Jerry Sprouffske has lived in Rainier for nearly 74 years, or his entire life.
In a small town where nearly everyone is a familiar face, Sprouffske and his family roots make him stand out from the crowd. Now, Sprouffske has been named the grand marshal for the Rainier Round Up Days parade, which is set to take place on Saturday, Aug. 27.
“It’s a big honor (and) I don’t know if I deserve it or not. It’s a small town honor. I wasn’t suspecting it at all,” Sprouffske said. “It’s a small town with a good parade. It’s community oriented and everyone gets together. It’s a nice deal.”
Sprouffske lives on his family’s tree farm in Rainier, which was originally purchased by his great-grandmother. Created in 1965, Sprouffske Trees, Inc., planted its first Douglas fir seedlings at that time which later grew into Christmas trees.
Eventually, his uncle took over the farm, before Sprouffske’s father purchased it. Sprouffske has lived there since 1948 and has seen many familiar faces come and go over the years.
Three generations later, Sprouffske and his wife, Sandra, are one of four family owners who remain at the farm, which features four generations who lend a hand in the operation.
Sprouffske said the Rainier Round Up Days parade is a great community event that helps keep a “strong community spirit alive.”
“As time goes on, a lot of the old timers have passed away and we’re missing them. It’s a shame, but life moves on,” Sprouffske said. “But that’s why events like this are so important. It allows us residents to show our love for Rainier.”
Sprouffske said he typically watches the parade from the sidewalk, but this year, he is honored to participate in it as the grand marshal.
“I would like to thank the Rainier City Council for keeping parades and events going on, and keeping the community involved as well,” Sprouffske said. “It takes more than the council too, as citizens and other small groups come to these events and help unite us.”
Sprouffske said some of the parade participants he’s most looking forward to are the fire department, the logging trucks, the “horse people,” local football and cheerleading teams, and some of the old time tractors that will be featured.
Tami Justice, the clerk and treasurer for the City of Rainier, said Rainier Round Up Days is a popular one with residents and people in the surrounding areas.
“The amount of people that come into town for this event is pretty incredible,” Justice said. “We feel like it’s the event that brings our community together every year. I was shocked to find out around 800 people attended our last parade.”
She added the selection of the grand marshal for the Rainier Round Up Days parade is an important task each year. They want to pick someone that’s been in the community for many years and has done the community good, according to Justice. She said that Sprouffske fit the criteria perfectly.
Much like Sprouffske, Justice has enjoyed the Rainier Round Up Days parade for a majority of her life.
“I was able to enjoy this parade as a kid on my grandparents’ porch, and it’s even sweeter to be able to enjoy it as an adult with my family and help coordinate it,” Justice said. “I hope that many of the Rainier residents can have that same experience that I currently have.”
The Rainier Round Up Days parade will start at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27. Parade lineup will begin at Rainier Middle School. Once the parade is underway, the spirited convoy of participants will flood on to Idaho Street. The parade will end up on Minnesota Street before concluding. Justice said the parade typically lasts around 45 minutes.
Coinciding with the Rainier Round Up Days events, which includes vendors and activities, will be the Rainier Bluegrass Festival, which runs all weekend long. Six bands will play live music over the course of the weekend at the festival. They include Rusty Hinges, the Cow Chips, and Band of Friends, among others.
Following the parade on Saturday, Rainier will host weiner dog races at noon behind the city hall building.
On Friday night before the parade, there will be street dances at Holiday Park from 6 to 9 p.m.
The Rainier Saturday Market also begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27.
Justice thanked Joey Stang and her family for the work leading up to Rainier Round Up Days, which is traditionally hosted on the fourth weekend in August. Stang has served as the parade coordinator for “many years,” according to Justice.
She also thanked employees of the city for all of their preparation leading up to the event.
