Monday, July 16, 2007

DACA Reviews July Fourth Celebration

On Tuesday, July 10, the Dorchester Area Community Association (DACA) held its regular monthly meeting.

DACA leaders recapped the July 4 celebration. DACA president Carol Olson reported that 22 walkers participated in the Independence Day two-mile fun walk. Shelley Bruha noted that 25 vehicles (mostly tractors) were on display at the Show and Shine. Bruha said that while he was pleased with the attendance, but he would like to see it expanded to include more cars & trucks.

Steve Ottmann reported that the Sons of the Legion served approximately 280 people at the BBQ held at the Legion. Dorothy Beekley said there were more Bingo players than any prior year, and that nearly $250 was raised at the event. Marvin Kohout reported that approximately 60 children participated in the Kid’s Tractor Pull -- and Pat O’Brien commented that there were more children present in Dorchester than at some County Fairs.

Cory Woerner said he and Steve Parks were very busy loading and unloading kids from the train ride, provided by Harold Jones of Crete. The parade featured over 40 entries, including several floats, as well as antique cars and tractors. The music in the park was by Shawn Cole, while the Jr. Auxiliary provided ice cream and cupcake. The Crete ATA Martial Arts Academy furnished Taekwondo entertainment prior to the fireworks.

The cost of the Fourth of July events are as follows:

  • Fireworks -- $2,500
  • Bounce House -- $375 (Sponsored by Tyser Repair, West Side Saloon, Saline State Bank-Dorchester, R Lounge, Dorchester Grocery, and Donna’s Hair Creation.
  • Train -- $175
  • Music -- $200
  • Tractor Pull -- $395 (Sponsored by Farmers Cooperative.)

Some of the fundraising profits include:

  • Fireworks Sales -- $1,028
  • Mailed Donations/Business Buckets & Free-Will Offering -- $1906
  • Bingo -- $250

After chairing or co-chairing the 4th of July event for the past years, Carol Olson announced she is resigning that position. DACA members then agreed that it would be best to find a chairperson to oversee the entire July 4 celebration, as well as a chairperson for advertising and a chairman for individual events. Area residents who are interested in any of these positions are asked to contact any DACA member or attend the next meeting.

DACA meets the second Tuesday of every month at the Community Center at 7 p.m. For more information or to join, e-mail Dale Hayek at dhayek@farmersco-operative.com

2 comments:

  1. The generosity of the community becomes apparent every 4th of July. Nice job Dorchester and DACA.

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  2. I would like to Thank and congratulate Carol Olson for her time spent organizing the 4th of July activities for the last several years. She has done a great job organizing the seperate events. It will be interesting to see who steps up and fills her shoes. She contributes generously to the community and we should be appreciative of her involvement.

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