The theme of this week’s Thursdays in Pella was Manufacturing in Marion County. Several booths and activities were hosted by several local manufacturers, including PPI, Vermeer, Pella Corporation, Weiler, 3M, Ring-O-Matic, LDJ Manufacturing, and American Wood Fibers. Local first responders also had displays and showed off their vehicles and equipment. A Lego building contest was held on the Tulip Toren, with a public vote on projects brought to downtown. Winners and prizes were given out before the City Band performance. The Dans Company highlighted several of the performances they sent to Nationals and others, and Amanda Ritzert says students enjoy sharing their performances, especially in front of local audiences.

“We love doing stuff with the community,” she says. “I think it just builds such a sense of responsibility for taking care of our community. We also do stuff at Tulip Time and incorporate all different groups of kids into these different things, teaching them the importance of their community, and it’s fun to have the local audiences and smiling faces right in front of you.”

She says The Dans Company is offering summer classes to any children in the area. Click here for more details.

The KNIA/KRLS Lil’ Big Red Radio is broadcasting from every Thursdays in Pella this summer. Next week’s theme is Ag in the City.