An inviting scene staged next to the barn and attached milkhouse.
FROM THE MINUTE I received a verbal invitation to the barn dance, I noted the event on the September 26 square of my kitchen calendar. Not only would I be celebrating the 100th birthday of the Becker family barn. But I would also be celebrating my birthday. How sweet is that?
Posted inside the barn…
With my deep rural Minnesota roots and appreciation for aged barns restored and maintained, this party suited me. Hosts John and Debbie Becker, Rice County crop farmers, are dear friends, a salt-of-the earth couple who cherish faith, family and farming.
Guests pulled up to tables and dined on hot beef and pork sandwiches, salads and more.
And they know how to throw one heck of a party in their 100-year-old barn, in the Becker family since 1948.
Garden goods provided for great fall decorating.
One of numerous parking attendants waits for vehicles to arrive.
The kitchen crew, and Debbie, prepare for guests to arrive.
Posted on the pie table.
Debbie, the eldest in a family of I’ve lost count how many siblings, could be a professional party planner. She’s that good at food planning, decorating and remembering every single detail of creating a memorable and fun event. John is right there beside her, assuring, too, that everything comes together. They complement one another. And even though they pulled in family and friends—for decorating, parking, kitchen duty, bartending, pie judging and more—ultimately they are the ones who managed to plan for and welcome 300-plus guests to their farm.
The kids all wanted rides on the golf cart.
This little guy wouldn’t even set down his toy John Deere tractor to stack over-sized Jenga blocks.
This farm-themed pie drew lots of kids to look and some to play.
By far the most creatively-staged pie.
Lots of visiting inside and outside the barn.
One family member flew in from England. And I overheard, mid-evening, young boys protesting their family’s early departure. I watched kids scramble onto a golf cart for rides with the guy giving lifts from parking areas to barn. A smile curved my mouth at the sight of young boys clutching John Deere tractors, a wee sweet girl in pink cowgirl boots peering at pies, and circles of folks visiting in the barn.
The opportunities for sweet portraits in the golden hour of photography were endless.
My dear friend Mandy arrives with her pear-gingersnap pie still warm from the oven. It was absolutely delicious as I sampled it after the pie judging.
My husband tried on this abandoned cowboy hat. But it was several sizes too small.
The scenes unfolding before me appeared down-home rural Americana—girls swaying in a weathered porch swing, a guest bearing pie for the pie-baking contest, a straw cowboy hat resting on a picnic table.
I photographed darling Ava at the last barn dance and her mom asked me to photograph her again. Daylight was fading. Yet I managed to snap a cute portrait.
A grandma and her grandkids dressed in western attire for the barn dance.
Many a farmer once carried a hankie/bandanna in his pocket.
Although costumes were not required, vintage or western attire was encouraged. I tied a red bandanna around my neck and called it good. But the kids, oh, the kids. So cute in their cowgirl/cowboy hats and garb. And even some adults dressed western style in flannel shirts and hats, in bibs or with red hankie in pocket. Many sported western boots.
While two girls sway on a swing, another stacks blocks.
Debbie and John, loving aunt and uncle that they are, assured the kids had plenty to do, passing along to the next generation memories connected to family and the old barn.
FYI: Click here to read my first post about the barn dance. And check back tomorrow for one final post.
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I especially loved this post this morning. You really captured a lot of great moments and expressions and I can fully understand why you needed to do multiple posts. That gingersnap pear pie looks quite interesting! I never would have thought of that but I bet it was wonderful.
Good. I’m glad you enjoyed the additional photos. A barn dance is something most folks don’t experience, so it’s especially fun to share all of the photos. Mandy’s pie was excellent.
For 100 years old that barn looks in great shape. Beautiful. Ps..a lot of local farmers our way stil carry those bandanas in their back pocket!
John and Debbie have invested lots of money, time and energy into keeping this century old barn in great shape.
That’s an interesting tidbit about the farmers in your area.
Many farmers will wear the bandana around their heads under their hats…due to heat here in our part of the world
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OK, that makes sense.
I think I’ve enjoyed this post more than any of the others you’ve done! (Well, it ranks really high!!!) When we moved here, 40+ yrs ago, these gatherings were so common (forgive me…..I know I’ve said this before!!!). The “neighborlyness” that was experienced is so needed today!!!! That kitchen cabinet piece (in the 6th photo, on the right side)…..the white w/ red…..is identical to one that I had in a duplex in Mpls!!!!! Even more memories……and all so good!!!!!!!
HAPPY BELATED NATAL DAY!!!!!!!! Many blessings and hugs……and thank you for being YOU!!!!!!!
Thank you for the birthday wishes, Doreen.
I love that cabinet, too. Amazing that it matches the one in your former duplex. Always happy to bring back memories.
Beautiful Captures – love that little girl’s dress – oh so cute – I want pie now đŸ™‚ Happy Day – Enjoy!
I loved seeing the kids all dressed up in western attire. The cuteness factor truly won this photographer over.
Looks like the perfect party!
It was.
Those kids will remember that day for the rest of their lives. What a gift!
I think they will, too. I agree. What a gift.
Amazing pictures. You can really tell a story with your camera
Thank you. That’s my goal.
Cow pie! That’s awesome.
What a fun event
Yeah, I thought that sign pretty clever.