Visiting AZ Friends (in South Dakota)

6/18 to 22 - Several of the friends we have made in Arizona are from the tiny town of Java, South Dakota. They celebrated the town's 125th anniversary with bands, comedy shows, competitions, a parade, car/tractor show, and great food. There was lots of drinking too... in the main tent and the one and only bar (owned by the town).

Two couples still live in Java (in the summer), but about 20 more of us converged on the town to celebrate and have fun together.

We parked our rig on Boone & Ardy Biel's back lawn (along with 2 other RVs) and Steve & Alice Kary stayed on our pull-out couch.

Our hosts (and Java residents): Dan (Boone) & Ardy Biel

In the (one and only) Java Bar with Steve and Alice Kary

Pat got 2nd place in the Wife Carrying Contest

I got 1st place in the women's stein holding contest! (I was near my limit when this picture was taken)

Pat got 3rd place in the men's stein holding contest

This girl loved dancing so much she asked Pat, Boone, and me to dance

ABBA FAB (from Arizona) gave a great performance!!

This is part of the "South Dakota South" group. We've met so many people from South Dakota in our Arizona community that I call the group "South Dakota South"!

Lefties Grill: Delicious breakfasts on the Biel's deck

The parade had dozens of vehicles

On Saturday, Pat went walleye fishing on the Missouri River with Steve Kary's brother & wife (Terry and Connie Kary)

I danced some polka with Glenda

Carrie Nipe, me, Julie Schnaible, Bonnie Charron, Alice Kary, Deb Soholt, Ardy Biel, Colleen Schnabel, and missing: a few more SDS ladies!)

It was a blast!!