The Bowman family celebrated the 50th anniversary of Star Equipment Ltd. Sept. 29 with close to 500 friends, customers and vendors at the company headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa.

The weather was cold and wet during the celebration, but Star Equipment was able to minimize its effects with tents, heaters and the use of the service shop.

Guests were treated to delicious food from two food trucks, beverages, dessert, giveaways and many door prizes.

Founded in 1968 in Des Moines by Max Bowman, his wife, Beverly, and their longtime friend Roger Bills. Star Equipment has grown into three divisions: general construction equipment, mechanics trucks and hi-reach boom trucks and Topcon GPS machine control.

In addition to the original store, Star Equipment also has expanded to cover Iowa with three branches in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Ames.

CEG

(L-R) are Mary Lawyer, Bruce Bowman, Bruce Erickson, Brett Bowman, Vicki Bowman, Brenda Erickson, Max Bowman, Beverly Bowman, Lois Bowman, Brad Bowman, Leslie Stern and Remington Lawyer.  

Ann Prymek of Star Equipment welcomes guests at the registration table.  

(L-R) are Chris Green, C Green Contractor Inc.; Steve Sandquist, United Contractors Inc.; Max Bowman and his daughter Brenda Erickson; and Bruce Erickson.  

The entrance to Star’s equipment row.  

Scott Thompson, Ames branch manager, provided shuttle service.  

A Star Equipment drone captures aerial shots during the open house at the Des Moines branch.  

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