LANE — The first annual Leap to Lane Festival is planned Saturday, June 26, in Lane, located in Jerauld County a few miles west of Woonsocket.
“It’s kind of a throwback to the Leap to Lane events we used to host,” said Loree Gaikowski, who lives near Lane and is among the organizers. “It’s set up as a fundraiser for the community to start doing projects locally and fixing things up. We’re working to better the community.
“We’re hoping to get a good crowd,” she added. “We’ve got a really rich history — lots of music, lots of good times and lots of good memories in Lane. We’re paying homage to that, I guess.”
To town’s population is around 45 people.
The Leap to Lane Festival will begin with a Chili Cook off at 1 p.m. To enter the cook off, contact Gaikowski at 605-505-1135.
Mogen’s Heroes will perform favorite oldies on stage from 1 to 4 p.m. Registration for a Show & Shine Car Show will begin at noon, with the show from 1 to 4 p.m. Trophies will be awarded.
Bear’s Bean Bag Tournament, sponsored by David (Bear) Burnison, will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Teams pay $20 to enter, and prizes will be awarded — $400 for first place, $250 for second, and $100 for the third place team.
There will be a silent auction (ending at 5 p.m.), vendor show and Chicken Races. People can bring their own chicken or rent one for $1.
A drawing will be held for a rifle and there will be a 50/50 raffle.
Gettin’ Rowdy Karaoke will be held on stage from 4 to 8 p.m.
A Beer Garden and food truck will be available; no coolers are allowed.
There will be free camping, but there are no hook-ups so campers would need to bring a generator. To reserve a camping spot, contact Ed at 605-350-1989.
“The whole thing is all tied to the all-school reunion for the community of Lane,” Gaikowski said. “That’s the same day. The school closed in the late 1970s and was torn down several years ago. All the school memorabilia is housed in the old Lutheran Church, that serves as a community center now. A lot of this year’s money is going to fix up the church.
“Lane has a lot of open lots on it, room to build or to move a house in, with infrastructure on the lot,” she added. “We’re working hard to get Lane cleaned up. It’s a nice location between Huron and Mitchell. We want to remind people that Lane is still kicking.”
Gaikowski said Northwestern Energy is their main sponsor, with numerous businesses between Woonsocket, Wessington Springs and Alpena sponsoring as well.
