Members of the Tri-County Post #124 American Legion were at the front of the Two Rivers Music Fest parade in Motley July 24. Pictured, from left, are Ron Unger, Louis Kowalski, John Petrich, Lionel Stelck, Floyd Griffith, Eldon Morey and Joe Carl. Behind the color guard is a carriage (carrying Grand Marshal Bob Jenkins, Motley) driven by Greg and Shirley Wegscheid of Staples. There were approximately 60 units entered in this year’s parade, with at least 200 spectators lining the street. (Staples World photo by Dawn Timbs) An estimated 1,500 people came to Motley last weekend for the fourth annual Two Rivers Music Fest.

They came to hear great music (featured acts included the Unbelievable Uglies, the Canoise Band with Willie Walker; Kevin Lange & the Mississippi Drifters; and The Schimpps & The Timbs), take in craft displays; and cheer on the 60-plus unit parade.

Held at Veteran’s Park, the festival offered something for everyone.

Natalie Sarbaum, Motley, enjoyed the children’s sing-along at the Two Rivers Music Fest. (Submitted photo by Lisa Haste) Young people enjoyed a sing-along session with storyteller Wendy Baldinger; and there were other games and prizes available to them on ‘Kids Day at the Park.’

A variety of food booths were offered at the park; and a number of people attended a ‘Firemen’s Pancake Breakfast’ at the Motley Fairgrounds Saturday morning.

New this year was a Talent Contest, featuring eight different acts vying for a chance to record at Rock House Studio in St. Joseph. The winner was country singer Katie Ziegler, of Staples.

John Collins, a deejay at KLKS radio in Breezy Point (and a 1966 graduate of Motley High School) served as emcee at the talent contest. Helping run sound was Staples band (and a competing act) Aitas, who also donated the use of their sound equipment.

Young people from Motley United Methodist Church helped lead music at the Two Rivers Music Fest community worship service July 25. Held under the shelter at Veteran’s Park in Motley, the service was a combined effort of the Motley UMC and the Free Methodist Church in Motley. Pictured above, from left, are Elizabeth Ciesluk, Dawn Swartz, Ellen Swartz, Rebecca Paananen, Carly Bell, Miranda Paananen, Becky Swartz, Sarah Ciesluk, Beau Nieters and Austin Ploshnick. Pictured in back are Pastor Greg Ciesluk, Motley UMC; and Marie Rose, from the Free Methodist Church. (Staples World photo by Dawn Timbs) A beer garden on Saturday was another new addition to the festival this year.

The three-day festival took months of planning by volunteers who donated many hours of their time to make sure things went smoothly. (See page 6b for more Two Rivers Music Fest photos)
Katie Ziegler, Staples, was the winner of the Two Rivers Music Fest talent contest July 24. A total of eight groups, representing a variety of musical styles, competed. Ziegler, who performs country music, will receive recording time at Rock House Productions in St. Joseph, as well as quality CD’s. (Staples World photo by Dawn Timbs)
The Young siblings (at the Two River Music Fest with their grandma, Bev Young of Motley) each had a design painted on their arm by artist Cathy Rolf of Deerwood. Pictured from left are Rolf, Destiny, Devon (in chair), Dylan and Derrick Young.
Dwight Eggert (above), Motley, took first place at the Two Rivers Music Fest Car Show, with his 1957 Thunderbird. He is pictured with his dog, Tynker. Verde Pepin, Motley, took second place and Bill Berndt, also of Motley, took third. At right, is Cathie Koubsky, from the Lincoln area, who took first place in the motorcycle category with her 1976 Harley Davidson. Stan Bettis, Motley (not pictured), took first place in the tractor category, with his Farmall. (Staples World photos by Dawn Timbs)

Some members of the Motley High School Class of 1966 caught up at the recent Two Rivers Music Fest in Motley. Pictured from left are Nancy (Huff) Nieken, Motley; Nadia (Wilkins) Giordana, Mpls.; Ken Koltes, Apache Junction, Arizona; and Jeanne McCoy, Avon.