The tiny community of Quinn will celebrate one hundred years of perseverance on Saturday, Sept. 1, with a birthday party that includes a parade, free food and horse races with plenty of time reserved for reminiscing.

Parade line-up begins at 10:30 a.m., and the parade starts at 11 a.m. Lunch will follow in Quinn City Park. The Hill City Drum and Bugle Corps and entertainers "Steve and Jim" will provide lunchtime entertainment.

A historical program is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Quinn Community Center, which was once the Methodist church.

Author David Quinn of Prescott, Ariz., will discuss his book "It May Be Forever."

Quinn's book is a fictional account of the life of his great-great-uncle Michael Quinn, for whom the town was named. An Irish immigrant, Michael Quinn was a pioneer rancher and early-day bull whacker who freighted between Fort Pierre and the Black Hills.

Joining David Quinn for a book signing will be poet Onalee Lytle Hoffman.

Several Quinn residents will share historical photos and other memorabilia.

"Quinn was a pretty good-sized town at one time," local resident Lorna Moore said. Moore remembers drives to Quinn for a movie and a meal at a local cafe while she was a student Wall High School.

The Methodist church, built in 1908, housed the town's first school. The first school building was built in 1911 on the northwest corner of the community. A new building was erected in the center of town in 1936. Quinn High School closed in 1961, and the grade school closed in 1968. A city park now sits on the school site. The park is now home to the livestock scale from the old Quinn Stockyards, along the railroad track.

Today, the community has fewer than 50 people, but a few young families are choosing to make Quinn their home and bring the welcome sound of children's voices back to the community, Moore said.

On Saturday afternoon, the celebration moves to a field west of the Two Bit Saloon for an entertaining afternoon of horse racing that will stir memories of Quinn's early days. A horse and rider calcutta is scheduled for 2 p.m.

"Anyone is welcome to come and bring your horse," race organizer Kevin Wenzel said. Stick horses are also welcome for the tiny cowpokes interested in racing, he said.

The straight-track races are open to riders of all ages. A variety of relay races and games are planned, Wenzel said.

"Even if you don't have a horse, come on down," Wenzel said.

Contact Andrea Cook at 394-8423 or andrea.cook@rapidcityjournal.com

If you go

What: Quinn Centennial Celebration

When: Saturday, Sept. 1

- 10:30 a.m. - Parade line-up

- 11 a.m. - Parade

Lunch at the park, after the parade

- 1 p.m. - Meet the author with David Quinn

- 2 p.m. - Horse-and-rider calcutta