A Special Summer Trip

Gary & DiAnn spent the 4th of July holiday 2004 as special guests of the https://welcomeamerica.com/ Festival in Philadelphia. 

Their trip benefitted the International Association of Festivals and Events Foundation, a fitting tribute to their significant volunteer work with the Winneshiek County Fair and Nordic Fest.

The image above is from their Christmas card that year. Highlights of trip included riding in the 4th of July parade with Ben Franklin and other historical heroes, visiting the site where Gary’s infant father and grandparents first entered the United States as immigrants from Norway in 1902, and attending the historic Medal of Freedom ceremony held at Independence Hall.

In typical Gary & DiAnn social fashion, many a laugh was shared among friends and family when they shared the story of accidentally joining a paid tour of Philadelphia and being invited to simply stay when they realized their oversight.