Deep traditions stand as many come home for Emden's 70th Annual Homecoming

[July 17, 2017]   EMDEN - The 70th Annual Emden Homecoming, held July 14 and 15 brought many people to the downtown. Hosted by the Sons of the American Legion, this years cooler temps and sunny skies were a great time to catch up with old friends, enjoy food, fun and festivities.

For a number of the people there, the homecoming is a tradition that goes back many years. Homecoming began Friday night with the chicken supper that has been part of the event since the beginning. Formerly hosted by the Auxiliary Ladies, it is now hosted by Hartem FFA members.

Many folks have fond memories of homecoming's food, fun and fellowship.

Amy Groth Johnson said she used to spend the whole weekend at homecoming festivities. Johnson grew up in Emden and now tries to come back for as many of these homecomings as possible.

Her husband, John Johnson, said he loves the fries. Johnson was an FFA state president at one time and said he appreciates the work FFA members put in for the chicken supper.

Longtime Emden resident Keith Backes said homecoming is a wonderful small town event which brings together people that have not seen each other for a long time. Backes said it is a warm experience.

Mary Lou Klokkenga another longtime Emden resident, has been coming to homecoming ever since she can remember. Klokkenga said when her kids were little, it was one of the big events of the summer and they would earn money to spend at homecoming. She said the best tasting corndogs can be found at homecoming.

Former Emden resident Bob Gardner said the world is so different now and he has seen a lot of changes over the years. He said the town is not the same as it was with many old timers gone and businesses such as the grocery store and garage gone. Gardner said homecoming is still a time for many of the "old timers" to come and see many they do not see very often and said it is worth the trip from Delavan.

As people mixed and mingled at homecoming, they could also enjoy entertainment by Evan Webb and the Rural Ramblers. The group featured Adam Hellman, who grew up in Emden.

Other events included the ever popular Bingo,

ring toss,

face painting,

a fishing game,

a rock climbing wall, and inflatables by Denny Party Rentals.

Hungry festival goers could enjoy corndogs, pork chops, hamburgers, hotdogs, fries, or ice cream.

Events continued Saturday with town-wide garage sales, a farmer's market, a "Christmas in July" parade, a kiddie tractor pull, and more evening activities with entertainment by "The Dynamics."

[Angela Reiners]