Whoopee Days 2021 successful, with thanks to volunteers, sponsors

Brighton Whoopee Days 2021 was a busy, fun weekend. A talent show, vendor and craft stands, bands, street dances, bounces houses, concession stands and a parade were just a few of the many activities. A successful, hot, mud run was held. Luckily there was no rain during the day.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning for the Whoopee Walk. Everyone who took part enjoyed their leisurely one- or two-mile walk around town. As they walked, stories and history of Brighton were pointed out and shared to the enjoyment of all. Walkers were given bottles of water and granola bars as a thank you from the Fareway grocery store of Washington. Prizes were drawn at the end of the walk. Walkers then enjoyed the Lions Club breakfast held in the community room.

Wayne Gould was honored as the grand marshal of the parade. Wayne owns the Gould Funeral Home in Brighton. He has served on the Brighton Emergency Responder’s team for many years. The community wished to show their thanks for his continued service with this honor.

The Brighton homecoming and alumni reunion was held on Saturday at 1 p.m. in the community room. Guests had attended school in Brighton, taught school in Brighton, were residents of Brighton or were in business here at some time. It was a fun afternoon of visiting for everyone. Katherine Pacha, from the Class of 1954 took care of the registration table. Phyllis Scheeler, Helen DeWolf, Rosemary Pacha and Ed Mineart served at the reception table and as emcees. The oldest class members in attendance this year were from the class of 1951 (70 years ago).

Guests were introduced and shared stories of their time in Brighton. It was a fun afternoon of visiting for everyone from all over Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and even Texas. Door prizes were given out and cookies and treats, especially Whoopee pies, were served.

Boyd’s Bologna, the Brighton Locker, Cobb Oil, the Wooden Spoon Bakery and Café, Custom Impressions and Swaffer Welding provided donations of prizes for the Whoopee Day activities.

The Hillcrest Cemetery Walk in Brighton on Saturday at 3 p.m. was a great way to learn about the history of Brighton and Washington County. Brighton is the oldest town in Washington County.

The Brighton Chamber and Brighton Lion’s Chapter thanked all of the sponsors. They deserve much credit for making this event possible. The volunteers, the fire department, the EMS department and the sheriff’s office helped make the weekend a success. They put in hours of time to help with this annual celebration which was 100 years old this past year. All of them were so gracious, generous, and important as they helped make Whoopee Days a fun and successful event.