HOISINGTON — Hoisington will host its 114th-annual Labor Day Celebration, "Proud of our Past — Focused on our Future," with activities for the entire family from Sept. 3 to Sept. 6. This year, a number of new events have been added.

"We look forward to an ideal weekend with great entertainment and fun for all," said Stacey Bressler, director of the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce. "Each year, the town of Hoisington puts on a fantastic Labor Day Celebration."

The Labor Day weekend celebration began 114 years ago with a town picnic, and has grown to a weekend full of activities today.

"Thunder in the Wetlands Fantastic Fireworks" will light up the sky on Saturday evening, Sept. 4, which will begin after dark on Saturday and can be viewed from downtown Hoisington, held for the first time this year. There is no fee.

"It will be a real good show," said Jason Dody who is helping to sponsor the event. It will be a commercial fireworks display.

Unified School District 431 will hold an open house at Hoisington High School and offer tours not only of HHS, but of the new artificial turf from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 4.

The Rev. Mark Lovett will hold a balloon-twisting demonstration Sept. 6 at Lebert Park Monday after the annual parade.

For the first time, limited edition porcelain Christmas ornaments with 22-carat gold trim and featuring the historic Hoisington High School will be sold for $10. HHS is one of the few schools listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The back of the ornament will detail the history of HHS.

They will be available at the community barbecue with only 200 available for Labor Day. In addition, they can be purchased at the chamber office next week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except over the lunch hour.

Randy’s Music Jam by Randy Sauer will entertain the young and the young at heart at Lebert Park at 1 p.m. and at 6 p.m., offering live musical interactive entertainment.

In addition to these new events, the oldies but goodies will still be held. The USD 431 Foundation will host its second-annual fund-raising golf tournament from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 3 and 4 at Lake Barton.

"Wetland Wonders" will be the title of the program hosted by the Kansas Wetland Education Center, detailing the insects and mammals of Cheyenne Bottoms from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hoisington Main Street Inc., 115 N. Main.

At 5 p.m. Friday, a community barbecue will be hosted by the HCOC at Lebert Park. The donation suggested is $5 with a choice of a hamburger, hot dog or brat wurst. The Great Bend River Bend Five Plus One Dixieland Band will play during the meal.

Immediately following the barbecue, a benefit concert for Kans for Kids will be held at St. John Catholic Church, 5th and Main, featuring Craig Jaynes and Dr. David Lowe.

Saturday will open with the community garage and sidewalk sale downtown at 8 a.m. Kids can once again race turtles at 9 a.m. at Wilson State Bank.

Beautiful babies will compete at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Hoisington High School Auditorium, followed by kids races at the football field at 10:30 a.m.

The 27th-annual demolition derby for those who enjoy the sound of crushing metal will be held on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. The cost is $8 for adults, and children age 4 to 12 are $5.

For those who enjoy music from the 70s and 80s, an outdoor dance will be held at 9 p.m. at Bicentennial Park. The cost for adults is $5, and children, $3.

Carnival rides will be available Monday. The flea market at City Auditorium starts at 8 a.m. and the parade begins at 10:10 a.m.

From 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, there will be the HHS alumni association open house at the American Legion. Stamp collectors can have their postage stamps cancelled from 1 to 3 p.m. at the chamber office.

"For the perfect Labor Day Weekend ‘Staycation,’ visit the city of Hoisington," said Bressler. "Overall, the purpose of Labor Day boils down to three things, a celebration of the employment that brings us satisfaction, an occasion to appreciate life’s little enjoyments, oh and it also serves as a warning that snow and subzero temperatures are on our doorsteps."

The White Line road race, car show and burnout have been cancelled.