ELLINWOOD — The Ellinwood Rotary Club in cooperation with the Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce is in the process of organizing Ellinwood’s After Harvest Festival parade to be held Saturday, July 16 at 10 a.m. Line-up will begin at 9 a.m. on Park Street on the west edge of Ellinwood.
The Ellinwood Rotary Club has selected the theme “Service Above Self-A Community Tradition”. This gives the community an opportunity to recognize all individuals who are providing humanitarian services by volunteering their time and talents to help others. “Service above Self” is Rotary International’s motto but a worthy motto for all to follow. Ellinwood Rotary started selecting a theme for the parade in 1991 to help celebrate or recognize special events or personalities and help create a focal point for the enter After Harvest Festival. All parade entrants are encouraged to incorporate the theme into their float, if possible.
Awards will be given in the following categories: All Around, Antique Tractor; Antique/Classic Vehicle; Commercial; Most Original; Religious Floats; Theme Floats; and Youth Entry.
Something new for 2016, the parade will feature live text voting sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless. Those watching and participating in the parade will be able to text their vote to 620-639-VOTE for the people’s choice award. Voting will start at 9 a.m. and then close at 11:15 a.m. Each float will have a number assigned by the Ellinwood Rotary Club at registration. Voters will then text 620-639-VOTE, the number of the float they feel is the best float for the 2016 people’s choice award during the open voting period. Once the vote has been sent they will receive a text message back stating “thank you for voting.” When the voting period closes at 11:15 am, results will be announced by the Ellinwood Rotary Club.
Additional information and entry forms may be obtained online www.ellinwoodchamber.com. Or by email paradeentry2@gmail.com or calling 620-792-9553. Entry form deadline is July 12, 2016.
For the fourth consecutive year, a “Kids’ Parade” will precede the main event with line up at the Ellinwood Hospital at 6th and Main at 9:30. The kids’ parade will end on 2nd and Main. Children are asked to wear their super hero, princess dresses, or other favorite costume. Bicycles, wagons, strollers, etc., are all welcome to be used for this parade. Parents may also walk down Main Street with their children.
Founded in 1936, the Ellinwood Rotary Club is celebrating their 80th birthday this year and would like to honor all individuals who have donated their service above self. #ellinwoodrotary80thbirthday