Posted on August 8, 2017
by Starrla Cray
DARWIN, MN – The City of Darwin is rolling ahead with plans for its 26th annual Twine Ball celebration Saturday, Aug 12.
Those not familiar with Darwin’s most famous monument can visit the glass gazeboed twine ball during festivities which run from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Twine Ball Day.
The Darwin Twine Ball holds the record for being the world’s largest ball of twine crafted by one person, Francis A. Johnson.
According to RoadSide America, Johnson began winding the ball of twine in his basement in 1950.
Johnson reportedly rolled twine for four hours a day, every day until 1979.
He eventually moved the twine ball onto his front lawn, and used railroad jacks to ensure proper wrapping.
When Johnson quit rolling in ‘79, his masterpiece weighed almost 9 tons and was 12 feet wide.
Johnson’s twine ball, and many related items and tools, may be viewed at the Darwin Pictorial Museum, located directly behind the iconic sphere on Main Street.
The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Twine Ball Day, and natives note this is a wonderful place to meet up with former classmates and friends.
The fun starts rotating at 8 a.m. with an egg bake breakfast at All Saints Lutheran Church. The breakfast will be followed by a carnival and raffle, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., also at the church.
St. John’s Church is offering deals at a rummage sale in the church basement from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sand volleyball (not twine ball) games also begin at 8 a.m. at the park.
The craft and collectibles fair starts at 9 a.m.
The Darwin Lions Club begins serving 1919 Root Beer, burgers, and brats at 9:30 a.m. in the beer garden.
Other food stands will be located on the event grounds.
Additionally, the American Bikers for Awareness, Training, and Education (ABATE) South Central Chapter plans to have a tent on site all day,
Registration for the kids pedal tractor pull starts at 9 a.m., with pulling kicking off at 10 a.m. sharp on Main Street in front of the post office.
The celebration’s parade spins down Darwin’s three-block Main Street starting at 12:30 p.m.
Parade organizers note there is no fee or form required for parade participation. The 30 to 40 units involved are encouraged to toss candy to spectating kids, both large and small. Parade fans should plan to bring lawn chairs for maximum viewing pleasure. Mayor Josh Johnson says sometimes the parade winds around the route twice.
The parade will feature local royalty, area floats, antique cars, tractors, and horses.
A bean bag tournament begins on the park basketball court at 2 p.m., sponsored by the Golden Fleece Lodge 89. (Pre-registration is available at goldenfleecelodge.89@gmail.com.)
The Minnesota Minn-e-Rods – the state’s garden tractor pulling club – roars to life at 2:30 p.m. on Main Street, and attendees are encouraged to bring earplugs.
Those in need of a well-rounded meal can partake in a BBQ pork chop dinner hosted by the Darwin Freezer.
The hearty dinner will be served from 4 to 7 p.m., and dishes up a pork chop, potato salad, baked beans, a roll, and a beverage for $9 per plate.
Revelers may wind down their day of entertainment by taking in some music in the park, provided by October Son. The band will be playing from 7 to 11 p.m.
All proceeds from the day’s festivities go toward the Darwin tourism and promotional fund.
