RUTHVEN- 125 years ago the town of Ruthven, Iowa was founded in honor of Alexander Ruthven Sr.

This weekend Ruthven is celebrating with quite the series of events. July 10-12 is jam-packed with activities for all ages.

Friday, July 10 at 8 p.m. is the Fireman's/ Quasquicentennial street dance featuring The Senders on Gowrie by Bully's Bar and Grill.

Saturday, July 11 at 1:30 p.m. is the large BBW/ Quasquicentennial Parade. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. is the Fireman's/ Quasqui Street Dance featuring The Murphy Brothers on Gowrie.

Sunday, July 12 at 11 a.m. is the Team Sorting competition and kids events at Rodeo Grounds southwest of Ruthven at Highway 18 and N-18.

These are just a small series of events that are going on in Ruthven this weekend.

There is also a tractor ride, basketball competition, fishing contest, classic car show and an ice cream/ maidrite social.

The town of Ruthven was started in 1878 when the Milwaukee Railroad was built through Palo Alto County.

The Ruthven brothers Robert and Alex owned the land where the present town site is. They gave half to the railroad company in return for locating the town plat there.

The building of the Des Moines and Fort Dodge Railroad was one of the reasons for the growth of the town. The actual town of Ruthven wasn't established until 1884.

The growth of Ruthven demanded a Blacksmith shop, an automobile dealership, Farmers Savings Bank, and a Post Office.