2005 Year in Review

Fireworks, Parades, Battles, Reunions and Games

by Marc Adami

Are you planning to be part of Morrison’s Sesquicentennial celebration July 8, 9, and 10? Why not?

Unlike the annual celebration of our Nation’s birth, which we celebrate in high fashion or by small family gatherings on the 4th, our City only celebrates a birthday every 50 years. For many of us, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime event. For those over 50 or under 30, only vague memories will remain. Our goal, then, should be to make it “memorable.”

Please join us in all the activities planned. If you want to be a part of the celebration, it is never too late to offer some help, or at least to help finance the scheduled events. Donations of any size are welcome.

There will be a $2 commemorative pass for sale to allow entry to the fairgrounds on all three days. The Sesquicentennial Store at 218 W. Main St. has lots of souvenir goodies that help fund all our events. Please be generous.

Many free activities will be available outside the fairgrounds, except for the Girl Scout 5K Spirit Run. Friday, July 8, at 2:00 P. M. pose for the all-class Morrison High School reunion photograph at the stadium. Tour the building afterwards. Gather some alums and revisit teachers, administrators, and friends.

On Saturday, July 9, the Girl Scout 5K Spirit Run opens for registration at Morrison Rockwood State Park at 8:00 A. M. Watch a gigantic parade along neighborhood streets, beginning at 1:00. The Classic Car Show takes place from 6 to 9:00 on Main Street; you don’t want to miss the special ceremony at 8:00!

During the fireworks finale, the Rotary Club of Morrison will be collecting. To make your donations even easier, they will come to you. Due to generous contributions by Wells Fargo Bank NA and the City of Morrison, the fireworks have been paid for and are ready to go.

If you want to see a preview, I recommend the Prophetstown Independence Day Fireworks display, which will be shot on Sunday July 3. The same company, J&M Displays of Yarmouth, IA, has designed our show on July 10 to be completely different. It promises to be a true spectacle!

Bring the family and friends, have fun, and make Morrison proud!

by Stephanie A. Vavra, Guest Columnist
June 27, 2005