Volga, a small town in eastern South Dakota, only covers about one square mile of land. It was originally named Bandy Town, after a group of settlers, but it was renamed after a similarly sized town in Iowa. "The Long Winter" by Laura Ingalls Wilder mentions the town of Volga when the father travels there during the course of the story. It's a very simple town, but one where the American dream is still striven for and found. A glance at the Volga, South Dakota business directory will show you just how many people have found their way by owning their own business or by carrying on the family business for generations.
Still, every quiet Midwestern town has to do something to have some fun every once in awhile, and in Volga, they have their fun on Old Timers' Day. Old Timers' Day occurs during the first week of June each year. The festivities last a whole weekend, with every business listed in the Volga, South Dakota yellow pages and then some there to help celebrate, to advertise, and to help welcome tourists who come to party. Meals to benefit community groups, a parade, sporting events, blood or fund donation drives, craft fairs and more are held on Friday and Saturday. Late Saturday night, all those under 21 are asked to leave the streets and the whole downtown area becomes a street party! The party wraps up at 1am, but you'd better make sure you're ready for that 10:30am coffee fellowship. You're going to need that coffee for the 11am worship!
Written by Lyndsey Morgan
