With the weather cooperating beautifully this year, the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce estimates serving about 1,800 people at the free breakfast Saturday, June 27, to celebrate Aberdeen Daze. The number was down 200 from last year.
The chamber started serving breakfast at 6 a.m. and they served until the line ran out. Residents and visitors patiently stood in line for a plate full of pancakes, hash browns, sausage and eggs and beverages of their choice.
Aberdeen Daze kick-off was on Tuesday, June 23, with softball tournaments and Thursday, June 25, with the melodrama, “Cornfield of Dreams”, directed by Lisa Pankau. The cast skillfully spit out one-liners to the crowd’s laughter. The melodrama cast performed for three nights, beginning Thursday evening and gave a 4 p.m. matinee on Saturday.
Sidewalk sales are always a part of Aberdeen Daze and this year was no exception. Main Street was lined with sales and shoppers on both Friday and Saturday.
The Aberdeen Daze Dash had a decent turnout this year. Participants walked a 2.5 K or ran a 10K along the proposed Gem Trail. The dash was sponsored by the Aberdeen Gem Trail Committee, the Aberdeen Gem Group and the Aberdeen City Parks and Recreation Department.
The Aberdeen Youth Sports Association (AYSA) held a co-ed softball tournament throughout the week. Championship games were played Friday night. The team sponsored by Horrocks took the championship and Bio Flora/Wallace Drug took second place. Coma Farms took third place.
The chamber drawing, which has become a big part of Aberdeen Daze, was held Saturday. The winners of the prizes were Glayda Kendell, Rylee Buffi, Gordon Brown and Dalton Buffi. Glayda Kendell won a turkey cannon, Rylee Buffi won a Camp Chef griddle, Gordon Brown won a shop vacuum cleaner, and Dalton Buffi won the propane grill.
Krehbiel’s Antique Collection at the Toy Shed drew a crowd to their building. They also had a tractor show and car show in conjunction with his show sporting many sporty classic cars and tractors.
Many high school reunions were held in conjunction with the celebration.
The parade boasted many entries and drew a large crowd. Jeff Driscoll was on hand in his B52 Mustang to buzz the waiting crowd. Harold and Joan Klassen led the parade as the grand marshals. The theme for this year’s parade was “Hometown Heroes.” The Stokes float took first place. The Girl Scout troop 3320 took second place, and Simplot took third place.
The Aberdeen Senior Citizen Center held a baked food sale and their thrift store sold items in the senior center and the Aberdeen American Legion Hall.
The annual all-you-can-eat fish fry was held in the city park with fish, fries, scones and salad.
The evening concluded for the adventurous with a street dance with a live band in front of Dirty Harry’s (old Mooner’s Bar).
The Aberdeen Chamber thanked all the merchants and community members and everyone involved who helped to make Aberdeen Daze the success it was. It takes a lot of participation and work from many individuals to make the day go smoothly. Many people were willing to serve diligently to see the day through.