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Pengilly Celebrates 100 Years |
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| "Pengilly Celebrates 100 Years" Event brings families and friends together Hibbing Daily Tribune by Melissa Cox, Staff Writer Sunday, August 31, 2008 PENGILLY — The sun was bright and so were the faces of those who gathered Saturday to celebrate a century. There were countless smiles this weekend during the Pengilly Centennial Celebration. People traveled from near and far to take place in the once-in-a-lifetime event for the community. The excitement could be felt throughout town during the festivities. One of the exciting draws for people of all ages was the parade that featured more than 60 entrants. Crowds of people lined up along the Half Circle Drive in Pengilly and watched in delight as they were entertained by the medley of parade participants. Sitting along the parade route were Gretchen Arola, Teresa Powers, Dolly Marano and Duane Arola, who were taking in all the excitement of the event. The kids in the group including Gabrielle Arola, Emily and Caylee Yost were holding bags while they waited with excitement for candy to be thrown their way. “I think it’s neat to have this celebration,” said Gretchen. “It’s nice to see everyone out. It’s usually a real quiet community.” “It brings everyone together,” added Powers. Marano concurred. “It’s nice that all the people can attend,” she said. “It’s like a big reunion.” Robert and Shirley Blum, along with Donald and Bonnie (Blum) Moors, were glad to reconnect with so many old friends. “It’s great just to see the people that I haven’t seen for a long time,” said Bonnie, who attended elementary school in the area. “I enjoy seeing the people — that’s the most important,” added Shirley. “It has been good event. There’s a lot of old timers here.” She said the centennial celebration provides an opportunity for people to renew old acquaintances and see the changes that have occurred in the community over the years. Event attendees John and Gail Gannon have been savoring time at their cabin on Swan Lake for many years. John’s parents were one of the first families from Hibbing to buy a cabin on Swan Lake in 1925. “It’s very important for us to here for a day like this,” said John. “We know a lot of people here. It has been a nice celebration. We are enjoying ourselves.” “This is a big event in Pengilly,” said Gail. “It’s nice in a small community because you know the people who are in the parade. In a bigger city, you don’t get that same feeling.” The couple’s daughter, Sally Goddard, attended the event with her husband, Greg and their children, Owen, 7, and Eleanor, 6. Sally has spent summers in Pengilly for nearly 40 years and enjoys sharing that experience with her children. “There’s a lot of family history in this area,” said Sally. “We are really glad we are able to be a part of the celebration. Pengilly is a wonderful place to have family time.” For four generations, the Gannon family has created memories in Pengilly. “It’s great for generation after generation to keep coming here to Pengilly,” said Gail, adding there are many wonderful assets of Pengilly including the lake and the community. Former Iron Ranger Jack Kleinendorst was having a wonderful time at the event visiting with old friends. He said it’s great seeing all the people and meeting with the old timers from the area. Watching the parade while sharing a cozy spot under the shade were the families of Maia, Jesse, Cooper and Tori, 2, Crane, along with Jason, Becky, and Korah, 3, and Kaden, 6, Crane. The kids were grinning as they waved to parade participants and ran after sweet treats. “The celebration is fun for the kids,” said Maia. “It’s good to support the community and to actively participate, and to show the children that it’s important to participate in the community.” She added that it’s fun meeting new people and visiting with people they already know. Becky shared similar thoughts, noting that the celebration is a good way to meet new people. “It’s also a chance to experience new things and learn about the community we visit all summer long,” she said. Jason said that it’s a last celebration before the school year starts for the kids. “The parade is a good end to the summer — to see bands, classic cars and of course the candy,” he said. The Pengilly Centennial Celebration continues today. Events include breakfast by the East Side Neighbors from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Lone Pine Hall; shotgun golf tournament will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Swan Lake Country Club; a cribbage tournament sponsored by the Don Oja family at Mr. Roberts from 2 to 4 p.m.; and a Pengilly Ball Diamond Baseball Game with Garyls Concessions at 2 p.m.. Church services and events include at 9 a.m. at Nashwauk Lutheran Church; 9 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church featuring refreshments and memorabilia; 9:30 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church featuring Old Fashion Revival Meeting with Guest Preacher Dr. Carry Flinck; at 9:30 a.m. at Pengilly Methodist Church with special entertainment by Terry Hall, along with church memorabilia; 10 a.m. at Crossroads Family Church featuring Frontier History Service; and 11 a.m. at St. Kevin's Catholic Church featuring Polka Mass & The Singing Slovenes. Sub sandwiches available. Melissa Cox can be reached at melissa.cox@mx3.com. To read this story and comment on it online go to www.hibbingmn.co |