A fun, leisurely Saturday tops Emden's 75th Homecoming

[July 19, 2022]   Emden Homecoming activities continued on Saturday, July 16 with town wide garage sales, car cruise-in, homecoming parade and kiddie tractor pull.

People could be seen walking through town Saturday morning looking for good deals at the many garage sales. A few young entrepreneurs were selling lemonade and cookies.

Behind the Emden Community House, the Sons of the American Legion were selling pork chops to raise money for future events.



In the early afternoon, several cars of various makes, models and vintages could be seen throughout the park near Emden Grade School.

The theme for the afternoon parade was “Small Town Proud.” The number of people that come out to watch the parade demonstrates pride many have for the small village of Emden.

Entries in the parade included the American Legion Color Guard, Hartem FFA, and the Heartland Hawk.

Grand Marshalls were long time Emden residents Ivan and Roberta Rademaker.

Representing Emden was 2021 Little Miss Emden Mia Westen, who rode through the parade route in a Jeep. Westen was followed by 2021 Logan County Fair Queen Caroline Ahrends, Junior Miss Alayna Briggs and Little Miss Sofia Farmer riding atop a convertible.



The Barry family float was decorated on front with the words “Small Town Proud…Adventure Bound” and posters of different countries on the side.

Several local farmers drove John Deere, Allis Chalmer tractors or gators.

Entries representing area businesses included Coers Diesel, Green Prairie Animal Hospital, Rohlfs Implement and Sun Ag.

Area Fire departments, the Logan County Sheriff and a few county officials were others representing small town pride.

More small town pride was exhibited by a float representing St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School with children sitting on top of hay bales.



After the parade, around 20 children participated in a kiddie tractor pull with small, weighted sleds.

Homecoming festivities continued into the evening with many of the same activities they had Friday plus musical entertainment by rock band Stereo Typical. A firework show rounded out the evening’s events.

[Angela Reiners]