Sesquicentennial
Granny Band named grand marshals
Posted: 6/8/04
By David Heiller
Argus News Editor
One of the highlights of the Caledonia Sesquicentennial celebration this weekend is sure to be the parade on Saturday starting at 1 p.m. at Caledonia Elementary School.
It had 132 entries and 192 units as of June 3, according to organizer Kermit McRae. Honorary grand marshals of the parade are Orville Schroeder, a long-time Caledonia resident and businessman; Dave and Peter Kunst, who walked around the world in the 1970s, and military people who have served or are serving on the global war on terrorism. The parade, will start at 1 p.m. at Caledonia Elementary School and go east on Main Street to the Houston County Fairgrounds.
The Grand Marshals are the Granny Band, a group of elderly women who play old-time music like polkas, waltzes, fox trots, and shottisches.
ìThatís the music we grew up with,î band member Pernilla Ernster said.
The Granny Band will be near the front of the parade, riding in Bob Meischís 1933 Ford pick-up truck.
The band consists of Evelyn Quinnel on guitar, Pernilla Ernster on accordion and glockenspiel, Beatrice Schmitz on keyboard, and Saverna ìSisî Stemper on accordion.
Former member Leona Buchmayer has moved to the Twin Cities, and former member Farrel Skifton died on May 16.
They have played at places like nursing homes, senior citizen groups, and for special occasions for about six years.
Pernillaís daughter, Alice, sewed the rose colored outfits trimmed in gold that is their trademark.
Although all the band members but Stemper are in their eighties, they keep a busy schedule. For example, they play in LeRoy on June 9, at the Sesquicentennial this weekend, in Canton on June 16, and in Coon Valley, Wisconsin, on June 20.
Why do they do it?
ìIt makes us feel good,î Ernster, 86, said on June 2. ìAnd keeps us young.î
Schmitz, 86, said that she gets as much out of playing as residents at nursing homes get from listening. ìIt keeps us going,î she said.
The group has received many commendations, including a 1999 Presidentís Service Award from Bill Clinton. Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura, former U.S. Senator Rod Grams, and First District Congressman Gil Gutknecht have also commended the group, and they have received a Daily Points of Light award.
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