Town and Country Banquet Celebrates 65 Years
Those at the Town and Country Banquet pose for a group photo at the Saturday March 12th, 2011 event. (Submitted photo)
“The original plan was that they wanted one person to host a table that sat 16, and they wanted to get 8 people from the city and 8 people from the country. Back then it was unusual for the country to come to the city a lot of times, so that’s why they started this. That way the country and city folks could mingle and talk about issues.” said Miranda Johnson, Director of MCARD (Mahaska County Agriculture & Rural Development).
Today’s version of the Town and Country Banquet still has a table host, in most cases a local business. Those that host a table are still asked to bring 16 guests with them to the event. The tables, in the past, were decorated by the individual table hosts. This year there was a theme of “Down on the Farm”. The theme makes the table judging much easier, with the winning table receiving $160.00 in Osky Cash.
Food was catered in by William Penn. This was a change from the past where each table would choose their own menu. In the past, anything from carry out pizza to a whole hog had graced the tables. Entertainment was provided by a hypnotist/magician and Nick Ryan who then played guitar for those in attendance.
Congressman Leonard Boswell is seen talking with local residents at the Town and Country Banquet Saturday March 12th, 2011
If you are interested in participating next year contact Miranda Johnson at 641-673-6385. Miranda would be more than willing to help you participate in next years event. There is more than enough room for new tables since moving the event from William Penn to the center court of Penn Central Mall.
In addition to local residents, some VIP’s joined in the meal and entertainment including: Congressman Leonard Boswell, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Karey Claghorn, our own Senator Tom Rielly, Mahaska County Supervisors Willie VanWeelden and Ken Rozenboom, Oskaloosa Mayor Dave Krutzfeldt, and the President of William Penn University Dr. Ann Fields.
Congressman Boswell said he has been to the event lots of times. “I’d say it could have been as much as 40 to 50 years ago, those days the dinner was down at the University.” Boswell said while remembering those days with local resident Joe Warrick.
