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The weekend kicked off with the popular chicken supper hosted by
the Hartem FFA. As in past years, live entertainment was a part of
the festivities with "The Dynamics" performing on Friday and area
Talent Show on Saturday. The Saturday afternoon parade and outdoor
community church service on Sunday morning also continue to be part
of the weekend.
Other events included a kiddie tractor pull, the ring toss, dime
pitch, and bingo. Though carnival rides are no longer part of the
festivities, they have been replaced by Fun Services inflatables and
Upper Limit's rock climbing wall.
The homecoming weekend is a reunion of sorts for people in the small
town. Former resident Jennifer Dalrymple, who now lives in
Tennessee, said she tries to make it back every year.
Others such as long time resident and former mayor Ivan Rademaker
have attended the homecoming almost since its beginning. Rademaker
stated, "I can remember when I was 16 or 17, there was such a crowd
here, you could hardly walk through." He also noted that over the
years, they moved the food tents away from the entertainment area
because people would not walk away from the entertainment area to
get their food.
The entertainment continues to be a big draw and Saturday night's
talent show proved that Emden is a small town with a lot of talent.
With elementary, junior, and senior divisions, there were twelve
different performances by both groups and individuals showcasing
their dancing, singing, or piano playing skills.
The elementary category represented dancing talent. Looking like
they came straight out of the 1950s, Adeline Griggs, Celia Cross,
Ellie Klokkenga, and Ella Davis danced and hopped their way across
the stage to "The Hop."
Next up was Abby Montgomery, who danced and shook to Taylor Swift's
"Shake It Off."
Rounding out the elementary category, Avery Rohlfs, Alayna Briggs,
Zoe Miller, Lily Barry, and Addison Beekman danced and swaggered
their way to Miranda Lambert's "Little Red Wagon."
With seven performances, the junior category was full of singing
talent.
Lillian Escobedo sang her heart out to Imagine Dragon's
"Radioactive.''
Bailey Baker soulfully sang Sam Smith's "I'm Not the Only One," and
Demi Lovato's "Warrior."
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Maddie Maaks and Emmary Matson belted out RaeLynn's "God Made Girls."
Zoi Dunse spiritedly sang He is Me's "I Wouldn't Mind."
Finishing out the category, Sierra Smith crooned Alex Clare's "Too
Close."
The senior division was small but impressive with just two
performers. Alex Hoffman belted out Miranda Lambert's "Automatic"
and "Gunpowder and Lead."
Joe Garcia skillfully played Smashmouth's "Walking on the Sun," the
final performance of the night.
During a brief intermission, contestants nervously awaited with
fingers crossed as judges Peggy Miller and John Leslie tabulated the
results.
In the elementary category, Adeline Griggs, Celia Cross, Ellie
Klokkenga, and Ella Davis' dance group tied for first place with
Avery Rohlfs, Alayna Briggs, Zoe Miller, Lily Barry, and Addison
Beekman's dance group, and Abby Montgomery received third place.
In the junior division, Sierra Smith received first place followed
by Zoi Dunse in second place, Maddie Maaks and Emmary Matson in
third place, Lillian Escobedo in fourth place, and Bailey Baker in
fifth place.
Finally, in the senior division, Joe Garcia received first place and
Alexis Huffman receiving second place.
Once the talent show was finished, the night's festivities continued
well into the evening with rousing games of bingo and ring toss and
a drawing for three cash prizes.
Though the crowds did not quite fill the streets on the hot summer
evening, those attending enjoyed catching up with old friends, a
tradition that will likely continue for years to come.
[Angela Reiners] |
