'Alive at 125'

Yep, "Alive at 125." That's what the folks at Deep River decided to call their quasquicentennial celebration this weekend, not only because it's easier to pronounce, but because it declares the philosophy of the 300 or so people who still call the community home. (See today's Ramblin' column in The Gazette.)

Deep River is located just west of Highway 21 about 8 miles south of I-80 in Poweshiek County. But, you might ask, where is the Deep River?

“We still have a creek." jokes Ellen Zimmerman, one of the co-organizers of the festivities. "It's still alive and flowing. Normally, it's not that deep. The Indians named it because of the steep banks.”

History books say the Sac and Fox tribe named the creek Sap-Pom-Ah, which translates to Deep River. While the creek is 2 1/2-feet deep or less, its banks are 27 feet tall.

If you decide to go, here's  the full schedule of events.

Friday, July 10: 4 p.m. flag raising, 4:30 p.m. 4-H supper, 7 p.m. Jes Rio Magic Show, 8:30 p.m. Jes Rio Hypnotist Show, 9:30 p.m. Clayton Brown Band, Fireworks at dusk.

Saturday, July 11: 9 a.m. mud volleyball, 9:30 a.m. little kids parade, 10:30 a.m. main parade, Noon Grimm Sisters, Noon to 6 p.m. inflatable carnival, Noon to 4 p.m. antique tractors display, 1 p.m. mini rod tractor pull and kids water fights and "Believers", 2 p.m. local variety show, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. kids games, 2 p.m. firemen's water fights, 3 p.m. Civil War band, 4:45 p.m. gold coin auction, 5 p.m. Brad Maxwell Band, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Alumni banquet, 9 p.m. Firemen's Ball with "Rockin's Flames" street dance.

Sunday, July 12: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., continental breakfast, 10 a.m. tent services, 11 a.m. remembrance time, Noon "Ridgerunners," 1 p.m. Deep River "Hee Haw Players," 2 p.m. Kingdom Klowns, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Square Dancing, 3 p.m. Peggy Wardenberg, 4 p.m. closing ceremonies.