Richland celebrated with a full weekend of activities

Richland celebrated its Quinquennial Homecoming last weekend, July 5 through 7, focusing on the theme ‘Come Grow With Us.’ The kickoff was Friday afternoon with a welcome from Richland Community Club President and Homecoming chair, Korwin Hinshaw. Hinshaw introduced guest speaker, Richland’s hometown son, Mark Hendrickson. Hendrickson, a football player for and graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, spoke of the rich history of Richland and the people who made that history focusing of the Richland square. Hendrickson was a coach and assistant coach at Georgia Tech, University of Iowa and Western Illinois throughout his career. After touching on Richland’s talented athletic abilities Hendrickson turned the mike over to one of Richland’s sons, Ron Greeson, who introduced members of the Richland Boys’ 1960-61 Basketball team that went to state (of which he was a member). Members of the team that were present came up front as they were introduced and shared in the reminiscing of that special time. Hendrickson introduced his brother, Jeff, who shared some of his fond memories of Richland focusing on the history of the well-known life-size horse statue that stood for years in his father and grandfather’s business, Hendrickson Implement.

Other events of the evening included the band, Bluegrass Blondies, who shared a wide variety of music for the crowd. Additional entertainment included Absolute Science Foam Cannons covering participating children in masses of foam to their delight and the delight of the crowd watching. Besides the foam cannons children were also treated to the fun and interaction of the Parrot Show. The finale of the evening was the phenomenal fireworks display by Flashing Thunder Fireworks and sponsored by the Richland Community Club.

The Big Parade with 80+ entries, the feature event of Saturday’s homecoming schedule, was kicked off with the American Legion Color Guard and the singing of the National Anthem by Michael Hadley III. The parade featured several refurbished tractors which were later on display, many antique cars, as well as business, family and church floats. Winning entries in the parade were Antique Cars: Josh Kneer, Joe Sieren, Vic Zepeda; Antique Tractors: Dave Denley, Scott Schrader, Earl Greiner; Businesses: Jefferson County Health Center, Malt Shop (Keota); Churches: Community Churches; Organizations: Richland Women’s Club; Family Owned Businesses: Bennett Ag Research, J & S Precision, Adrian Farms; Sports Teams: Richland Tiger Baseball Team.

Activities on Saturday, July 6 started early with a pancake breakfast prepared by the Pekin FFA at the Mother Cabrini Catholic Parish Center followed by the Frogtown Run/Walk with 66 participants. Other attractions throughout the day included the kiddie parade, kiddie tractor pull, crazy train rides, cookie/pie judging, water fights outside the fire station, bingo inside the fire station, Alumni Tea, Absolute Science Magic Show and Bubble tables and a blow up slide. Also Danny Magic, the Strolling Magician entertained people throughout the weekend.

Music was performed throughout the day Saturday and late into the evening. Adam Whitehead kicked things off at noon performing country music for the enjoyment of the attendees. Next up was the group, ‘Goin’ Places’ entertaining everyone with a variety of selections from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s.

The new Jerry B. Robinson Center and home of Richland Area Child Care was open Saturday afternoon for touring. The new facility will benefit Richland and provide much needed child care for area residents. Also open for touring and viewing that afternoon was the New Thoughts Therapy and Agan Contracting, LLC building on the south side of the square.

A delicious pork loin dinner was served Saturday evening with a freewill donation. The loins were donated by Peyton Greiner, Packwood Locker and superbly prepared by the Jefferson County Pork Producers. Later a cookie and pie auction was held to benefit a local resident and help with medical costs for cancer treatment. Myron Greiner was auctioneer. A substantial amount was raised to aid in fundraising.

Providing music later in the afternoon was Steve McClain and Eric Hurlin with many selections that were a hit with the crowd. Winding up the music entertainment starting in the evening and running through the later hours was the Gatorhead Band which was enjoyed by the homecoming crowd.

Food vendors included, Sweet and Saucy, Rural Revival Coffee Truck, Fat Cow and Gringo Mexican. They provided refreshment for the crowds throughout the day Saturday.

The Richland Homecoming Committee was spearheaded by chair Korwin Hinshaw and committee members Alisa Tolle, Jeannie Pedrick, and Sandy Williams. They worked tirelessly to make this event a success. They would like to thank all the volunteers, sponsors and participants. Everyone worked together to make this year’s homecoming successful and truly memorable.

More pictures from the celebration can be viewed at Photos by Dominique on Facebook.