Albert Lea Tribune

By Rebekah Dyvig, staff writer

KIESTER — This small town west of Albert Lea will host its annual Kiester Days starting today.

The festival will start tonight with a celebration picnic sponsored by Farmers Coop Elevator followed by a performance by Stephanie Erdman at the Kee Civic Theatre. Advance tickets for the Stephanie Erdman show will be available at the bank.

Friday will include cow chip bingo, a 5K walk/run, a street dance and a car show. Trophies will be awarded at the car show. The historical society will be open Friday through Sunday. The celebration picnic will have a meal sponsored by the Farmers Coop Elevator. Donations will be accepted for the United South Central band.

Saturday will be packed with fun for all ages. It will include a variety of activities in the park, a cribbage tournament at the Legion, a street dance and a parade. There will also be a co-ed volleyball tournament and the Kiester American Legion steak fry. And don’t miss the donkey races on Saturday as well.

Sunday will begin with a pancake breakfast and a community worship service at Kee Civic Theatre. Kiester Days is sponsored annually by the Kiester Civic & Commerce Association.

Schedule of events

Today:

5 to 7 p.m.: Celebration picnic at the school

7:30 p.m.: Stephanie Erdman show at Kee Civic Theatre

Friday:

5 p.m.: Car show starts

5 p.m.: Cow chip bingo

5 to 7:30 p.m.: Lions steak fry at Legion

7 p.m.: 5K run/walk, start at lot west of Legion

8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.: Street dance at Berma’s featuring All B.S. Band

Saturday:

8:30 to 10:30 a.m.: Free driving clinic for those interested in driving single or double hitch, no need to bring your own animal and beginners are welcome

9 a.m.: Softball tournament

9 a.m.: Co-ed volleyball tournament

9 a.m.: Horseshoe tournament at City Park

11 a.m.: Parade

After parade: Food stands, hair and face painting and more in the park

Noon to 3 p.m.: Oil painters exhibit at Retail Center

1 to 3 p.m.: Cribbage tourney at Legion

4 p.m.: Bean bag tournament at Berma’s

5 to 8 p.m.: Legion steak fry

7:30 p.m.: Movie at Kee Theatre

9 p.m.-midnight.: Legion street dance featuring The Afterwhile

Sunday:

8:30 a.m. to noon: Pancake breakfast

9 a.m.: Celebration worship community church service at Kee Theatre