The CentraCare Health-Monticello and the Monticello Big Lake Hospital District celebrated 50 years of caring with a picnic in Ellingson Park Thursday afternoon.

 

People gathered on the banks of the Mississippi to enjoy a free meal of hot dogs, chips, watermelon and water while they were serenaded by a guitarist named Jake, who favored Credence Clearwater Revival.

 

A short stroll around the park found hospital  staff and auxiliary volunteers distributing popcorn, snow cones and pickles on a stick. There was a petting zoo and one or two bouncy house games.

 

One big attraction was an opportunity to explore inside an ambulance with Paramedic Dan Frieberg. He gave the children badges to be Junior Paramedics.

 

Hospital District Chair Sheldon Johnson said the 50th anniversary was a milestone for healthcare in the community.

 

“We are happy we could do this for the district,” he said. “We are in good hands with CentraCare. They are accomplishing everything they said they would when they came to the community. A lot has changed in 50 years.”