Around this time of year, just about every town in our neck of the woods hosts a yearly event. In Cloud County, we are seven towns strong, and four of the seven will soon be gathering in their own town to celebrate all there is to celebrate and make new memories with family and friends.
August 22-24 sees Miltonvale kicking things off with Tootlefest. Clyde’s Watermelon Festival is next during the last weekend in August. Then Concordia hosts Fall Fest the last weekend of September, and Glasco tops it all off with Fun Days the first Saturday in October. Jamestown’s yearly event is always around the Fourth of July. Ames and Aurora don’t have annual events, but on July 18 of this year, Aurora celebrated the 150th anniversary of St. Peter Catholic Church. Hundreds attended from all over the United States. We may be small populations, but we know how to mark important events, and we put on a great party.
That’s just what is being planned for this coming weekend. I’m writing from here in Miltonvale to let everyone know that this year’s Tootlefest is jam-packed with, as we often say, “Something for everyone!”
Those somethings include live music—Dueling Pianos, Monkey Business and Gray Pratt & Co.—a Car and Tractor Show, Calvin Schultz Memorial Tractor Pull, a Baby Show, and the most famous Turtle Race this side of the Mississippi. There’s a parade, games for the kids, and a glow run. There’s even an airplane drop of paper plates filled with goodies, a tradition sustained by a willing pilot and a field full of excited kids!
You can find a complete schedule of events on our new website, discovermiltonvale.com. The website was made possible through a generous grant from the Community Foundation for Cloud County—Economic Development Fund. In addition, the ongoing upkeep of the website is being sponsored by the Miltonvale Lions Club. Thank you to both groups for helping us realize the dream of having a comprehensive website for Miltonvale that, most importantly, includes a Community Calendar.
Before I sign off, folks often ask, “What’s a Tootle?” Well, way back in 1881, Milton Tootle founded the town of Miltonvale. After his death in 1887, his estate donated land for the Miltonvale Grade School, Miltonvale Wesleyan College, and the grounds for the city park aptly named Tootle Park. Since then, Tootle has become a beloved name for several events, buildings and businesses: Tootle Toss Disc Golf Tournament; Tootle Golf Tournament; Tootle House; Tootle Publishing; Tootle Books and Such; and our yearly community celebration—Tootlefest!
Please join us. Miltonvale promises down-home hospitality and a great time. And don’t forget, there’s something for everyone! discovermiltonvale.com
