The Williston branch of the Salvation Army is celebrating it's 100th anniversary this year.
The celebrations started in early February with a chili feed and this Saturday they will be hosting a carnival. The carnival will be located outside the Salvation Army building and will consist of games, a climbing wall, ladder climb and an obstacle course among other things. The Lions Club will be serving hamburgers for lunch.
According to Major James Castor, the first 20 tickets will be free. After that, anyone who brings a bag of school supplies for the Salvation Army's annual Stuff the Bus charity will get 10 extra tickets. Bundles of of 20 tickets can also be purchased for $5.
The Salvation Army first came to Williston in 1908 with Ens. A. Jackson. The post was later commanded by Capt. Ella Jacobson and Capt. Helen Reitz in 1908 and Ens. Mary Swanson in 1910. The first location recorded for the Army was 925 Washington Ave. in 1918. Major Castor says that the location was probably a barracks for officers to live in. Back then, officers in the Salvation Army were moved from town to town every year or year and a half. The Army tends to keep officers and ministers in towns for longer periods of time now but members still move frequently.
The next location of the Salvation Army was at 17 S. Main St. in 1939. The Salvation Army has existed in this same spot since then, although they moved a building over when they purchased the 1315 Main St. property in the 50s.
The Salvation Army will be holding another centennial celebration in October where the Army will host a dinner recognizing the businesses in town that have supported them through the years.
The next major charity coming up for the Salvation Army will be Coats for Kids with KUMV. Coats will be collected in August and distributed from the Salvation Army the week of Sept. 22.
If rain occurs the day of the carnival, it will be held inside the Armory instead. If anyone is interested in volunteering for the carnival call Major Castor at 572-2921.
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