August 08, 2010
Faith's Centennial -- Just a Couple More Days
Faith Parade 1985 (by Stu Surma)
The Faith Centennial begins Tuesday and runs through Sunday, August 15th. There are activities every day including barbecues, pancake breakfasts, musical theater -- "Nunsense", a carnival, cowboy poetry, evening dancing to Dakota Country featuring Arlie Hulm, Kid's Day at the fairgrounds (on Thursday), a parade (on Saturday), a school alumni social, a fishing derby, a tractor pull, a history program, and of course the annual Faith Rodeo and Stock Show. I'm not doing justice to the sheer size of this event. There is a full program every day. For more information, contact the Faith Chamber of Commerce at (605) 967-2001 or email them at faithchamber@faithsd.com. You can also download the full schedule of activities here.
Unfortunately, I won't be there. I was hoping to come out and spend at least a few days in town, but work and family obligations intervene. So, I must relegate myself to celebrating Faith's history by pouring over some of my old South Dakota books, or by perusing the web in search of the elusive gem from Faith's past. For example, here's one I just found on Ebay -- a lovely commemorative plate celebrating Faith's first 50 years. Will it be mine, or will it be yours! Or, here's an old postcard with a photo of Faith's municipal building. From the looks of it, I'm guessing that it would have been taken about the time my uncle, Neal Crowley, worked as police chief in the little jail that it then housed as well as helped out in the municipal bar, which also was located in the same building. I'll also have to content myself by taking a look at another one of the photos (above) Stu Surma forwarded me from the parade celebrating Faith's first 75 years.
Faith reaches an important milestone, probably having outlived anyone who was alive when the town was founded one hundred years ago. My Dad, who wasn't around as long ago as that doesn't want to be reminded of his birthdays anymore. He also frets that if we traveled great distances to be at Faith's celebration, "No one would remember us." I don't think that's true. I saw a couple of folks who do just a year ago. In any case, here's a fond wish for a wonderful centennial celebration for the town. Also, don't let me forget to say, happy birthday, Faith!
--Mike Crowley
Mike Crowley Sunday, August 08, 2010