Mother Nature changed the plans for the Sesquicentennial Historical Pageant which was to be performed against a 1900s Jesup city street backdrop. The scenery stage spanned the length of the Jesup Community School football field. Everyone looked forward to sitting on the bleachers, blankets and lawn chairs to take in the spectacular event.
There were going to be real horses, cars, bicycles, old-fashioned fire equipment and lots more as part of the performance. But, it just wouldn't stop raining.
Heavy and continual rains in June made getting the pageant scenery up extremely difficult. Alan Wright, Farmers Day Board president, and many, many of his helpers began working the week school was out in the spring. The rains made the field soft, so trucks on the grass would have ruined the football playing field. By the time the ground dried out, Wright was feeling anxious about the time schedule. He was very grateful to Rex Reinhart and his crew who showed up on several occasions to do the heavy, back-breaking work of setting up the pageant background.
He was also extremely grateful to have Spahn & Rose Lumber Company in town. Wright said whatever he asked for was delivered by Spahn & Rose on the spot, right away, with no problems.
A huge storm blew through Jesup on June 23, blowing the set awry and snapping braces. It took another whole day to set everything back to the way it was.
In the meantime, scene directors practiced their scenes with their performers, and the community chorus and band practiced their music. Costumes were sewed and purchased, and finally everything came together for two full dress rehearsals. The performers were on the football field practicing until after midnight! This included everyone from cast extras to those behind the scenes, ranging from elementary age children to cast members in their 80s. What dedication.
The pageant, along with all the entertainment to precede it, was canceled due to heavy rain on Sunday and Monday, July 4 and 5. The Waring Concert was moved inside the Jesup Gym, so a good number of people were able to enjoy this talented hometown group.
A decision was finally made on Tuesday morning, to move the pageant to the Park Pavilion stage downtown. Even if another drop of rain did not fall all day, the ground was so saturated, the audience would not have enjoyed sitting in the wet, soggy conditions. It was unsure if the electrical equipment would have functioned properly and it would not have been safe for the performers.
Word went out around town about the location, on the Farmers State Bank sign, on Farmers Mutual Telephone Cable, on the Citizen Herald and Farmers Day websites, by e-mail and by word of mouth.
Wright, and pageant director Dale Rueber, said that people just began showing up at the football field with pickups and bigger trucks and asked what they could help move downtown. The pavilion floor was swept, picnic tables removed and the wooden benches that Farmers Day crowds are so familiar with suddenly appeared (thanks again to Spahn & Rose). Concessions were moved from the school and made available to attendees by the Jesup Booster Club. The electrical necessities were put into place and the show was performed to an audience of nearly 300 people.
It was a great show! Remember, these people had not rehearsed the pageant as it was performed in the much smaller pavilion. Scenes had to be cut, and it was probably not as spectacular as it would have been against the life-sized backdrop it was intended for, but it was excellent!
The costumes were wonderful, the music both live and recorded was near perfect and the actors gave it their all. The history presented through the actors and slides was entertaining and interesting.
The pageant was again performed downtown on Wednesday night, the final night of the Sesquicentennial events, amongst rain showers.
The Farmers Day Queen and First Lady contests were held downtown on Tuesday night before the pageant. On Wednesday night, there were special guests and elected officials to present awards to the City of Jesup on its 150th anniversary, and to the Wrights in appreciation of all their efforts for Farmers Day; they even received an award from Iowa Governor Chet Culver. The Beard Contest was moved to Saturday night of Farmers Day, along with the Historical Costume contest. Again, the Wrights were presented an award from Wayne Natvig in appreciation of their efforts.
The weather cooperated fully for all the regular Farmers Day events. The carnival midway was just as good as years past. Splash Dogs added a new dimension and drew huge crowds as spectators watched local dogs "fetch" with a watery landing. The pavilion was packed for the Prince & Princess contest. Organizers said there were big numbers entered in the Children's Parade and the Bubble Gum Contest on Friday. Celebration Iowa always packs in the people with their excellent performances. The Petting Zoo and Children's Games kept the kids busy on Saturday afternoon. There were water fights by area Fire Departments, the big tractor pull, the Domestic Arts Show, music in the pavilion and gazebo, and so much more to keep everyone entertained.
The Sesquicentennial Farmers Day Parade proceeded through town under warm, sunny skies and boasted 154 entries this year!
It certainly takes a community working together to make Farmers Day happen each year, and especially this year, Jesup's Sesquicentennial Year. Memories certainly are "made of this."
It was to have been performed at the Jesup Community School football field, but constant rain drove an amended version of the performance to the downtown city park pavilion. It was performed two nights, July 6 and 7.
Production manager was Alan Wright, director was Dale Rueber, principal author was Paul Humeston and script editor and additional material was by Dale Rueber.
There were eight scenes and a grand finale. Narrator was Dale Rueber. Chris Rueber was the voice of barber Jim Bloom and Tom Parker was the voice of Enos on Tuesday night. Wendel Reece was listed as Enos on the program.
Scene I was The Early Years.
Tyler Frush was Wapsie; Olivia Hemmer, Pinicon; Merritt Jones, Colby Blaser, Tanner Moran, Tarron Trueg, Garrett Richter, Noah McMurrin, John Dixon, Collin Gosse and Kevin Deitrick were Indians; Kelly Schubert was a merchant; Rob Thomas, a blacksmith; Tom Youngblut was Cliff; Arlene Riensche played the Music Concertina; Tom Parker gave the Mayor Introduction. Todd Rohlfsen was Mayor Dalton; Dave Bishop, Larry Bigelow, John White, Bill May and Tom Parker were councilmen; Dave Christopherson was a musician; Women’s Temperance group was Julie Versluis, Denise Bishop, Sandy Martin, Glenda Trower, Kristy Parker, Becky Adams, Emilie Cory, Lois Crawford, Mary Anne Harrold and Karen Fuller; John Bergman was the town drunk; his wife was Jan Erpelding.
Scene II was The Big Boom.
Cast members were Randy Ruehs, Kent Yeager, Kelly Schubert, Wayne Natvig, Bill May, Todd Rohlfsen, Kraig Emick and Ray Zummak, Barbershop Singers; Dave Christopherson, honky tonk player; Julie Schubert, honky tonk gal; Kelli Ann Frush, Olivia Hemmer, Piper Thomas, Krisha Tonne and Kelsi White, can can dancers.
Scene III was Turn of the Century.
Cast included Nancy Eckholm, female vocalist; Dean Pieper as her admirer and Zach Hagen and Andrew McGlaughlin as his friends. Sydney Andrews was the pianist; Zach Hagen was soloist; John Bergman was the school teacher, and the students were James May, Cole Oberbroeckling, Garrett Wellman, Philip Sommerfelt, Corbin Fuelling, Cooper Fuelling , Toby Sebetka, Emily Nedjl, Cassidee Oberbroeckling, Michaela Kimmerle, Kylie Lauritzen, Briley Curby, Ashtyn Wolf, Madison Voshell, Bailey Federspiel, Zoe Miller, Makayla Gross, Timber Thomas, McKenzie Miller, Gina Sebetka, Bobbi Thomas.
Scene IV was Roaring 20s
Charleston dancers were Kelli Ann Frush, Trisha Fuelling, Nicole Hemmer, Olivia Hemmer, Jaye Miller, Piper Thomas, Krisha Tonne and Kelsie White. Jersey Warblers were Annette Zuck, Vicki Reece, Kristy Parker, Julie Schubert, Denise Bishop, Dawn Quackenbush, Dean Pieper (the cow). Tom McGlaughlin played Bert Miller.
Scene V was Troubled Times.
Cast included Kelly Schubert, Kurt Frush, Andrew McGlaughlin. Andrews Sisters were Nancy Eckholm, Karen Fuller and Julie Schuberts. Rosie the Riveter was Kathy Bigelow. Rock Around the Clock Dancers were Kelli Ann Frush, Tyler Frush, Olivia Hemmer, Nicole Hemmer, Piper Thomas, Krisha Tonne, Zoe Miller, Jaye Miller, Kelsi White, Lucy Martinez, Raegan Milks, Zach Hagen, Joe and Pat Goblirsch, Trisha Fuelling and Denise Bishop.
Scene VI was Soaring 60s.
Cast members were Dean Pieper, Male Vocalist; Kelli Ann Frush, Olivia Hemmer, Nicole Hemmer, Piper Thomas, Krisha Tonne, Jaye Miller, Kelsi White, Lucy Martinez, Raegan Milks, Zach Hagen, Joe and Pat Goblirsch, Trisha Fuelling and Denise Bishop as twist dancers. Randy Ruehs was barber Fenner; Dave Trower was a golfer; Stewart May was a customer; Dean Pieper was the Marine and Nancy Eckholm was the soloist.
Scene VII was Interesting Times.
Special appearance was made by Kathryn Koob.
Scene VIII was As the Century Turns.
Again Randy Ruehs was barber Fenner; customers were Stewart May and Kelly Schubert; the Pump Scheer Post No. 342 Jesup American Legion Honor Guard.
Chorus members included Deb Michael, Arlene Reinertson, Emilie Cory, Monica Bengston, Cally Bengston, Joyce Wright, Marlene Mangrich, Vicki Reece, Irma Hopkins, Marsha McGlaughlin, Janet Weber, Karen Frost, Nancy Eckholm, Karen Fuller, Barbara Meister, Iva Ruehs, Julie Schubert, Denise Bishop, Pat Weber, Mary Anne Harrold, Dawn Quackenbush, Kelly Schubert, Wayne Natvig, Tom McGlaughlin, Zach Hagen, Andrew McGlaughlin, Randy Ruehs, Bill May, Ray Zummak, Larry Bigelow, Kent Yeager, Joellen Yeager*, Todd Rohlfsen, David Hamblin, Stewart May, Dave Bishop, Dean Pieper, Kathy Bigelow, Becky Elson, Nancy Weber, Sandy Deitrick, Katey Frush & LouAnn Frush. Chorus director was Kraig Emick and accompanist is Jane Triplitt.
Band members were Chelsea Bearbower, LeaAnne Maines, Katelyn Tinkey, Molly Davis, Karen Weltzin, Hanna Rieck, Andrew McGlaughlin, Breatta Rose, Kim Hermsen, Kim Conner, Tessa Hartman, Kristen Orth, Ashley Venneman, Ben Harting, Mary Davis, Ralph Davis, Eli Funke, TJ Saltz, Megan Prochaska, Julie Cook, Jud Anton, Diane Hartman, Tyler Hoey, Lee Triplitt, Justin Schwake, Myron Mikita, Curtis Klein, Daniel Deitrick, Jonah Brown, Tyler Tinkey & Donna Saltz. Band director was Harry Bird. Organist was Michelle Weber and choreographer was Gloria Donlea.
Other key personnel included computer operator, Rich Bucknell; sound and lights, Richard Mott; Set Design, Bob Einwalter, Craig Wright and Joan Rigdon. Wardrobe, Kathy A. Schutte, Marion Fitzer and Judy Fratzke.
Special thanks were given to Jesup Community School District, Spahn & Rose Lumber, the City of Jesup, Chris and Daryl Higdon, Rex Reinhart and friends, Bruce Theusen, David Theusen, Darryle Else, First Presbyterian Church, Dawn Quackenbush, Joyce Wright, Citizen Herald, Ray Zummak, Kent Yeager, Mike Eder and Dale Eder.
There were 350 votes counted. The top five candidates for First Lady, in alphabetical order, were Marsha McGlaughlin, Sheryl Mott, Netty Rohlfsen, Joyce Wright, and Charlene Youngblut.
The winner was Joyce Wright. She was crowned on July 6 by reigning First Lady Marlene Mangrich. Here is some information about each candidate, and Jesup’s Quasquicentennial First Lady.
Marlene Mangrich
Marlene was born in 1938 to Chris and Ida Becker. She attended St. Athanasius and Jesup Community schools, but graduated from St. John’s High School in Independence.
She married Gerald Mangrich in 1958 and has one daughter, Kristine.
Marlene retired from Consolidated Energy/Frost Oil in 1999.
She is active in her church, St. Athanasius, and volunteers for the Catholic Daughters of America and the Buchanan County Health Auxiliary.
She has a warm, welcoming personality, and shows a friendly face and demeanor to those moving to Jesup.
Sheryl Mott
Sheryl was born in 1946 to Lee and Helen Fuller. She graduated from Jesup High School in 1965 and married Richard Mott that same year.
Sheryl was employed at Farmers State Bank for 14 years, then accepted a job as Athletic Director Secretary for Jesup Community School. She later served as the Middle School Secretary until her retirement in 2007.
One of the comments written on a ballot read, “There was no greater friend to the students at Jesup School than Sheryl Mott.”
She enjoys working in her flower garden, fishing and trips to Des Moines to see her grandchildren.
Sheryl and Richard have two children, Loren and Leasle. They now have three grandchildren, twin granddaughters and a new grandson just born in July.
Marsha McGlaughlin
Marsha was born in 1946 to Kenneth and Agnes Miller. She has lived in Jesup her entire life and graduated from Jesup High School in 1964.
She married Tom McGlaughlin in 1965. They have three children and five grandchildren.
Marsha was the very “face of Jesup” as City Clerk here for 28 years, retiring in 2003.
She served for seven years on the State City Development Board and received an award from the Governor for her service.
She also served for 27 years on the Farmers Day Board. Marsha is very involved in many aspects of her church, St. Athanasius. She is chair of the Adult Faith and Fellowship Committee and is a lector and Eucharistic minister.
Although she claims she’s retired, she serves on the Economic Development Committee for the City of Jesup, is a member of the City Hall Citizens Committee, and is Mayor Pro-Tem for the Jesup City Council.
Among the awards Marsha has received are the Hank Bahl Volunteer Award and the Citizen of the Year from the Jesup Chamber of Commerce.
Marsha and Tom were the Sesquicentennial Grand Marshals for the 2010 Farmers Day Parade.
Netty Rohlfsen
Netty was born in St. Ansgar and graduated in 1980 from St. Ansgar High School. She graduated from St. Luke’s in 1982 as a certified X-ray technician and worked for St. Luke’s.
In 1982, Netty married Todd Rohlfsen. The couple relocated to Jesup, where they have raised four children. Netty has worked for several Jesup businesses over the years and is currently office manager for St. Athanasius Parish.
Netty is actively involved in many aspects of St. A School and Church. She has also been an active volunteer on the St. A and Jesup Booster Clubs and After Prom, quietly working in, staffing and stocking concession stands for the groups.
Joyce Wright
Joyce was born in 1937 to Fred and Velma Emme. She is a graduate of Jesup Consolidated School.
Joyce married Alan Wright in 1956 at the American Lutheran Church in Jesup. Together they have two children and four grandchildren.
She retired from Jesup Community School after 34 years of service as Board Secretary. She is currently employed at BankIowa as a Customer Service Rep.
Although Alan is known as Mr. Farmers Day, Joyce is at his side. She has had a big hand in the Sesquicentennial events and pours her heart and soul into the town of Jesup.
Charlene Youngblut
Charlene Youngblut was born in August of 1929 to Elizabeth and Frank Schaefer. She graduated from Immaculate Conception School in Gilbertville, and married Gerry Youngblut in 1949.
They have 11 children, 37 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Charlene is a member of St. Athanasius Church where she is a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and sings in the choir.
She is also a member of the Rural Woman’s Study Club and volunteers for the Make A Wish Foundation.
Charlene has said she would love to volunteer more in the community, but with such a big family she was always needed at home. However, her family makes up a good portion of the community, so she was helping Jesup more than she realized.
Charlene is affectionately known as “Chuckie” by her family and friends.
The Citizen Herald believes the public got it “just right” when choosing these women as the top five to represent Jesup in 2010.
Alan Wright
Farmers Day Destiny
Alan Wright was born on June 11, 1935. His mother took him to Farmers Day that August, and he hasn’t missed one since!
With this year’s Sesquicentennial, it was 75 consecutive Farmers Day celebrations that Alan has enjoyed during his lifetime. He has been volunteering for Farmers Day for 50 years.
The 2010 Farmers Day and Sesquicentennial was also significant for several other reasons.
First, this is Alan Wright’s last year of being in charge. Alan has announced his retirement after having been President of the Farmers Day, Inc. Board of Directors for about 30 years.
Alan’s countless talents and drive, vision, and enthusiasm have benefited the whole Jesup community for many, many years.
Small Town, Big Results
The Wrights’ boundless drive and enthusiasm inspires many other key workers and donators within the community to unite and produce a wonderful celebration year after year. This is a big accomplishment that even a large populated area would envy. Farmers Day and the Sesquicentennial Pageant are projects of epic proportions for a town that has a total area of under two square miles.
Jesup is unique in that Farmers Day does not charge for any of the big draws, such as the State Fair Singers and live music.
When asked about the success of Farmers Day, Alan said, “It just would not happen without good people.”
His wife, Joyce Wright said, “We would not be able to do what we have done without the support from our family and our community.
“It’s not about us,” she continued. “It’s about the people.”
Her favorite part of Farmers Day is to experience all of the community support.
For Jesup’s 150th anniversary, she has been blessed to see the number of new projects and fundraisers that were undertaken, such as the soup suppers and the pancake breakfasts.
The Wright Right Way
Alan and Joyce Wright have been able to build on the success of each Farmers Day. They learn from each celebration by listening to what people want and have enjoyed. Through the years, they have attended celebrations in other communities to get ideas for vendors and shows.
For example, five years ago the Wrights attended Dubuque’s Riverfest to see a chainsaw show. The Wrights became more impressed by the diving dogs. But when Alan asked about the California dock diving dog show, he found out it was too expensive for his small town celebration.
After hearing about the impressive reputation of Farmers Day however, the Splash Dogs people later called Alan, and said they wanted to be a part of the Farmers Day celebration. Arrangements were made and they came to Farmers Day 2010.
The Wrights also look for ideas for food and food vendors. One year, while attending an Usher’s Ferry celebration, the Wright’s fell in love with funnel cakes. Soon after, the Wrights figured out how to make them and Alan even created a funnel to dip the batter into the oil. Since then, Funnel cakes have become a Farmers Day mainstay. The funnel cake booth is staffed by students and families who are awarded Dollars for Scholars scholarships; they do the mixing and the frying.
The Wrights give their grandson Ryan Fisher credit for the suggestion of serving miniature donuts along with the funnel cakes.
Alan also collects things to use just for Farmers Day such as old lanterns. The antique lanterns that were to hang in storefronts of the pageant are ones that Alan has picked up at different sales and flea markets. Alan wired them for electricity and connected them to the control board to be turned on and off on command.
The Wrights
Farmers Day combines Alan’s love for old cars and his love for Jesup history. His antique cars are used to drive honored guests in the parade and many of the slideshow images and Jesup history book pictures are from the Wrights’ collection. Alan’s parents, Chet and Norma owned and ran the Citizen Herald for 48 years. The Wrights have preserved countless issues of old newspapers and photos from the Wright newspaper era.
Alan remains very active in community promotion and projects, and is Farmers Day Inc. President. He has been employed by the Jesup Community Schools as a bus driver since 1957. Alan owned and ran a construction business for a number of years. Being mechanically inclined to fix old radios, jukeboxes, and old record players, Alan created the pageant’s soundboard and the control boxes to handle the audio, video, mechanicals, and lighting.
Alan built many structures in the Sesquicentennial pageant, such as, the metal frames and the motorized stage that can open up to the dance scenes. New for the 2010 pageant, he designed the Jesup railroad depot and the depot’s control box. Unfortunately, the weather prevented audiences from seeing how it worked.
The Wrights have stored the pageant sets and accessories in their garages at their residence for the last 25 years. Jesup residents know all about the Wrights’ home at 314 Ainsworth, especially at Christmas. Their extraordinary displays are worth driving by. For all of his life, Alan has had youthful excitement for Christmas.
Joyce is well known in the community. She retired from Jesup Community Schools after 34 years of service in 2000 and is employed at the BankIowa branch in Jesup as a part-time Customer Service Representative. Joyce has helped with many facets of Farmers Day such as the style show, history book committee, and the funnel cake booth.
“The hard-bound 415-page history book is one thing that will mean a whole lot more after the fact,” said Joyce about the 2010 Jesup history book. “The group spent numerous hours updating the information from the last 25 years. For example, we had to contact and add new businesses that weren’t here 25 years ago.”
The Wrights’ family includes son Craig and his wife Cari, and daughter Crystal and husband Gene Fisher. They have two grandsons, Ryan Fisher and Chase Wright. Ryan and wife Kim are expecting Joyce and Alan’s first great-grandchild, due July 10. They have two granddaughters, Megan Polaschek and Molly Weber. Megan’s husband is serving in Iraq.
Throughout the years, the Wright family has helped out in Farmers Days in different capacities.
“It is inevitable, that the members of the Wright family will be recruited to help in the beer garden or with the funnel cake booth,” said Joyce.
Their son Craig helped paint the scenes 25 years ago with Big John and Little John Bergman. This year, Gene Fisher, their son-in-law, took off a week of work to help out.
Jesup’s Wright Right Appreciation
Dawn Quackenbush said, “While Alan is most visible as ‘Mr. Farmers Day,’ he is the heart and soul of this community in so many ways. Neighboring towns that see our celebration’s success over the decades marvel at how cohesive we remain in presenting a quality slate of events. The reason is spelled A-L-A-N, and it’s been my pleasure to have worked with him on this for 30 years.”
Deb Holt said, “I just love him. His enthusiasm is contagious.”
John Bergman, Jr. added, “The two have done so much for the community and for Farmers Day. It’s amazing!”
“They don’t want recognition,” said Dale Rueber. “They don’t want praise. They want to do everything for Jesup. They love Jesup, and they want others to love Jesup. They do things for all the right reasons.”
Wayne Natvig said, “We have been close friends with the Wrights for many years. We go out to eat with them for special occasions. We travel together and attend flea markets.
“Alan lives Farmers Day,” Natvig said. “He goes places to purchase unique things for Farmers Day. He goes places to get things repaired for Farmers Day. He goes places to get ideas for Farmers Day. Alan lives Farmers Day, and therefore, we can all live Farmers Day. Words cannot show our appreciation.”
The July 10 Farmers Day Parade spectators were at first alarmed and then concerned to see the Jesup Ambulance and the Jesup Fire Rescue Truck race down 6th Street in the midst of the parade, sirens blaring and lights flashing.
Word quickly spread among the crowds that there had been an accident with a horse and rider. This caused even more concern, as a get-away horse and wagon in a July 4 parade in Bellevue, Iowa had resulted in death and injuries less than a week earlier.
Rumors about this incident reported everything from the victim’s death to his being trampled inside a horse trailer.
Here is what happened.
Mathew Hilliard of Jesup was seated on his four-year-old horse, Hunter, waiting for the signal to join the parade. So were all the other horses and riders who were ready for this year’s annual event. The group was gathered on the grassy area just west of the Jesup Elementary and Middle School.
Hilliard is an experienced horseman, having been around Belgian horses all his life. Hunter is a gentle, easy-going horse. Hilliard had conditioned the “good sized” animal to the unexpected by using balls, balloons, tarps, cans and more during training. Having ridden in previous parades, Hilliard expected nothing but a good experience.
“This horse is a puppy,” said Hilliard. “He follows me around in the pasture. He comes up and rests his head right on my nose.”
According to eye witness LeAnn Even, who was also ready to ride a horse in the parade that morning, Hunter began backing away from the other horses.
Hilliard confirmed this. He said he did not make Hunter back away; the horse was doing this on his own.
Hunter kind of bucked up once. Hilliard slid forward in his saddle. Then the horse reared straight up on his back legs.
Even said she saw the horse lose its balance and fall backward on top of Hilliard who’s feet were stuck in the stirrups.
“We hit the back of the [horse] trailer,” Hilliard recalled. The trailer was only about 10 feet from horse and rider.
The horse rolled and tried to stand. This whipped Hilliard up from the ground; his feet were still stuck inside the stirrups. The horse then tried to get up by rolling the other way. This movement slammed Hilliard back to the ground. Each time Hunter rolled, it was over top of Hilliard.
Hilliard said he remembered thinking he should get his feet free from the stirrups. However, this was nearly impossible because he said the stirrups were too small and his feet were wedged inside them.
Once the horse was on its feet and Hilliard’s feet miraculously came free, Hunter calmly stood by, not bucking nor running wild.
Hilliard, too, stood up, bracing his hands against his knees and bent at the waist as he tried to catch his breath.
“He was even talking to us,” said Even. “I think he would have gotten back on the horse and rode in the parade.”
She said that all at once his nose started to bleed and blood came from his mouth. Hilliard then passed out. Emergency rescue help was immediately summoned.
“I could hear the people around me,” said Hilliard, “but I couldn’t respond to them.”
Hilliard’s husband Merle Shea was also on a horse ready to ride in the parade. As soon as Hunter had reared, Shea jumped from his horse, letting the reins fall to the ground and tried to help Hilliard.
Hilliard was taken by ambulance to the Jesup Medical Clinic parking area. He was airlifted by helicopter to Allen Hospital where he stayed until late Monday evening, July 13. He had sustained a concussion and bruising on his abdomen and one thigh.
Hilliard said he has suffered some memory loss, at first not remembering his own name or birth date.
Hunter is fine and Hilliard is recovering.
“I want to thank all the people who helped me before help arrived,” said Hilliard with a slow smile. “Everyone was just awesome, from the firemen to the EMTs and the pilot.”
He added that LeAnn Even was also great for taking care of the horses after the accident.
Hilliard speculates that Hunter may have been bitten by a horse fly or stung. He has no other explanation why this very gentle, well-trained horse would react in such a way.
Hilliard blames himself for the extent of his injuries. He said he knew the stirrups were too small and he should have corrected that.
“I just think the spectators need to know definitely these are animals and they should watch,” he said. “Anything can happen with any thing. They should check their surroundings and have an escape route ready.”
Sesquicentennial Cookbooks"A Patchwork of Family Favorites" is filled with over 450 recipes from all the great cooks who have Jesup ties. There are delicious recipes for appetizers, beverages and dips, soups and salads, breads and rolls, vegetables and side dishes, main dishes and meats, desserts, cookies and candies, and much more.
Cost is $10 per book, or$15 to ship to your address. Pick up a book at B&B Farm Store, the Citizen Herald, BankIowa or The Farmers Wife.
The books can also be ordered at the official Farmers Day website, HERE.
The Jesup Sesquicentennial Farmers Day Board, under the guidance of their fund-raising committee, released their first collector print in February. Speltz Studio of Wildlife was commissioned to create a local Jesup scene. The painting showcases the picturesque historical train depot which used to sit near the downtown park and original park gazebo.
Only 300 prints were made, and when they are sold, they are gone and there will be no more for sale.
The numbered prints are $42.80 each including tax.
Deluxe frame orders include double matting in a choice of colors, high-quality framing in a choice of woods, and artist’s personalized pencil remarque sketch on the matting, all for $125.19 including tax. These orders will be taken through July 30.
After July 30, there will be only eight pre-made deluxe framed prints for sale. Contact Dawn Quackenbush at BankIowa, 827-1777, or the Citizen Herald, 827-1128, to order a print or purchase a premade print.
Farmer Day T-shirts available in limited sizes