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As in past years, the format was simple. Descendents brought a dish to pass for a potluck lunch. There was time to socialize, reminisce, share family stories, and speak fondly of those who have passed. There was a table of photos and talk of how the community has changed over the years. Some family members came from great distances to attend the meeting. Leonard Vargarson drove from downstate to visit his family and to attend. He is 94.

Association vice-president Hazel Butler, who is a historian shared memories of the area from a historical perspective and Rapid City local, Guy Barber, took an opportunity to share his experiences from his trip to Oregon to attend a World War II military reunion. The community helped raise funds to send Barber to the reunion earlier this year.

After lunch, there was a songbook full of songs, mostly unfamiliar to the young. The hall rang with the voices of those who still recalled the words. Then there was a short meeting. Each year, the Pioneer Association recognizes one of its founding families. This year was dedicated to the Deater family.

In a short award ceremony, Shirley Frost and husband, Don, who is association president, presented Bud Deater with an award acknowledging his many years of leadership and contribution to the community through participation in National Trout Festival, Boy Scouts, community planning and other volunteerism.

"Thank you for many years of service, placing flowers on Rapid River Township graves, being a member of the National Trout Festival Board, helping to establish Freedom Park, and many, many other things you have done," said Frost. Deater was postmaster for 25 years, a Boy Scout leader for 12 years, and spent 10 years in the service. He was a Kalkaska County sheriff, built and ran a Rapid City bait shop and owned a gas station.

Frost said she and Deater's wife, Erma, counted 127 years of service. Deater only missed two years of placing flags on graves since 1946. One year, he was unable to get home in time because his car broke down. The other time was when he had a stroke. Since his stroke, Deater has continued to be involved in his community. A few years ago, he walked 30 miles to distribute more than 2000 "Jesus"videos. Deater, whose wife, Erma, stood by his side, was genuinely overwhelmed by the honor.

This year, the Pioneer meeting took a different direction. According to Frost, association membership was dwindling and the group's members were mostly senior citizens. In hopes of continuing the long community tradition, the Pioneers extended their invitation to Rapid City to participate and become part of the 116- year celebration.

By the time the rolls were counted, the fifty names on the roster included at least four generations of adults and children, many representing the Deater, Vargarson, Guy, Barbers and other founding families. Members of the Way family, who are also founders, did not attend due to their own reunion the same day.

"This is a weekend for reunions,"Frost said.

On the same weekend, some families held their own reunions, and Saturday night, there was a Heritage Dinner in Alden, that also honors the area's founders.