Snapshots of History
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Ringgold County and Mount Ayr were both established in 1855. So, 100 years later, it didn’t make sense to have both the Ringgold County Centennial and the Mount Ayr Centennial in the same year.
Thus, Mount Ayr celebrated in 1975, 100 years after the town was incorporated.
Now Mount Ayr is two years away from its sesquicentennial (150 years).
Let’s look at how both celebrations were carried out.
The Ringgold County Centennial celebration ran from July 1 to July 5, 1955 and took place in two locations: the Mount Ayr Public Square and the Ringgold County Fairgrounds.
The queen contest was won by sixteen-year-old Carolyn Lungren of Redding. Besides winning the title “Miss Ringgold County,” Lungren and a chaperone won a week-long trip to the Blue Waters Hotel in Miami, Florida.
The parade was made up of 161 entries and took more than an hour to pass any particular point. Many nearby towns sent their saddle clubs and bands.
There was a “whisker derby,” fashion revue, kangaroo court, goat milking contest, music, programs, and awards ceremonies. The finale was a play given at the fairgrounds called “Backward Glances.” Dozens of characters portrayed pioneer settlers and community builders. An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people attended a part of the largest event ever held in Ringgold County.
The Mount Ayr Centennial was held September 13, 1975 and the parade was a record-breaker. 203 entries marched from Judge Lewis Park to the Ringgold County Fairgrounds with more than 2,000 people participating in the parade.
Carl Riggs was the announcer and identified the entries as they passed through the north side of the square.
There were dozens of shows, contests, and programs. The general committee consisted of Bill French, Dianna Peters, Jane Thomas, Herb Sovereign, Merlyn Allen, and Robert A. Smith. I believe the author of the Mount Ayr Centennial Book was Jack Terry although his name does not appear in the book.
On hand to help with the judging of fruits and vegetables was Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. Robert Lounsberry. Celebrity judges…..that would be a great idea for the Mount Ayr Sesquicentennial in 2025.
Tracee Knapp and I have briefly discussed some ideas for our celebration in 2025. She is interested in forming a committee and entertaining possibilities.
Sounds good; we should start planning early. My idea is to put a sign on every commercial building, church, and school, giving the date and purpose of construction. And further pertinent information, if needed. I like that idea.
