Last Night, Marilynn and I spent time at another one of our small town fundraisers. The City of Arlington, in eastern Sibley County, is one of the most beautiful small towns that I represent. I’ve been there for many events, parades, church and community dinners and fundraisers throughout the summer and fall.
There’s something different about people who live in small towns like Arlington. They have a special sense of community and loyalty toward each other. The people tend to be a little more self reliant. They are people who love their country and city. They take care of each other and aren’t afraid of showing their patriotism publicly. They are friendly to outsiders and love to visit for a long time in the coffee shop or community center. Their pleasures are simple and when they put on a dinner, I usually walk away stuffed.
Arlington is a city of about 2800 people. But, it is also the home of Sibley East High School which serves all of eastern Sibley county, the Sibley county Medical Center, and Good Samaritan Nursing Home(and soon to have an Assisted Living Center). They have a busy downtown area , lots of Churches and the Sibley County fairgrounds (which is famous for its all- you- can- eat corn feed in August). The big employer is Seneca Foods (Green Giant).
Earlier this year, Marilynn and I attended the dedication of the new Veterans Memorial Park. It was a wonderful and patriotic event, which we found very touching. Here are some pictures of the event. I was especially moved by the words on the Memorial Stones and by the discipline and love of country shown by the Sibley county Army Reserve Unit, which had just returned from Iraq
Arlington also celebrated is 150th Anniversary (Sesquicentennial) as a city this year. The Parade (held in August) was the first that the town has had since I’ve been their Senator. It was a fun event which ended, of course, in the City Park with a corn eating contest. I love this town !! Here are more pictures of the Parade.
Last night was the annual fund raising event for the Arlington Ambulance Service. More than 600 people attended the hog roast, even though Sibley East high school was playing a football game at the same time. While we ate and visited with citizens, a polka band played. Across the hall, in the City Council Chambers, local nurses were taking blood tests for diabetes screening. (While we waited for our test results, Marilynn sat in Mayor Dave Czech’s chair, and proclaimed, ” I think I’d like to be Mayor!” (She always brings smiles and friendship to people when we are out campaigning and visiting with citizens) The Band ended the evening by playing “God Bless America” with everyone standing and singing along with hands over hearts. I couldn’t help but get a lump in my throat. This is Minnesota and America, and I’m so proud to represent them. I even had the honor of having a picture with Miss Arlington and her princesses (See below along with other pictures of the event)
