The 35th annual Darwin Twine Ball Day is coming up on Saturday, August 8th. Several activities are planned as the town honors its big tourist attraction – the largest ball of twine in the world created by one man – Francis Johnson.
Darwin Mayor Josh Johnson says the Twine Ball has become a quintessential roadside attraction for tourists from all over the world because of its size and because of Francis Johnson’s story. He says the Twine Ball Day celebration has grown over the years as floats in their parade used to go around the route at least twice in the early years – and some still do, but the parade lasts about 30-minutes and lots of candy and other items are distributed.
Johnson says the parade line up begins at 11:30 and any floats are welcome – you do not need to pay a fee or pre-register, and then the parade begins at 12:30. He says the day gets started with the Twine-K Run at 7:30 a.m. and it is 17,400-feet in length to honor the weight of the Twine Ball which is 17,400-pounds.
Johnson says there’s a volleyball tournament at 8 a.m. this Saturday, pedal pull at 10, craft fair from 9-to-3 and Minnesota Mini-rods at 2 p.m. He says everyone is welcome to Darwin for Twine Ball Day this Saturday and you can find more information on the Twine Ball Facebook page.
The Litchfield City Council approved of several items last evening from the Heritage Preservation Commission. There were 10 certificates of appropriateness related to projects that are part of the historic façade grant program.
The projects included masonry work; window, stucco and brick restoration; and door replacements. The properties included 18 through 24 East 2nd Street, 19 East Depot Street, 115 and 119 North Sibley Avenue, and 129, 201, 207, 213, 222, 226 and 311 North Sibley Avenue.
The Council approved of a motion to remove white paint that was used to cover graffiti on a building in an alley in downtown Litchfield and to block off that alley. Blocking the alley will also address safety concerns of property at 127 North Sibley Avenue.
The Litchfield City Council also approved of the issuance/sale of $3,270,000 in general obligation bonds. $1,900,000 will go towards the Swift Avenue project and $1,370,000 will be applied to the Johnson Drive project.
The Pistons and Props event is coming up on Saturday, August 8th, at the Litchfield Municipal Airport from 8-to-2. Admission is free, and there will be hot rods and airplanes to see, along with food vendors, kid’s activities, live music and a business expo.
Andy Miller says the event is sponsored by Miller Automotive, Legacy Lane Realty, Farm Bureau Financial Services and Simms Napa Auto Parts. He says some of the food vendors will include Squeals on Wheels, Herradura’s, and Simply Good.
Patrick Raiber says the Litchfield Lions Club will be serving breakfast. He says the main reason they put on this event is to bring the community together. Mike Niedzielski says the kid’s activities will include bounce houses, a petting zoo and a 9-hole inflatable golf course. He says there will also be a hot air balloon at Saturday’s Pistons and Props event and a bean bag tournament.
Andy, Patrick and Mike spoke about Pistons and Props on KLFD’s “Newsmaker” show on Friday and said that everyone will receive a passport as the enter which they are to get marked at the business vendors and then a drawing will be held at 2 p.m. for a $1500 Grandview Lodge package.
Andy Miller says if you want to display your car or motorcycle at the Pistons and Props event, just show up. He says there will also be a couple of surprises at this Saturday’s event at the Litchfield Municipal Airport.