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August 1, 1999
Searles celebrating its 100thTimberwolves mascot will march in Searles parade todayBy GUY PRIEL Journal Staff Writer SEARLES -- Krunch, the mascot of the Minnesota Timberwolves, will make a guest appearance today in Searles, where he will sign autographs and march in the Centennial Parade. The parade, scheduled for 1 p.m., will kick off afternoon festivities for the final day of Searles centennial weekend events. Organizers say approximately 100 units will march in the parade. The festivities will begin at 9 a.m. with a polka mass at the church, with entertainment provided by Erwin and Loran Suess and people of Praise. Following that will be a performance by David Suess and the Johnny Helget Trio. Afternoon events include a performance by Schell's Hobo Band, Sven and Ole and Just Us. Closing ceremonies are scheduled for 6 p.m. There will also be a men's 35 and over softball tournament, a vintage clothing display at the school and an antique display at Cottonwood Town Hall. Buses will be available from the Hy-Vee parking lot to transport residents to Searles to help cut down on congestion throughout the day. Over 200 people took advantage of the cooler temperatures and low humidity on Saturday and descended on searles to dance to the music of Erwin Suess, the Jeff Franta Band, the German-Bohemian Heritage Singers and David Suess and the Johnny Helget Trio. "It's really a great variety of music and the weather couldn't have been better," Thomas Miller of Lake Crystal said. "It was an enjoyable day. The residents of Searles have to be commended for their efforts." Rapid Rick's Road Show was on hand as residents took to the streets for an old-fashioned street dance. People came from far and near to renew old friendships and participate in the All School Reunion held Saturday afternoon, while the children enjoyed a mini-train ride. "It was a good chance to get together with old classmates and relive those days," Charles Olson of Minneapolis said. "It is also a chance to return home and help the community celebrate 100 years while it looks toward success in the next 100 years." Members of New Ulm's square dance club "Twist & Twirl" entertained the crowds for an hour on Saturday, as they demonstrated a dancing style popular when Minnesota was part of the western frontier and still widely popular today. "I remember learning something in grade school they called square dancing, but it was nothing like this," Joseph Abramson of rural Madelia said. "This actually looks like something that would be fun to do. And the outfits are so colorful." Although once a popular dance for young people, its popularity waned as families started spending less time together and young people found other activities to occupy their time. Square dancing, performed by four couples dancing in groups of eight, is endorsed by the American Heart Association as great exercise, and members take advantage of possibilities for exhibitions such as the one on Saturday to gain a renewed interest in this dancing style. The club, which dances twice a month at the Senior Citizen's Center, has been in existence in New Ulm for over 25 years and has approximately 30 members.
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