Ken Sauer receives a standing ovation at Tuesday's "State of the City" address after the longtime emcee of the event announced afterward he would retire from hosting duties at age 92.--News Photo Collin Gallant
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
After decades of hosting the Kiwanis Club ‘State of the City’ address, Ken Sauer says he’s is calling it a career as MC of the annual event.
Sauer, 92, ended the event noting that 2024 would be his last year presiding over it, which spurred a standing ovation from several hundred business, government and social service leaders in attendance.
“I just can’t believe it,” Mayor Linnsie Clark, the keynote speaker, told reporters afterward.
The longtime former alderman and public school superintendent confirms that after missing only one event over the past four decades, he’ll attend as a guest next year.
“It’s time for the old to fade away,” he said, smiling.
Earlier in the event, he asked for some patience from the crowd as he struggled with his notes due to declining eyesight.
“I beg your forgiveness because I’m just going to keep doing it,” he joked.
Sauer’s banter between calling out table numbers and introducing dignitaries has been a mainstay at the event, held each January as a partnership between the Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce.
At last year’s event Sauer made a cheeky appeal to the city for donations to the 2026 Special Olympics, noting he wouldn’t be around for them.
Shortly after that he was presented with a piece of flapper pie by co-organizers and serenaded with a round of Happy Birthday.
This year.
Also an organizer of many sports and other events in the city over the years, Sauer again promoted the summer games and hinted that City Hall might expect a knock on the door from fundraisers soon.
As it is, Chamber members can now sign up to commit to three smaller donations over three years.
As well, Sauer boosted the Kiwanis Club, which celebrates its centennial in the city this spring, and is looking for new members.
Sauer often speaks fondly about the mayoral event, which began in the early 1980s when then mayor Ted Grimm was invited to discuss city issues at the regular noon-hour meeting of the Kiwanis Club. Since then it has grown to an event civic leaders have used to announce major projects, business expansions and re-election bids.
“It’s really become a very positive thing,” said Sauer, adding it’s more than just business or politics event, and has grown to include decision makers in all fields including health, education and civil society.
