The 2022 Fish Days Marshalls are two lifelong Lake Andes ladies Elaine Bechen and Deborah Ronfeldt that have spent many, many years taking in the festivities of Lake Andes Fish Days Celebrations.

Elaine grew up near Ravinia and has lived in the Lake Andes area for 68 years. She and her late husband Vincent (Junior) raised their seven daughters on the farm Northeast of Lake Andes.

Elaine recalls coming into town each year for Fish Days to watch the parade and partake in the fish dinner.

She tells of the early years of Fish Days before the streets were paved and it rained every year on Fish Days. One year, a little girl even fell off the Merry-go-round into the mud!

She is excited that this year her grandson-in-law will be driving her and her husband’s first car, a 54 Chevy, in this year’s parade along with three of their daughters!

Deb recalls bass fishing as one of her favorite memories of Fish Days weekend, dating back to her grandparents. She grew up in Geddes, but her family would always come over to Lake Andes to take in the weekend activities.

She said one memory that always stands out in her mind is that her grandfather Clayton Bridges would sit on the bench and chat with Henry Spotted Eagle every year.

Deb and her late husband Norman, along with their six children, participated and helped at Fish Days for many, many years. Norm would set up the electrical systems for the carnival each year and all the kids have helped with various committees.

Family is so important to both ladies and they both have lots of families to enjoy! Deb has 22 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, including one just born a few days ago. Elaine also has 22 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way soon!

When Deb was asked to be one of this year’s Marshalls, she said she was thrilled.

“It’s one more great memory of Fish Days!” Deb said.

Deb and Elaine are both looking forward to representing their community as this years Parade Marshalls.