(Anita, IA) — The Anita Sesquicentennial Celebration opening was Friday evening with a well attended grand opening ceremony.
It started with the crowning of the traditional Little Miss and Mr. Whaletown. Westen Wittrock was award the Mister Whaletown award
Three year old Nova Kopp (pronounced Cup) won the Little Miss Whaletown contest
The winners of the kiddie parade were announced as well — the winner in the bike division were Lane and Landon Luken. In the scooter division, Madison and Harper Embry won and in the overall miscellaneous division, Gia and Liam Armstrong won.
The Mayor of Anita Ben Daughenbaugh read the creed of the town which goes back to the 1920s.
The Governor and Lady Anita were announced as Gary and Judy Neighbors and their story will be told Saturday at 2:15 at the Bandshell Park.
In addition, the Anita Town & Country were announced as the grand marshals of Saturday’s parade and a special award was given to the Anita Public Library.
Anne Thelen, the Emcee of the Opening Ceremony and on the Organizing Committee says that one of the highlights for today’s activities will be museum displays
Thelen says this is the time for the town to show their pride
Lastly, there was the Class Challenge where Classes of CAM High School from 1926 to the future Class of 2033 raised money for the Sesquicentennial and the winner was the Class of 1980 which raised $1,980.
