On the way into Banccroft we caught up and rode with Mrs. Cindy Connolly (Director of The Food & Nutrition Services Bureau at SA ) for a while.  We had a great visit. For many years we were 'teammates' on their bus. We also saw Connolly daughters Sara & Andrea. Pleasant all the way around.

Bancroft was a great stop. We swung by the former Catholic HS, St. John's. Sad to see it shuttered but it's a small town and Bishop Garrigan in Algona is less than a half - hour away. The convent associated with St. John 's is now a lodging and catering establishment run by the Blunt siblings (who happen to be sisters, though not Sisters of a religious order).  Their sign pretty much says it all.

Perhaps the sisters conduct their financial transactions at this Bancroft bank.

Bancroft, IA--hub of commerce.

It was by far the most pungently aromatic ride we've done. Mega-sized livestock confinement facilities stink--quite literally. Now I see (smell) why neighbors go to court over this issue as county officials struggle with how to address the associated problems.  Just as single-family home neighborhoods resist apartment complexes (like 70th & Cass in Omaha) the American Gothic couple wants to be able to hang their clothes out on the line without perma-stenching Pa's overalls.  Not taking a side but we about gagged just riding by. One place had 2 skid loaders (bobcats) busily scooping waste.

Mike , Annette, Denice, Kathleen & I could only make the 3 days this year. Drat the world of work.  We did declare it fun if not a skosh too hot.  Now on to the bleacher project!

Reporting for SASF: Matt Madsen