Dierkes’ host the reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 4

A group of about 80 people gathered at the Dan & Darlene Dierkes (formerly Morris & Alpha Johnson) farm near McIntosh on the morning of Saturday, July 4th.  Over doughnuts, bars and coffee, they were transformed into the Continental Congress, and listened while their fellow Congressman, Thomas Jefferson, read the final draft of the Declaration of Independence.  The list of grievances against King George the III was very shocking for anyone who wasn't aware of how the colonists had been mistreated under his tyrannical rule!

Fifty-six members of the group had each been given a card with the information of one of the original signers. One by one, they each declared aloud that they were signing this historical document by stating their name, occupation and home state.  After the verbal signing, the crowd applauded this country's new-found freedom and sang "God Bless America," led by Thomas Jefferson (also known as Pastor Karl Anderson). 

Patriotism is important to the Dierkeses, and they hosted this event to help remind people of the history and significance of the Independence Day holiday.  But just as importantly, they wanted a chance for friends and neighbors to gather together and visit.

Darlene explained that this was not an original idea; in her job as an insurance agent at North Risk Partners' St. Cloud Apollo office , she has customers who have made this a tradition for 30 years.  "I have always loved what they do, and wanted to try it here, where community is already so important."     

They are grateful for the help of neighbors, friends and family for the successful inaugural event, and to everyone who came. They say they are looking forward to making this an annual gathering, but plan to change it up a little bit each year to keep it interesting.  Mark your calendars for July 4, 2016!