‘Big boost’ for Ivanhoe
Polska Kielbasa Days draw former residents, others to weekend celebration
Trending
IVANHOE -- Standing in front of his downtown business and a blue 1970 Chevy tow truck belonging to the Lipinski Garage, Mayor Shad Lipinski held his 1-year-old grandson, Camden, and posed for photos being taken by friends and family.
Just an hour earlier on Sunday afternoon, Lipinski was moving barricades in the middle of the street to block off traffic for the classic car show. Just like other community members, Lipinski said he was just doing his part during the weekend celebration of Polska Kielbasa Days in Ivanhoe.
"It’s a good turnout every year. It’s been nice," Lipinski said after the photos were taken. "Everybody chips in. Everybody in the community works their shifts at the food stands, beer stands. It’s a good time."
The mayor says the Polska Kielbasa days provides a big boost for the community, with people of all ages traveling from different parts of the state and South Dakota to celebrate with the present-day residents.
"Our relatives and everybody comes back that lived, grew up here. Come back for this weekend and have a good time," he said.
The mayor's brother, Justin, was one of those former Ivanhoe residents returning for the weekend celebration. He lives in Brookings, South Dakota, and was staying at one of the 44 campers set up on the edges of Gilson Field and Park for the weekend.
"Every year is great. I love it," Justin Lipinski said, while standing next to the camper. "Coming back, seeing everybody, the softball, the Polish Kielbasa -- everybody comes back to the hometown. Everybody always comes back here. That’s when you see everybody. That’s what makes it great."
Meanwhile, The Jensen family from Benson have been attending Polska Kielbasa Days for 16 straight years, also parking a camper at the park.
"We camp every year. Try to park in the same spot. (Family members) Play girls softball teams, boys softball teams," Jensen said. "Our son-in-law lives in Ivanhoe. So they’re from Ivanhoe. So we’ve been down here ever since they have been dating, which is 16 years ago."
Jensen family members have played in the softball tournament every year since 2009.
"And we played volleyball. And the girls’ softball team is always very good. Three of our daughters played in that, and we they’ve won that numerous times. So it’s kind of softball and the activities. We now have 13 grandkids, and they all come here. And the main thing is, you know, keeping an eye on where they’re at. Otherwise, I’d say, it's always been very fun," he said.