebrity draws big crowds

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

LAFAYETTE -- Ruth Klossner wears lots of hats.

One of them is managing editor of the Lafayette Nicollet Ledger. She also had a lot to do with the 400 plus page book on the 100 year history of the community.

This past weekend, she wore many hats during the Lafayette City Centennial that drew thousands of people to town.

Former residents, friends and relatives of residents and people that just wanted to see movie star and native Tippi Hedren, take in a big street dance or a big parade among other things, got their fill Friday through Sunday.

Sunday afternoon, hundreds of people stuffed into the Lafayette Community Center to get Hedren's autograph and/or photo.

Among them was David Stolt of St. Peter thought the 110-unit parade was "great" and "just the right size" for the event.

"They had a real mixed bag of components in it like tractors and notable people," Stolt said.

Linda Wellmann of New Ulm said her mother knew Hedren when she was a child in Lafayette.

"She remembered her as a cute, little blonde girl in school," said Wellmann.

Proceeds for Hedren's autographs went to the "Roar" foundation which she operates for the welfare of abandoned and abused wild animals near Los Angeles, Calif.

John Hartley of Lafayette said the Centennial had great community participation, including about 1,500 people at the street dance Saturday night.

"That fact that Tippi came all the way out here to help us celebrate was a highlight," said Hartley. "A lot of other people helped out with many other events."

He said he was surprised at the turnout despite Polka Days in Gibbon and the Ormsby Centennial.

Staff photo by Steve Muscatello

The Lafayette American Legion and Auxiliary Post 300 float travels the streets of Lafayette during their Centennial Parade Sunday.