REFLECTIONS

Successful Blooming Prairie entrepreneur Craig Kruckeberg says it so well.
"There's nothing like a small town."
This statement of eloquence was clearly seen and heard this past weekend with Blooming Prairie's weekend July 4th celebration.
Blooming Prairie was hit hard like many other small towns during COVID-19. However, this small, southeastern community has survived because of its deep roots.
Blooming Prairie residents and business associates refuse to give up when they are dealt a serious blow.
This past weekend, we saw Blooming Prairie people come forward with a willingness to return to the days when a Fourth of July celebration brought people together.
There are still people who are not quite willing to become part of the active way of life. It will take more time for everyone to realize that the pandemic will soon be no threat.
Kids activities were back, the pancake breakfast drew over 400 people and the parade, shorter than usual with 62 units, still put a flutter to one's heart.
"We're back," some people said, explaining that it's only because a small town's bonding of its residents has injected us with a strong desire to overcome.
Blooming Prairie has flexed its muscles once again and has proven that small towns can survive a pandemic.
Our community looks much like the community of pre-COVID. It is strong and resilient.
Thanks, Blooming Prairie for bringing our patriotic Fourth of July celebration back to stay.