Medford Business Celebrates 70th Anniversary During Straight River Days
When Medford's Straight River Days began sometime in the early 1970's, Anhorn's Gas & Tire was almost 25 years old. Through the years the summer celebration has changed as has the name of Anhorn's. Starting as Anhorn's Webb, then becoming Bob Anhorn's Service and now Anhorn's Gas and Tire.
Part of the 70th anniversary celebration for the business is bringing the monster truck Bigfoot in to display Friday and Saturday, June 14-15. Get a free lunch from 11 am to 1 pm each day. Anhorn's is hosting a car show Saturday from 10 am - 1 pm.
Now under third-generation ownership with John and Cindy, Anhorn's began with Tom and Olga in 1949. It is said in a historical piece at the shop, "A competitor up the street told Tom he should just close shop since he'll get no business here and Tom said he will just pick up the stragglers." Bob, who was nine-years old the business began, took over in the early 1980's with his wife Shirley.
Find more about the 70th anniversary celebration and details about the history of Anhorn's Gas & Tire on their Facebook page.
The parade has grown through the years to surpass 100 units. This year's parade is Friday, June 14 at 7 pm. There's music in the park afterward with STREET TALK.
A Fire 5K run/walk leads off Saturday's festivities with a volleyball, basketball and bean bag tournament throughout the day. Kids can participate in a pie-eating contest. The rubber duck pluck is at 3 pm Saturday and there is a street dance at 9 pm featuring RHINO.
The Power 96 radio Rooftop Toss has long been an attraction to Straight River Days, throwing a variety of t-shirts and promotional items off the roof of the Medford Municipal Liquor Store. This year's Toss is Saturday night.