Small town, big heart!
Established in 1893 by German immigrants, Graettinger, Iowa is located in Palo Alto County. Named after an early resident, Dr. Graettinger, the city holds the distinction of having held a Labor Day celebration annually since 1896—a state record. Graettinger’s first Labor Day celebration was held on the farm of Mr. A. A. Wells. This first picnic was sponsored by the Farmers’ Institute, according to the September 4, 1899 edition of the Graettinger Times. In 1913, the event was moved into town where it has been drawing residents from throughout the area each year since with a parade, carnival, street dance, variety show, queen coronation, raffle drawing and many other fun-filled events at Graettinger’s three parks, municipal swimming pool, tennis court and Hillcrest golf course.