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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Family fun says farewell to summer
LADORA — In a town with just over 200 residents, nearly as many people showed up for Ladora’s final festival of the summer.
The Ladora Development Committee lines up bands and activities for one Saturday each month during June, July and August.
This year the Committee is adding a September event — a craft and vendor show set for Sept. 7.
The final summer event before the start of school is the largest, said Jaimie Goeldner, president of Ladora Development Committee. Family Day raises money for a nonprofit organization each year with carnival games and a silent auction.
The summer events have provided money for Gateway Project, Hope Foundation, Iowa County Food Bank and Save Haven.
“In the past three years we have donated over $20,000 to different nonprofits,” said Goeldner earlier this year.
The money from Saturday’s Family Day will be used by the Development Committee to make improvements around Wayne Shaull Memorial Field where the events take place, Goeldner said.
Each month’s event has drawn around 200 people, said Goeldner.
Jay Gorsh, who is running for running for Iowa House of Representatives, sat outside the pavilion with his daughter, Helene, while she ate French fries in a Jay Gorsh Iowa House T-shirt.
“We have family that live here,” said Gorsh. “I think it’s great that a little town like this has free stuff for the kids.” The activities that weren’t free were reasonably priced, Gorsh said.
Gorsh is visiting many small towns as he campaigns. “It’s been really fun to go to all of the small town festivals.”
“The kids stuff is a big draw,” said Goeldner. The Inflatables and the balloon artist were sponsored by Compass Memorial Healthcare and were free, she said.
Carnival games cost 50 cents per ticket.
Ellie Hawkins raised money for the HLV Food Bank with an apple pie contest. Visitors could sample pie or cider and vote with their money for the best.
A dummy board tournament offered a $400 purse with a $20 buy in, according to people tossing the bags.
Rolle bolle drew a crowd as well. Boone DeBrower, of Vinton, said he has been playing his entire life. He travels around Iowa and to other states to compete.
A slow-pitch softball tournament attracted players and spectators, and food trucks kept them all fed.
Standing Hampton provided live music in the evening, playing 70s and 80s music, a little Rock and a little Country.
