The late Art Pahl was a well-known accordion at care centers in the area for more than 30 years. The festival honors his musical contributions. [Click to enlarge]

Accordion music will flow once again at the Plymouth County Historical Museum as the Sixth Annual Art Pahl Accordion Fest takes the stage at 2 p.m. this Sunday, March 30. The fest will be held in the "Old Central" Gym.

The fest honors the late Art Pahl of Brunsville, a well-known Plymouth County accordion player who entertained at care centers and non-profit organizations in the area, including the museum, for more than 30 years. The museum began the accordion fest on March 30, 2003, at Pahl's request. He participated in the first fest, which drew more than 500 people. He died May 24, 2003.

This Sunday's event has 10 accordion players from Iowa and South Dakota already committed to attend. They are: Roger Christiansen of Storm Lake; Harvey DeBoer of Orange City; Carla Drost of Sheldon; Sherry Kezar of Alcester, S.D.; Lyle Koehlmoos of Granville; Gary and Linda Reeves of Le Mars; Audrey Rolfes of Alcester, S.D.; Paula Top of Alton; and Melva Urban of Newell.

Pahl's sister, Marie Bender, who used to play the accordion, is expected to attend from Harvey, N.D. Other relatives also may be on hand.

The accordion players will entertain on stage with such favorites as "Amazing Grace" and "Tennessee Waltz" while the audience listens and dances to the music.

The Rev. Dan Gerrietts of Christ Lutheran Church, rural Le Mars, and St. Peter Lutheran Church, Brunsville, will open with prayer. He and his wife, Molly, will present special music in tribute to Art Pahl, who was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church.

A dance floor will be available. Featured will be senior line dancers under the direction of Marjorie Anderson of Le Mars.

"We will do a favorite dance that Art used to ask us to do every time he played. He also did some line dancing with us, occasionally," Anderson said.

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A freewill offering will be taken at the door, with all proceeds going to the museum.

Helping with the annual event are Bill and Janice Renken and family of Brunsville,

close friends to Pahl. They will have a display in memory of Art.

Teaming up to help with the event are the city of Brunsville, the Brunsville Four Seasons Garden Club and members of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Brunsville.

Movylene Haack of Remsen will return for the sixth year to emcee the event. Also returning for the sixth year on the sound system will be Jerry Snyder of Le Mars.

Anyone wishing to join the accordion jam should contact the Museum immediately at (712)-546-7002 or pchm@lemarscomm.net.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled to April 6.