Gov. Ray at Eldridge Centennial

June 30, 1971: Three days of festivities were scheduled for the Eldridge Centennial, July 3-5. It was the culmination of 18 months of planning by the Centennial Committee. A play, “Goin’ and Still Growin’," starring Debbie Kroeger and Sadie Arp, was being presented to tell the history of the town. Other activities included the parade, a tractor pull, street dances, horseshoe and baseball tournaments, kids’ activities, a cookout contest, carnival rides, a beard judging contest, and a pancake breakfast. Gov. Robert Ray, Lt. Gov. Roger Jepsen, and Congressman Fred Schwengel were scheduled to be in attendance at the parade.