Hayesville celebrates 100 years

           The town of Hayesville hit their centennial on Oct. 15, celebrating with memories, food and a crowd-pleasing fireworks display.

            More than 75 people, ranging from current to former residents and families with ties to the area, stop in at Hayesville’s city hall. Attendees met for a social hour at 5 p.m., going over photos provided by residents and the Keokuk County Historical Society. Food prepared by city councilman Jim Hauschilt was served around 6 p.m., and the crowd grew to its largest around this time. Sherry Casper, city clerk, helped serve and greet guests to a warm dinner and warm reception.

            “The city council and I have been planning this event for months,” Casper said. “”We always have a roast in October, but with the centennial around that time, we decided to make it a bigger event to celebrate.”

            Casper has lived in Hayesville for 50 years with her family, ever since she traded properties with her grandparents in 1966. She attributed herself and her family remaining in the area, which currently houses approximately 46 residents, due to the small town feel

            Another resident also in attendance was Melissa Bird, a member of the city council who organized the event. Bird has lived in Hayesville on and off for 20 years, and her husband Shawn also grew up in the area. Both planned the grand finale of the evening; a fireworks display in the field adjacent to the city hall. Despite cloudy skies and a slight possibility of rain, the fireworks proved to be a successful way to celebrate the town’s 100-year existence, which Bird also feels was a pleasant tribute as well.

            “We wanted to keep this day simply, down to earth and homely,” Bird said. “This has been a nice crowd, and we’re really pleased with the turnout.”

            All donations collected will go to a new tornado siren system in Hayesville.