The Real History of Marigold Days 1965-Present

The Real History of Marigold Days 1965-Present

It all began with the humble marigold, a hearty and colorful little flower native to the Americas. Marigold Days initially began as a flower show in 1965 to promote the planting of marigolds throughout the Mantorville community, with the sponsorship of Marigold Dairy, this event has grown to be on one the region's best known and most attended, annual festivals. Walter Bruzek(1907-1981) or “Old Bear” as residents of Mantorville came to know him, was the driving force behind early festivals.

Walt was seldom seen without a marigold in his lapel. He even had marigold cufflinks made. In fact, he petitioned his long-time friend Senator Everett Dirkson of Illinois to introduce a bill that would make the marigold the national flower. In 1980, at Walt’s urging, the 450 member National Marigold Society toured Mantorville. The Board and members alike were thrilled with the many, many planting of marigolds here in town. Later that year they proclaimed Mantorville to be a Marigold City, USA

Even though Walt and his wife Edythe lived in Owatonna, Bruzek loved Mantorville. Every Wednesday, while Edythe had her hair done and then played bingo, he visited friends. Later he opened his own shop (The Bear’s Den), on the site where the present day Hubbell House lounge stands. His long time association with Marigold Dairy in sales and advertising, prompted the dairy to provide for the distribution of marigold seeds for residents in town. Or so the story goes. Some say that Walt paid for the seeds from his own pocket. We may never know. But the influence of this quiet, unassuming friend to all, will be long remembered.

Early Marigold Days activities included, talent shows, square dances and street dances, kiddie parades and the grande parade, lots of flowers and lots of fun. As Mantorville celebrated its centennial in 1953, Judy Fryer Severson was crowned Miss Centennial Mantorville. Her coronation paved the way for the present day Miss Mantorville Royalty selected each year. The grande parade route was similar to today’s route except that it marched up Highway 57 to the Courthouse. The Flea Market and Antique Market has been part of the weekend since the beginning.

So this year we celebrate the vision of Walter Bruzek and the movers and shakers who cherished the City of Mantorville and wanted the world to see it for themselves. The many volunteers who plan each Marigold Days, with a nod to the past and an eye to the future, share that love and are proud to be a part of this tradition.