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During its existence, the city of Hanley Falls has seen many changes, and even more faces come and go.

So this weekend, not only will Hanley Falls celebrate its 125 years in the making, it will also enjoy a homecoming for those who have returned to participate in the festivities.

"Naturally, when people move away and retire they typically don't return," said Mavis Gustafson, director of the Farmers Museum in Hanley Falls, "so this time of the year is always nice because we get to see people come back."

And for those returning who haven't seen their hometown in quite some time, they are in for a surprise, as the town has changed dramatically the past quarter-century, Gustafson said.

"(Hanley Falls) has really changed," said Gustafson, who recalls her school days when she could name every person in town. "Now you hardly know anyone anymore."

Along with changing faces, the town's infrastructure has also seen a facelift throughout the years, although not always by choice.

As recently as 25 years ago Hanley Falls was home to three grocery stores, two restaurants and even a barber shop.

Not to mention, it also had a public school for grades K-12.

But economical transitions to agriculture sent families packing to other areas, and those business simply couldn't stay afloat.

"Families were getting smaller and farms started expanding, so the stores lost money and had to close," Gustafson said.

Losing the convenience of walking to the grocery store to pick up a loaf of bread, the people of Hanley Falls now have to drive to Granite Falls or Montevideo.

But for people like Hazel Martin, a resident for 24 years, Hanley Falls is just fine without the basic necessities that bigger cities enjoy.

"All of your friends are right here," said Martin, who typically assists with senior dining services every Wednesday at the American Legion.

"We still have a wonderful softball field, and the (Farmer's Museum) is quite popular."

The Centennial Park softball field, which was built in 1976 and sits scenically below the bypass on Minnesota Highway 23, plays host to hundreds of games, tournaments and summer recreation programs.

And the field has become a meeting place for residents.

"I was at a ballgame (recently) and saw lots of people...," Martin said.

"You can come into town on any particular night and watch an activity," Gustafson said. "There are always fun things going on there."

This weekend will give the regulars another chance to gather at the softball field and for those who haven't been back for a few years a chance to do something they haven't done for a while.

Schedule

Friday

"Free Outside Family Movie Night"

Starts at dusk on the east side of the new fire hall. Bring your lawn chair. Pop and popcorn will be available.

Saturday

Craft/Flea Swap: 9-5 Museum grounds

Car Show: 10 a.m. Museum grounds

Children's Games: 10 a.m. church parking lot

BBQ: 11-1 Sr.'s serving at the American Legion

Bean Bag Toss Tournament: Noon at softball field

Fire Dept. Demonstration: 3 p.m. Main Street

Dunk Tank: 5 p.m. Main Street

Pork Sandwich Supper: 5-7 serving at the American Legion

Free Street Dance: 8-midnight with Gunslinger

Sunday

Outdoor Church Service: 10:30 a.m. at YMLC. Music by the Glenwood Men's Choir. Bring your lawn chair.

Pancake Feed: 10:30 a.m. -1 p.m.at the new fire hall. Glenwood Men's Choir will be performing after church.

125th Program: 1 p.m. on the Museum grounds

Gary Kubly

Opening of the old time capsule

Sealing of the new time capsule

Quilt drawing

History talk