SIBLEY—All good things must come to an end, including the sesquicentennial celebration period which closed at a program held Sunday, Sept. 25, on the lawn of the Osceola County Courthouse in Sibley.
The event capped off a 150-day window of activities to commemorate this milestone anniversary for Osceola County, the city of Sibley and the Osceola County Fair.
Three main activities highlighted the afternoon’s program, which included a keynote speech by Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, the burial of a new time capsule and a recap of the sesquicentennial events held over the past 150 days.
The day met the conditions outlined by Beth Thole during her recap of the summer’s events of providing an educational opportunity, entertainment and a chance to eat.
“It’s an honor to be here,” Gregg said to begin his speech. “Before I start, I’d also like to note for the record that it was windy here before the politician started speaking.”
Pastor Tim Nappe of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley gives a welcome and prayer to start the sesquicentennial closing program on Sunday, Sept. 25. Nappe served as the master of ceremonies for the event.
He went on to outline what it takes to persevere for 150 years and asked the audience to consider all the changes that have occurred within that time.
Gregg shared a list of the original Dow Jones Industrial Average companies that many considered the top companies over 125 years ago.
“People thought these were the strongest, most successful companies in existence, that their performance was a clear indicator of the markets and the economy, yet most of those have not lasted,” Gregg said.
The state’s Heritage Farm program is another indicator of the 150 milestone for farm families in the state.
“Think about all that they had to go through to still be here 150 years later,” Gregg said. “Despite all that, they’re still going.”
He noted developments in technology and communications brought about unbelievable change over the 15 decades since the establishment of the county.
“For you to make it this far, you’ve weathered a lot,” Gregg said. “So many changes and advancements in that time, and yet, you’re still here. Why is that? Why have you made it? It requires a strong sense of community.”
He also looked to the future, leaving the audience of about 50 people with a charge. He told the community to consider what it will take to make it in the next 150 years.
Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg greets Randy Van De Berg as he mingles with those attending the closing program for the sesquicentennial celebration Sunday, Sept. 25, in Sibey. Gregg also gave the keynote address.
“What kind of leaders do you need? What kind of amenities need to exist in this community? What kind of investments need to be made today that will pay off in spades down the road? What can you do to preserve the enduring aspects of a community, the kinds of things that don’t fall away with time and progress, things like family and a sense of community? Plan for the future and execute on that plan. Invest in the next generation of leaders and continue with the same optimism, perseverance and kind spirit that has gotten you this far,” Gregg said.
“Don’t let this celebration be the high point of the story of this community. Instead, let this be the jumping-off point for another 150 years or more of opportunity and prosperity.”
A number of thank-yous were shared throughout the program for the individuals, businesses and organizations that contributed to the celebrations held throughout the year.
Concluding the program was the burial of the new time capsule on the courthouse grounds, scheduled to be reopened in 2072. It is located at the same site as the previous capsule compiled and buried during the centennial celebration in 1972.
The contents of the time capsule give a profile of life in Osceola County in 2022, along with historical documents covering the past 150 years. The items included:
- Information about sesquicentennial events.
- Histories and pictures from each town, Osceola County and the Osceola County Fair.
- Brochures, posters, menus and annual reports for area attractions, events and businesses.
- A 2021-22 Sibley-Ocheyedan High School yearbook.
- Community directories, newspapers and a plat book.
- A fair ribbon and fair tabs.
- Memorabilia from past county events.
- Information on county churches.
- A cellphone.
- COVID-19 items, including face masks, vaccine vials and test kits.
