Rippey currently has a population of an estimated 273 persons, so we know you will not get lost, but a map has been created for the day of the Sesquicentennial +1 celebration showing the many and varied activities you may do.
As you will note on the map, Dan Acton of rural Rippey will be driving his John Deere vintage tractor and pulling a “people mover” providing shuttle services from the parking area at the west end of Main Street, to the Walt Anderson Baseball Field, the Library, and the Methodist Church, and back to the parking. The shuttle will complete the route every hour, or more frequently, depending upon usage.
The parade beginning at 10:00 will feature approximately 20 antique tractors, which following the parade, will drive to the former site of “Old Rippey”. They will return in time for lunch and an ice cream social at the Rippey Methodist Church air conditioned fellowship room. Additional persons wanting to be a part of the tractor ride may contact Kyle Kenan.
You will note the airplane near the baseball field in the southwest corner of the map. No, we have not developed a landing strip, rather this will be a model airplane show by the Des Moines Modelaires. Opportunities will be available for some individuals to fly a model plane.
The Greene County players will be having a premier performance of BIGFOOT MONOLOGUES, written by and with actors from Greene County. This outdoor venue will be on the lawn of the library.
Rather than continuing to call it the Old Timer’s Game, a more politically correct name has been given, calling it a REUNION GAME. The game will be played with representatives for the former Rippey Bulldogs and the East Greene Hawks. Lester Zanotti, a former pitcher for the Rippey Bulldogs, who graduated in 1954 from Rippey High School, and went on to pitch at the University of Iowa will throw the first pitch for Rippey. Fran Norgren Teagarden will throw the first pitch for the East Greene Hawks in recognition of her late husband, Jack Teagarden who caught for the East Greene Hawks and the Boone Toreadors.
The 7th inning stretch, will feature an actual Chicagoan, returning for the day, who will lead those present in singing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game”.
Following the baseball game, join us on the library lawn to view the time capsule contents placed 50 years ago.
The Town and Country Band will be providing a concert at the ballpark in the evening beginning at 6:30 P.M. Visitors and listeners will be able to enjoy an evening meal of grilled hamburgers provided by the Greene County Cattlemen’s Association and have snacks from the baseball concession stand being staffed by the Friends of Rippey.
Other activities observable on the map include the car show, children’s activities, and the craft and food truck vendors. The cars and craft show vendors will leave at 4:00 P.M. followed by a street dance at 6:30. The Thirsty Pig will be selling adult beverages while 16 Staples,will play music from the 80’s.
Children’s activities will be located at the skating rink/shelter house and includes a juvenile tractor pull, bouncy houses, face painting/spin art, and Rick Brammer’s Big Bang Bubbles. A bubble show that is certain to be spectacular.
Need a morning snack or a cool beverage? The Rippey Library Board members will be offering scrumptious cinnamon rolls on the library lawn, followed by the Washington Winners 4-H club selling cold drinks in the afternoon.
Don’t forget to stop by the community room to relish Rippey artifacts, see the baseball quilt and purchase a lucky raffle ticket, Peg Gannon’s photography display, play bingo, AND show your magnet to be entered in a raffle to win the $300 meat bundle. The drawing(s) will be prior to the fireworks. You do not have to be present to win.
Come help us Celebrate 150 + 1 at Rippey on July 31st.
