Wednesday night there were more cars than usual on Thornton’s main street. The Chit Chat Cafe was hosting a celebration for Marilyn Monroe’s 85th birthday and there was a big turnout from area communities. Long time Cafe owner, Richard (Pidge) Dorenkamp, Thornton, has been a devoted Marilyn fan for many years as evidenced by the memorabilia throughout his restaurant. He also brought many other items from his collection at home for the big night. The Cafe was packed and according to the welcome note on the menu, you had to wonder what beautiful Marilyn would have been like had she been alive today.
Click here to view some photos.
An excellent meal offered four choices of meats and featured a “Marilyn Monroe Kiss” for dessert (actually a fancy chocolate sundae). The hostess for the evening was Bev Stadtlander and the waitresses were Taylor Schlichting, Caitlin Retz, Teryn Schlichting & Briana Carroll. It took a bigger than normal kitchen crew for the night: head cook Shirley Proctor, Trisha Muhlenbruch, Whitnee Stadtlander, Drew Engebretson, Wes Stadtlander & Kyle Schulz.
After the meal emcee Craig Donnelly, KLMJ Radio Hampton, hosted the Marilyn Monroe look-a-like contest won by Karla Peter from Latimer. The winning singer of the “Happy Birthday Mr. President” song sung to “President Richard” was Susan Floy, Thornton. There was also a drawing for some great prizes for the diners. Judges were from the staff of the First Security Bank, Thornton.
After a fun filled evening everyone was talking about celebrating Marilyn’s birthday again next year!
Along with the Cafe, sponsors of the evening were Jaspersen Insurance, First Security Bank, Classic Stop, North Iowa Co-op & Country Designs.|
