File photo This photo of the Granite Falls popcorn stand operated by the Kiwanis Club was taken in 2016.

GRANITE FALLS — One-hundred years ago, Aug. 1, 1919, the Ernston family opened the popcorn stand that still operates in Granite Falls to this day.

Today the Granite Falls Kiwanis Club is holding a celebration to commemorate the 100th year anniversary. The event is from 5-9:30 p.m.

“We just hope everybody is there all at once to share their love for the popcorn stand,” said Patrick Moore, vice president of the Granite Falls Kiwanis Club.

Moore said the celebration will feature a bouncy house, music and entertainment from local artists, and the fire department will have a fire truck for the kids to explore. Remarks from Mayor David Smiglewski will follow and a history of the popcorn stand by local historian, Leslie Bergquist.

“It’s just going to be a fun night,” Moore said.

Moore said the Ernston family owned a horse drawn carriage and cargo business that transported people and goods between railroad stations and businesses. Once the automobile came about, the Ernston family needed another means of income. Moore said the Ernston brothers, Fred and Jule Ernston built and opened the Ernston Popcorn Stand after holding a popcorn booth for multiple years at a Granite Falls summer festival.

“They opened the stand to make money and start a business,” Moore said.

The Ernston family owned the stand from 1919-1982. The stand jumped between owners until 1997 when Dave and Jill Kafka bought it. After owning the stand for five years, the Kafka family decided to donate the stand to the Granite Falls Kiwanis Club in 2002.

“In 2002, the Kiwanis Club took over and we have run it ever since,” Moore said.

Moore said people come from all over the area for the Kiwanis popcorn stand now. Many stopping on their way through town on their way home or passing through.

“It’s an amazing tradition for a lot of people,” Moore said.

“We’re just looking forward to all the people. A lot of people come up from Marshall and all over the area,” Moore said.

Moore said that the popcorn stand brings in around $22,000 a year and the Kiwanis Club donates that money to the community. Moore said the popcorn stand is volunteer run from 7-9:30 p.m. every day during the summer.

Moore said that they give money to Granite Falls Western Fest, the schools in the area, and art scholarships.

“We give a lot of money away we make to the community,” Moore said.