Milestones on Mainstreet: An Elderberry Jubilee
October 27, 2009 by DDA
Filed under History, Milestones on Main Street
A Big Idea
It is the year of our Lord, 1981, and Peace Lutheran Church is preparing to add a sanctuary to the existing building. The members of the congregation believe it is their duty to help with the financial situation to lessen the burden than by simply increasing the weekly offering.
There is rumor of two board members on the Christian Fellowship board, Mary Preston Barends and Ethelyn Anderson, who are talking about planning something “big” to help decrease the mortgage for the much desired addition.
The Plan Comes Together
The idea is moving forward throughout the congregation and to family and friends to invite the community to participate in a new Fall Festival. Owners of Bradford Insurance Agency, Don and Duane Bradford, are throwing around the idea of an Elderberry Jubilee. There is little debate after Don and Duane bring in one of Mrs. Bradford’s elderberry pies and they inform everyone how the elderberry bushes grow along the side of the road and along fence rows in farmer’s fields. The elderberry bush is never cultivated, sprayed or trimmed, but is a natural forming crop. The group begins to roll out plans for an Elderberry Jubilee over Elderberry Pie.
The First Event in 1981
The first Elderberry Jubilee, scheduled for September 12, 1981, is rumored to have a lot of activities at the 12 Mile Road church. Children’s activities, baton twirling, Terry Tice, Puppet Shows, Maycroft Sq Tappers, a Bazaar and bake sale, produce stand, fishing booth, cake walks, t-shirt sales and corn roast are among some of the activities that the group is planning. A pig roast will be held in the afternoon with a live auction that will include a Hot Air Balloon Ride, Marco Island Vacation, Quilts and more.
Growing Each Year
The success of the first year Jubilee has the group brain storming for the upcoming years. In future years, the group is considering including a float during the next Town & Country Day parade, and including an Elderberry Jubilee Queen and her court. The group is also discussing putting together a set of by-laws, duties of the chairman and committees they will need to make the next event a success.
Jubilee in 1982
The 2nd year of the event will include an Elderberry Ball at the Bee Hive in Sparta. The Harvest Home Band has agreed to play the event with round and square dancing. The cost will be $15 a couple and the crowning of the 1982 Elderberry Queen will take place. Andy Rent from radio station WCUZ will host a remote broadcast on location. The days events will include a men’s slow pitch softball tournament, and the new Elderberry Road Run will start at 9 am.
Changing Gears in 1991
The success of the past 10 years of Elderberry Jubilee has helped pay off a large part of the mortgage of the addition made 10 years ago, as was the goal of the event. Each year the Jubilee has turned into an enormous undertaking. Rather than stop the event altogether, the congregation will probably vote to have a smaller festival in the fall that would include the pig roast dinner and auction.
Jubilee in 2009
Peace Lutheran is working hard once again to bring the family friendly festivities to Sparta with Children’s Games, arts & Craft booths, Elderberry wine, jams, and pie for auction. The pig roast is scheduled for 2 – 4 pm with the donations helping fund its community pantry. On October 10, be sure to enjoy the food and auction at 3 pm at Peace Lutheran Church located at 1225 12 Mile Road in Sparta. Call (616) 887-9417 for more information.
