100 YEARS OLD
CENTENNIAL 1855-1955

After the release of the video on the Rainsbargers there was a great deal of renewed interest in the story and it’s connection to Steamboat Rock. It was decided to frame a yearly celebration for the town around the Rainsbarger story. Rainsbarger Daze were born. 

The first Rainsbarger Daze celebration was held in July of 1998. a tractor pull, a rodeo, open houses and the like were part of the weekend events. 

One of the most successful parts of that celebration was a Cemetery Walk in the cemetery. It was called “A Walk Through History” and featured actors depicting the lives of various persons buried in the local cemetery who had made a mark in the town’s history. The premier performance featured the lives of: Martha Rainsbarger Johns, Henry Johns, Henry Potgeter, Pastor Stephen Woodruff, Coach Kenneth Amsberry, Bessie B, Jaspers, Ben Jaspers, Henry Luiken, Zachary Smith, Marie Eilers, and Leo Knight. 

The first Cemetery Theater was organized by Kay Roelfsema, with assistance from Harold Eiten, Mildred Janssen and Susan Bear. 

The first Cemetery Walk was so successful that an encore performance was done in September of that year. In following years the performances were given on two nights. 

A Cemetery Theater has been done each year since the first in 1998 featuring more citizens in the community. Others who have been instrumental in keeping this new tradition going include: Jane Kramer, Jim Karmer, Dennise Smith, Mary Jo Gast, Kitty Hemmen, Bob Finger, Arlene Finger, and many more.