Triton adds parade to homecoming festivities

The Triton community celebrated Homecoming last week with a variety of activities.
The week got underway Monday night with the crowning of Jay Yankowiak and Samantha Hallaway as King and Queen. Throughout the week there were a variety of dress up days at the elementary, middle and high school levels as well as soccer and volleyball competition.
The weekend culminated Friday with pep fests early in the morning, one for the elementary students and a second for middle and high school students.
A new addition to this year’s activities was a 10 a.m. parade that started at the school and wound its way through downtown Dodge Center before returning to the school.
School Resource Office Deputy Dave Skadson led the way in a Sheriff’s vehicle followed by the Dodge Center American Legion Color Guard, this time riding on a wagon.
A variety of school groups took part including the Art Club, FFA, soccer team, football team and cheerleaders and class floats. And of the course the royal court riding in golf carts with the King Jay Yankowiak and Queen Samantha Hallaway riding in a convertible.
Numerous businesses and civic groups also joined in the parade fun including the West Concord Historical Society, Faith Lutheran Church, Fairview Care Center, the Dodge Center Foundation, Citizens State Bank, Powerlift, Weber, Leth and Woessner, Dodge County Land Title Company and others.
Fire Departments from Dodge Center and West Concord also took part.
The girls volleyball team took to the court Friday afternoon with a tailgating party beginning at the conclusion of the game.
The elementary parents and staff supporting the HERO program at the school provided free hot dogs and chips to everyone attending. Teacher Marit Lange was on hand armed with cans of hair paint ready to paint the hair of anyone brave enough to give it a try.
Officials from Safe Routes to School where were also there to explain the program and a variety of Cobra clothing was available for sale.
A rather unique event at the tailgating party saw Zumbrota Ford bringing in a number of vehicles which were available for test drives. Take a test drive, complete a survey and Zumbrota Ford and the Ford Motor Company would donate $20 to the school.
Dani Klindworth of Zumbrota Ford said it program is sponsored by the Ford company, and Zumbrota Ford had done a similar event in Goodhue.
The program proved popular with the adults and by 6 p.m. 104 people had already taken a test drive and completed the survey. The event continued to 8 p.m.