Aneta's 65th Turkey Barbeque!

 We'd made plans to make the trip to Aneta, ND for over a year.  Aneta hosts an annual barbeque & this year was the 65th!  Butch's Uncle Sanford & Aunt Yvonne were founders of the event.  Butch's father grew up on a farm just outside of Aneta & his cousins Ward & Russell still farm there.  We'd been invited often over the years, but the timing never worked out.  It was a long drive from WA.  Moving to IA, put us closer to ND!  Uncle Sanford was one of Butch's father's brothers.  Butch hadn't visited or seen his cousins since he was about ten years old.

283 Turkey's roasting!

When I had my accident, the first thing I thought of - was missing the trip.  I decided I'd do everything I could to recover enough to go & if I couldn't, Butch would go without me.  It was close timing - I was still hurting a lot & not very mobile.  If I could stand the ride, I could always rest once we got there.  My x-rays on the 17th; looked good - everything was in place & healing.  

We left for Aneta on the 19th. Finn & I insisted on stopping at the rest areas & Butch agreed!  He still made amazing time, we passed by Aneta on the way to our motel in McVille & arrived at 7 p.m. We had dinner at a little bar, the only place in town to have a meal.

A. Yvonne's backyard~

Saturday morning, we drove the sixteen miles back to Aneta.  We were met by Butch's Aunt & Cousin Ward!  We were just in time for the community breakfast held in the original Auditorium Building.  There was a small open top elevator right inside the street entrance - very handy for me with my walker.  We were introduced to many of the local residents.  I was happy to meet a lady who had attended high school with Butch's Dad.  

A. Yvonne & Connie touring town~

Aunt Yvonne's new golf cart was wonderful!  I could tour the town & not have to walk!  Russell took a break from his duties at the barbeque (where he's training the next generation of cooks).  He & Butch had left earlier on the old golf cart & took their own tour of the local attractions.  In the museum Butch found many photos of his dad on the high school basketball team that took second place at State. Butch called to tell me I had to go visit the Community & Botanical Gardens!

Aneta Community & Botanical Gardens~

We picked Butch up on our way & I was so amazed at the variety of trees, shrubs etc. thriving here.  The entire area was surrounded by a high fence, keeping deer & other critters out.  One of the local residents had the idea for the gardens.  Obviously, it was very successful.  Extra produce was placed in baskets at the entrance of the garden for everyone to share.

I took a break while the parade was going on.  Butch attended & took pictures for me.  Finn & I took a nap.  Butch & Aunt Yvonne came to get me in time to go to the park for dinner.

Crockpots & Casserole dishes ready for supper~

At the park, things were perfectly organized.  The turkeys were beautifully browned & being carved to serve the ever-growing lines!  There were homemade baked beans, potato salads & rolls.  1,736 people came to enjoy the barbeque! 

The welcoming turkey at the entrance to the City Park~

I wish we'd thought to get a picture of all the people at the park with their plates full, but we were too busy enjoying our own!  Watermelon for dessert, along with Ice cream bars!  Aunt Yvonne had brought homemade Rhubarb pies for our family!

One of the many decorated "floats" in the parade!

I was sorry to have missed the parade, but the rest gave me time to recover for the evening's entertainment.

Replica of a Civil War Cannon

The above Cannon was fired at the start of parade!  The loudest cannon I've ever heard!  Again, Aunt Yvonne's golf cart was our mode of transportation to go see the contest below!  It was perfect, since it also provided comfortable seats to watch the show!

The local volunteer Fire Departments stole the show though with their contest between stations.  The winner was the team who could push the empty beer keg to the opposing team's side first!  Needless to say - there was hardly anyone who didn't go away soaked!  The kids loved it!

The Smaaladen Farm ~

Sunday morning Butch drove to Aneta to attend the church service in the park with his aunt.  Afterward he came back to pick me up & we enjoyed brunch - again in the Auditorium building.  (This is the same building where Butch's dad had played basketball in high school.)  

Ward took us on a tour of the different parcels of land owned & farmed by the family.  I was especially looking forward to seeing the farm where Butch's dad had grown up.  The house was still standing, but just...  It's now too dangerous to go inside & I was in no shape to hike around anyway.  From there, Ward took us to the property where Aunt Yvonne had grown up.  The house & barn are gone now, but the property was beautiful.  The trees planted by her mother were still thriving. 

Butch's Cousin Russell, Aunt Yvonne & Butch ~ 

Sunday evening, we were invited to Russell & Marilyn's farm just outside of town for barbeque ribs!  Ward met us there.  The meal was outstanding & seeing Butch's family all together was a joy for me.  It had been many years since they'd visited WA & Butch had taken me to meet them for the first time.  All of Butch's father's brothers & sisters have passed on now, but Aunt Yvonne still keeps the family memories close.  It was a busy & wonderful weekend!  I've never seen my husband laugh so much!