“Godahl Day began when we wanted to put lights on the baseball field and needed a fundraiser,” said Godahl Day Entertainment Chairwoman Amy Hanson. “Everybody had so much fun, we decided to continue it. Thanks to all the volunteer work by everybody, Godahl Day still happens.”

Godahl native Ronda Porath said she has lots of fond memories growing up there.

“My mother grew up on a farm near Godahl that is next to the Albion Lutheran Church,” she said. “I remember riding my horse with the local saddle club in the Godahl Day parade. Another time, I roller-skated my way through the parade. I recall pulling “Babo” my sheep in the parade with my dad. He helped build the rollerskating rink that is now the Godahl Recreation Center. For four years, until we moved to Mountain Lake, I went to a country schoolhouse near the farm that had one teacher for six grades.”

Porath said coming to Godahl Day feels like coming home.

Ronda Porath

“It’s nice to see a little town still putting on such a big celebration with lots of entertainment and good food. I really like the burgers and homemade pies here,” she said. “One year, I won a duck at a ring toss game at Godahl Day. My mother wouldn’t let me bring the duck home, so I took the dollar bill. I remember the greased pig contests here too. Godahl is still home to me. I remember how much family meant something here and everybody watched out for everybody else.”

Other Godahl Day attendees included Joleen and Gary Nelson who recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

“We retired and lived near Brainerd for a number of years before moving back to St. James to be closer to family,” said Joleen Nelson. “And because this is still a nice place to live.”

Dean Bruns of Gibbon said he enjoys coming to Godahl Days because its easier for him to get around than at a larger event.

“My wife and I used to come here. She’s gone now, but I still want to come because I don’t have to walk too far,” he said.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch Godahl softball players throw candy to parade spectators at the Godahl Day parade Monday.

A good-sized parade included lots of antique cars, trucks and tractors and the St. James High School Band.

Other events included a kickball tournament, kids grain truck fishing, bingo, dancing an inflatable slide and face painting.

Cora Dagel was crowned 2025 Miss Godahl by 2024 Miss Godahl Ava Rathman.