A celebration unlike any other in Currie

Once again, Currie entertained the masses with a patriotic weekend jubilee, with volleyball, softball, duck races and a fireworks spectacle that withstood stormy weather

WORKING IN A REVAMPED CONCESSION STAND AN OUTFIELD AWAY FROM THE MAIN PARTY IN CURRIE ON SATURDAY, Annette Seivert watched as players — some skilled, some not so much — battled it out for softball supremacy during Currie Town & Country’s July 4th Celebration Spectacular.

The co-ed contest marked the return of the event’s softball tournament, a tradition made possible by the rejuvenation of the field itself on the south end of the City park. And while the tourney didn’t attract as much attention as other events in the park, the fact that the field was being used again for the celebration is a testament to the town’s efforts in making this year’s 4th of July gala one for the books.

“This (weekend) is more about the community spirit,” Seivert said. “Even in this small community, they just have such a heart for this town. I don’t care who you talk to … Town & Country does such a terrific job — they really reflect what Currie is all about; there are so many deep roots here.” The concession stand used Saturday speaks to the hometown pride Currie is known for. A small structure that for the last few years was basically a storage shed, served a real purpose during the town’s big party.

“This little building was a concession stand when there were ballgames here at the park,” said Seivert, Currie’s city clerk for the last six years. “I wanted to save the building, so I repainted it, fixed it up a little, putting some graphics on the outside. When I found out there was going to be a tournament, I said, ‘Hey, let’s open a concession stand.”

The stand offered anything softball players and their fans could want: from beverages and sunflower seeds, to candy and even cinnamon rolls. All the profits from concessions sold Saturday go toward improvements in Currie’s park. And one of those improvements has been the softball diamond, which at one time was used frequently.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve had anybody on the ball diamond; this is the best it’s looked in many years,” Seivert said. “It’s just part of having that community spirit during the Fourth of July.”

Seivert said another reason the field has been rejuvenated is for the kids. She said Austin Evans is bringing youth to Currie to practice.

“There are so few practice fields for the youth program,” she said. “That’s who really helped clean up the park.”

Before this past weekend, the building has been used for storing Christmas decorations for Bruce Koster, who decorates the park every holiday season.

“I had one of the City guys come and put shelves up; it was just a mess,” said Seivert. “I don’t know the last time it has been used other than that.”

The softball tournament was just a sampling of the 4th of July fun. The weekend started with a street dance Friday; by the time people started showing up in town Saturday, all was cleaned up and ready to go for the big day. Besides softball, Saturday featured other sports, too, like sand volleyball and bean bag tournaments that took place during Town & Country’s well-attended Membership Drive Picnic.

At 2 p.m. on Saturday, hundreds of Duck Race fans lined the railings on the bridge on both sides of the street for the much-anticipated race. The winning duck was bought by Sue Streff. Other winners included Tom Bailey (second place), Darren Schuur (third place), Duane Ourada, Desneige Gervais, Mike Rykhus, Joan Jorgenson and Mary Sweetman. The corporate duck People’s Choice Award went to Rupp Rock & Gravel of Fulda.

Saturday wrapped up with Currie’s Town & Country Booster Club- and Currie Fire Department-sponsored fireworks display, which went off despite a downpour — yet another testament to the townsfolk’s passion for their small town.

“It’s for the people of the community,” said Amy Loosbrock, who is part of the Currie Town & Country team. “It brings everybody together. A lot of families come together here.”