Hundreds flock to Godahl Day

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

GODAHL -- It was a scene right out of the "Andy Griffith" show leading the parade as hundreds of people flocked to Godahl's Labor Day celebration Monday.

A 1963 Ford 300 squad car with Watonwan County Sheriff Department markings drove on the south side of Brown County Highway 6 straight through town while a Brown County Sheriff's Department car drove on the north side of the road.

The highway divides the two counties.

Never mind the fact that this community's population is 12. A long parade of antique cars, pickup trucks, tractors, fire trucks, a band and floats were part of the town's 46th annual celebration.

On stage after the parade Harold Rossbach sang a rousing rendition of "God Bless America."

St. James High School junior Ashley Wellman was crowned Miss Godahl by outgoing Miss Godahl Amber Goltz as candidates Kim Welchin and Tara Buse looked on.

Wellman's speech after getting the crown was short and sweet.

"You have a great Labor Day," she said.

Master of Ceremonies Howard Brekke recalled how the celebration's founders never dreamed it would get as large as it has. He sounded glad the event drew so many people and was possible only because of lots of volunteer work.

"A lot of us remember taking part in the celebration with an open tent," Brekke said. "This is an awful small community but people came out from St. James and all over to help work. Everybody put in a tremendous amount of work."

Live polka and country western music was performed throughout the day in the park. Funds for park improvements are raised by selling chances on drawings that included more than 200 prizes.

Minnesota Valley Lutheran teacher Ann Parker has been on the Godahl Recreation Board since she married her husband Gary 5 1/2 years ago.

"I've gotten to know lots of people because of Godahl Day," Parker said. "It's been a positive for me to know all the people around here. I wouldn't have met them all without the celebration."

The event brings lots of former residents back to town.

"We even have former residents that live in the Twin Cities that come back to work here for Godahl Day," Parker said.

She grew up on a farm in western Wisconsin and said she enjoys farm living while having some facilities nearby.

"It's important to have something in Godahl because we are 12 miles from St. James, Sleepy Eye and Hanska. It gives us a sense of community we wouldn't have otherwise," Parker said.

Prize drawing money raises funds to maintain the recreation building, heat it in the winter for volleyball and basketball games, receptions and family reunions, improve the ball park with a new fence, playground equipment and lights.

The recreation building is available rent-free for groups that donate labor on Godahl Days.