Old photos Tours of the school building (complete with memorabilia displays) will be a part of the Centennial Celebration at Pillager School Sept. 11 - 12. A host of other activities are planned for the two-day special event which celebrates 100 years of learning at Pillager. (Staples World photo by Dawn Schimpp Timbs) The Pillager School's Centennial Celebration will be held Friday, Sept. 11 and Saturday, Sept. 12; with a variety of events taking place on or near campus.

An All-School Rally kicks things off Friday, at 2 p.m.; and features stories from alumni who have gone on to live successful, fulfilling lives.

"Several alumni will be present, including Elzie Gerrels who worked on the Apollo 11 team," said Sue Van Hal, Centennial Coordinator;

and Community Ed. Secretary at Pillager School.

Other highlights of the special weekend include a 5K run/walk; a tailgate party; tours of the school building (complete with memorabilia displays); and the first home football game of the season featuring past homecoming royalty and class parade at half-time.

"We have about 115 registrations so far; most of them alumni and many from out of state," said Van Hal.

The 'flagship event of the weekend,' according to Van Hal, is the Centennial program Saturday afternoon. Featured will be several four-generation families, Pillager's oldest alumni (102-year-old Adeline Andersen from Randall); Larry Howe and (hopefully) other elected officials; a video presentation; music by the Centennial Choir; and a chance to hear from Superintendent Chuck Arns.

"No doubt the biggest event of the weekend will be the Family Festival," Van Hal said. Immediately following the Centennial Program, the family event includes carnival games, hayrides, a car show, a softball game; and a 15-member band playing songs from the big-band era. "Bring your own lawn chair," Van Hal said.

There will be plenty of food available on Saturday. Lunch will be catered at the school by The Shante in Pillager; and a hospitality room will be available with coffee and baked goods all afternoon.

A complete list of Centennial Celebration events is as follows:

Friday, Sept. 11

o All-School Rally at 2 p.m. Many successful alumni will share their stories.

o Free Tailgate Party (for all registered); sponsored by the Booster Club at 5:30 p.m.

o First home football game of the season at 7 p.m. Coach Lowell Scearcy (Class of '63) will lead the Pillager Huskies vs. USA Patriots.

Saturday, Sept. 12

o 5K "Pound the Pavement" Run/Walk for Everyone, at 10 a.m. Organized by Terry Hollingsworth (Class of '87)

o Past/Present Staff Reception at 10:30 a.m., hosted by Penny Stumvoll and the Class of '75: honoring Rose Marie Pietz, the teacher who has taught the longest (41 years); as well as multiple-generation teachers, the volunteer who has served the longest; and a few other awards.

o Tours of the building, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

o Motorcycle Ride to Pine River for lunch and back in time for class reunions. Departs from the school at 11 a.m.

o Class Reunions from noon - 4 p.m. at designated school spaces (call 218-746- 2105 to register your class).

o Presentation by Elzie Gerrels, entitled, "Apollo and Beyond," at 1 p.m. in the cafeteria. Gerrels will share his story of working on the Apollo 11 team and what he has learned about the solar systems and beyond.

o Centennial Program at 4 p.m. Featuring a Centennial Choir (practice at 3 p.m.); pictures, speakers from the past and present; and special honors given.

o Family Festival at 5:30 p.m. Features a meal; music; activity booths for young and old; old-timers softball game; antique auto show; food vendors; hayrides; and a snake dance like in the old days.

o Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.; along with a closing salute to Pillager School, led by the Centennial Class of 2009.

For more information about the Centennial Celebration at Pillager School, call 218-746-2105. The School is located at 323 East 2nd Street South in Pillager.