2004 Year in Review

Riverboat Days involved Morrison Residents

Lonestar performing Sunday evening.

Morrison Athletic Boosters manning Riverboat Days Gates.
L to R Roger Pell, Darla Vandermyde, and Mary Wright.

Amy Drehmer performing at Riverboat Days

Leanne's Dance Connection Intermediate Class performing to "Devil Went Down to Georgia" at Riverboat Days

Morrison residents traveled across the river to Clinton Riverboat Days in record numbers this year. Some went for the evening’s entertainment: The Doobie Brothers, Three Dog Night, or Lonestar. Others went for the fireworks, but the majority were there to work or entertain.

168 Morrison Athletic Booster’s manned the gates this year to begin their fall fundraising. Working all four days, with shifts running from two to seven hours and sometimes in the rain, the Boosters manned 5 gates from 8 am to 11 pm to earn $6000.00. There were even several individuals that volunteered without being parents of athletes.

“Without a doubt, they have done the best job we have ever had,” explained Gate Director Dennis Durling. “We always have complaints, but this year we have had none. They have done a smooth job maybe because of their experience with County Fair gates. Sally Lindsey did a great job in leadership and Brian Frickenstein has been great overseeing the workers. They have done a hard but good job. We would love to have them back. They will have the right of first refusal next year.”

Homeland Security made many changes this year to the celebration that Riverboat Days had to implement. Some of the Boosters received abuse because they had to follow those strict regulations.

But the Boosters enjoyed doing it and according to Lindsey most wanted to come back next year to work the same gate with the same people. “I’d rather work a gate than ask businesses to donate,” volunteer Dave Damhoff explained.

Advanced and Intermediate classes from Leanne’s Dance Connection performed for the first time in the Showcase Stage on Saturday, as well as senior soloists: Megan Goodenough, Britta Bartels, Heidi Benson, Amy Goodenough, and Ashley Willey. They performed the same dances from their April Recital.

Arnie and Mitch Drolema set up their new inflatable Haunted House for the first time for Riverboat Days’ goers to tour. They will also have it set up at Morrison Fest July 17.

by Barb Benson, theCity1.com
July 6, 2004