Kingsley celebrates 125 years this weekend

(Photos contributed) The Kingsley Bank building pictured here was the first brick building in Kingsley and was built in 1884. It underwent a complete remodel in 1907 and was torn down in 1970 after the opening of the current Kingsley State Bank building. Today, Kingsley's town square is filled with the many businesses thriving in the small community. [Click to enlarge]

With Kingsley celebrating 125 years this weekend, community members and visitors take a walk down memory lane.

Keith Bohle, a resident of Kingsley and member of the Kingsley Quasquicentennial Committee, said with the celebration this weekend city residents want to show off their community.

"The focus, I think, is where we've come from, and where we're moving from here," Keith said.

With a population of 1,245, Kingsley is a small town, but Keith said their school and strong business community help the town thrive.

"We've had a lot of changes," Keith said, "But the sense of community is still our biggest asset."

Keith, who grew up in Kingsley, said he remembers the summer festival and all the fun he had there as a kid.

He also remembers the security of the small town growing up, and how it is still a part of Kingsley today.

"The kids can ride their bikes to the grocery store and you always know they are going to be okay," Keith said.

When planning the Quasquicentennial Celebration, Keith said it was fun to listen to the stories of older members of the community-- how different things were when they grew up in the community, and the Centennial celebration.

"You really develop a sense of home here," Keith said.

Karla Bohle, a resident of Kingsley and member of the Quasquicentennial Committee, said she also found that sense of home in Kingsley.

"Kingsley is very welcoming to new community members," Karla said. "Some small towns tend to be cliquey, but I didn't find that here. They welcome you with open arms."

Kingsley, with more than 90 businesses, has a strong business community also.

"For a small town we are very progressive," Karla said, "we have a lot of business in town and that's something we are really proud of."

To celebrate 125 years of Kingsley's success, the Quasquicentennial Celebrations will kick off 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17 with the Tri-State Cruisers Car Show.

Kingsley's 125th Souvenir Shop will be open where souvenirs, T-shirts, cook books and history books can be purchased.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17

6 p.m. * Tri-State Cruisers Car Show, Second Street and Barre.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

3 p.m. * Madden Xbox Tournament and Guitar Hero Tournament.

4 p.m. - 7 p.m. * Cookout at Kingsley-Pierson School.

4 p.m. - 7 p.m. * Ident-a-kid program at Kingsley-Pierson School.

7 p.m. * Quasquicentennial Opening Ceremonies and contest results at Kingsley-Pierson School. This includes the Beard Contest, Biggest Loser Contest, Garden Club Yard and Chair Contest, Little Miss Kingsley and Mr. Muscle Contest, and Hot Air Balloon Raffle Winners.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. * Craft Show at Kingsley Community Center.

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. * Sand Castle Contest taking place at 320 E. First St.

12 p.m. - 4 p.m. * Kids Activities at Park.

1 p.m. - 5 p.m. * Open Swimming at the City Pool.

2 p.m. - 4 p.m. * Garfield No.1 School house.

3 p.m. * Pool and Dart Tournament.

3 p.m. * Quilt Turning at Kingsley Public Library.

4 p.m. * Skid Loader Rodeo at Bottjen Implement.

6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. * Street Dance featuring The Jammers.

8:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. * Street Dance featuring Hundred Proof.

9 p.m. * Drive-In Movie at the Kingsley Swimming Pool.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

6 a.m. - 7 a.m. * Hot Air Balloon Ride for Raffle Winners.

8 a.m. * 1-5K Run and Walk.

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. * Craft Show at Kingsley Community Center.

8 a.m. * Dad's Belgian Waffles at the KC Hall.

8 a.m. * Horse Shoe Tournament at the corner lot of Second Street and Barre.

9 a.m. * Parade Line-up begins.

9 a.m. * Quilt Turning at Kingsley Public Library.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. * Old Fashioned Photo Shoot at the Souvenir Shop.

10:30 a.m. * Kingsley 125th Parade. Following the parade will be the Methodist Pie and Ice Cream Social and Free Entertainment at the Park.

12 p.m. - 4 p.m. * Kids Activities at Park.

12 p.m. - 4 p.m. * Antique Tractor Display at Titan Machinery.

1 p.m. - 2 p.m. * The Plainsmen Quartet and Front Stage Barbershop Quartet will perform at the park.

1 p.m. * The Carnival opens.

1 p.m. - 5 p.m. * Open Swimming at the City Pool.

2 p.m. - 3 p.m. * City Cemetery Walk.

2 p.m. - 4 p.m. * Garfield No.1 School house.

3 p.m. - 5 p.m. * All School Reunion open house at Kingsley-Pierson School.

3:30 p.m. * Singles Bowling Tournament.

7 p.m. - 9 p.m. * Hot Air Balloon tethered rides at the Kingsley-Pierson baseball field.

9 p.m. - 1 a.m.. * Street Dance: Magnificent Board of Directors.

SUNDAY, JUNE 21

9 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. * KCAC Breakfast at Kingsley-Pierson School.

10 a.m. * Ecumenical Worship Service at Kingsley-Pierson School.

11:30 a.m. * Quasquicentennial Closing Ceremonies.

12 p.m. * Mud Volleyball at Iowa Street and Hwy 140.

1 p.m. * Water Fight on Second Street.

1 p.m. - 5 p.m. * Open Swimming at the City Pool.

2 p.m. * Slow Pitch Coed Softball Tournament.