by Dennis Dalman
Many hundreds of people of all ages clearly enjoyed the St. Joseph Community Showcase April 13 at Kennedy Community School.
There were 24 local businesses featured at the showcase, each with its own booth staffed by employees who indulged in pleasant breezy conversations with those who attended.
Many parents brought their children, including lots of babies and toddlers in strollers.
People at the booths gave out free gifts to those who strolled from booth to booth. For examples, Coborn’s gave out free red delicious apples and bags of healthy sea salt chips, Kay’s Kitchen offered apple pastries and coconut lime cookies and the American Legion of St. Joseph gave out wall calendars.
There was a craft area where children could create art projects, and there was a huge part of the gym where energetic children bounced and tumbled on several inflatable fun structures.
A popular attraction, especially for children, was “Nutsy” the Squirrel, the tall mascot of the LeafGuard Gutters business. Nutsy posed for umpteen photos with children, sometimes with parents too.
Several people said how nice it was to meet the owners and employees of so many local businesses and to learn what those businesses have to offer.
At the Kay’s Kitchen booth, business owner Tania Finken (left) marvels over a cute goo-gooing baby, Grayson “Cool Dude” Garner. His mother, Becka Broste of St. Cloud is on the right.
The St. Joseph American Legion. Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion hosted a historical informational booth at the St. Joseph Community Showcase. This year is the 100th birthday of the founding of the local Legion, which was named after John D. Kuebelbeck, who raised in St. Joseph and who died in World War I. At left, Elaine Eisenschenk sells poppies. Behind her is Bernie Imholte. At right are Nick Studer and Rosie Court.
Excited children climb and bounce and tumble on one of the inflatables at the St. Joseph Community Showcase.
At the St. Joseph Community Showcase, Nutsy the Squirrel gets his photo taken with brother Elias and Drew Thiel of St. Joseph, the sons of Randi and Adam Thiel.
Visitors stopped for free apples and chips at the Coborn’s booth during the St. Joseph Community Showcase April 13. It was one of 24 businesses featured in the showcase.
The St. John’s Prep School booth offered insights and background about the prestigious school during the St. Joseph Community Showcase April 18. From left to right are Mary Jo Leighton, associate director of admissions, and students Christine Xu ad Caspar Cheng.
Two brothers and a sister enjoy an art project at the St. Joseph Community Showcase April 13. From left to right are Lucy Price, Tatum Price and Jonah Price, all of St. Joseph.
