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September 7, 1999
Hundreds crowd tiny Godahl for Labor Day festivitiesBy TONY ZIEBOL Journal Staff Writer GODAHL -- From the number of cars lining the streets and parking lots, you'd think it was the Minnesota State Fair. In a town of just six houses and 15-20 residents, hundreds of people showed up Monday for the 44th Annual Godahl Days. A 30-minute parade was the major focus of the day, but there was plenty more to see and do. The Bee Kays Country Band from Welcome was among the entertainers. Covering tunes from Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, John Michael Montgomery, Patsy Kline, the Dixie Chicks and many other country favorites were cranked out from the stage. Visitors crowded the Godahl Recreation Center for a meal and gathered around a baseball diamond for a softball tournament. Adults and kids competed in bingo for a chance to win Beanie Babies and 12 packs of pop. And a queen was crowned. An afternoon raffle with more than 100 prizes including fishing poles, tool sets, a mountain bike and many other items was held, with the grandprize winner taking home $250. One elderly lady was so excited she forgot her purse where she was sitting. "Oh, thank you," she said, after a good samaritan brought it to her. The dunk tank was a lot less friendly, as people of all ages tried to get one unlucky person wet. Sheriff Eugene Hildebrandt was a popular target. "It's refreshing," he said at one point. After surviving about 15 straight throws, one juvenile knocked him into the water two throws in a row. "All right, that's enough," Hildebrandt said. "No one can hit you, huh?," said the accurate kid, mocking him. Although the Godahl celebration is always well-attended, Ann Parker, a town resident and member of the recreation department, said the nice weather had a lot to do with this year's success. "This is the busiest I've ever seen it," she said. "We're running out of everything food wise. I don't think we've ever run out of chips this early. "It's really surprising." Parker said some old-timers have been here for every one of the 44 Godahl Days. "It's surprising, but people seem to come back every year. You couldn't have ordered a nicer day."
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