Columnist Sean Dengler, left, and his baby son Asher pose for a photo together at the base of Traer's famed winding stairs. PHOTO COURTESY OF SEAN DENGLER

Another Winding Stairs Festival is in the books. Like in years previous, it was a good one. I only showed up on Saturday. While rain affected the Friday turnout, it was near perfect weather on Saturday. A little warmer than needed but it is August in Iowa. When the sun went down, the weather was ideal.

Watching the parade in the sun would have been toasty, but we luckily found a spot under the shade. With our son, Asher, attending his first Winding Stairs Festival and parade, we did not know what to expect. Coupled with earmuffs to protect against the sirens of the fire trucks, Asher enjoyed watching all the floats in the parade.

After the parade, it was time to head down to the main event. While Asher took in the activities, his dad caught up with old friends. Seeing the masses of everyone talking and enjoying their time in Traer was phenomenal. Taking a stroll along the carnival rides provided happiness to see families and friends enjoying their time. While I did not snag the ice cream from The Junkyard Bar, I am ready for next year.

Then it was time to emcee the 2026 North Tama Alumni Banquet. While my role with this banquet is minimal compared to the insurmountable feat Carri Holst puts on to make it happen, this event always turns out wonderful. Compared to other schools and towns, having a banquet like this one is special. It is a great way for alumni to come back and chat with each other. Despite the depths of today’s technology to keep in touch with each other, nothing beats face to face contact like one gets at the banquet. It is vitally important that every North Tama alumni try to come back to the banquet when they have a chance. This sense of community is great for the community of Traer and for those attending.

After the alumni banquet and a couple strong pours from the bartenders at the Memorial Building, it was time to beat the old ladies at bingo. Unfortunately, this did not happen. I am thankful to my wife for pushing me to play bingo. In previous years, due to timing and the alumni banquet, I have missed the opportunity to play. Fortunately, this did not happen.

The bingo tent was lively between 8-9 p.m. The tent grew with excitement as the night wore on. First, the caller accidentally called the wrong number and the crowd playfully booed. Second, as blackout came to a close, the tension grew after each number was called. Anticipation grew throughout the tent as everyone thought they had a chance. I got within one number to win, but luck was not in my favor.

After the bingo losses, a few brewskis were in order to wallow in my sadness. Catching up with everyone as country western played in the background was fantastic. The weather was perfect; the typical unbearable humidity was nowhere to be seen. While talking about farming, sports, and everything else in between, these couple hours standing on Second Street are always an excellent time every year.

To cap off an earlier end to the night than in previous years, a seven-month-old waiting at home will do that to you (thank you mom and dad for watching him), The Junkyard Bar was in our sights. Drinks flowing, people vibing, and the bathroom line was long. All the norm for the Winding Stairs Festival. While not staying for more than a drink at the Junkyard, the night was beginning for others arriving as I left. For those party animals, a great rest of the night was in store.

For my wife and I, sleep was the next activity on the docket.

P.S. Here’s a picture of Asher and I at the famed Winding Stairs at the world-famous Winding Stairs Festival.

Sean Dengler is a writer, comedian, now-retired beginning farmer, and host of the Pandaring Talk podcast who grew up on a farm between Traer and Dysart. You can reach him at sean.h.dengler@gmail.com.