Big news for Hoisington Chamber fans
HOISINGTON — Hoisington Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karen Baldyga had some big news to share with those attending the 69th annual Chamber Awards Banquet Saturday evening at the Columbus Club.
It was a pretty good evening all around, as one of the largest crowds in several years came out to enjoy the grilled pork chops and chicken portions served up by caterer Danton Riedl and share in reviews and announcements from various quarters of Chamber operations, as well as awards presented by the Chamber Ambassadors.
After the meal, presentations and awards, the attendees were treated to a game of “Family Feud” presented by DJ Tyler Morton. In the spirit of the game, participants and the rest of the audience learned that something special was going to happen during the 130th annual Labor Day Celebration next September.
Over more than 100 years, the Labor Day weekend in Hoisington has grown into the community’s largest festival, with events and activities leading up to the largest Labor Day Parade in the state.
In years past, activities had always included a carnival, with WEEE Enternainment of Ford, Kan. setting up downtown adjacent to the parade route on Main Street. The last several years, however, have been a struggle, with the onset of the pandemic in 2019 as well as operational challenges leading up to cancellations by 2022.
Cancellations in the Golden Belt also included the carnival’s appearance in Hoisigton, and many downtown community celebrations have gone without for the last few years.
Carnivals, however still remain a part of the Kansas event landscape.
As the Feud continued Saturday evening, more clues were revealed until the final announcement, which was that the WEEE Carnival would be back in Hoisington in September. “You are the first to hear the news,” noted Hoisington Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karen Baldyga. “The carnival is officially returning for Labor Day 2026. Mark your calendars now, we can’t wait to bring this tradition back to our community. “
Award winners
Hoisington Chamber Ambassadors presented the following award winners, including the 2025 Citizen of the Year:
• Education Award: Teri Doze
• Special Award: The Robinson Family Lights
• Business Award: Cardinal Lanes
• Health Award: Clara Barton Medical Center
• Community Award: Kiwanis Club of Hoisington Cardinals
• Youth Award: Youth Crew of Barton County
• 2025 Citizen of the Year: Mike Harmon
HOISINGTON — The residents of Hoisington honored a lifetime member of their community among six deserving nominees at Saturday’s 69th annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet at the Columbus Club.
Karla Crissman, administrative assistant for Clara Barton Medical Center and herself a nominee, noted that Mike Harmon, a 1982 graduate of Hoisington High School and the winner of the 2025 Citizen of the Year, has kept the community humming from behind the scenes. “His dedication to local development goes far beyond his business interests,” Crissman said. “His vision for Hoisington is always in motion.”
Harmon, a co-owner of A & F Plumbing in Hoisington, has many sectors of the local community in his grasp as a member of the local zoning commission; hospital board member; past Grand Knight of the local Knights of Columbus and member of the St. John Catholic Church.
“As a family man celebrating 37 years of marriage to his wife Diane, he has a hands-on approach to citizenship and lifelong dedication to our community’s growth,” Crissman said.
During his acceptance speech, Harmon jokingly let the audience know what he was missing to attend the annual Chamber conclave.
“I had six tickets to tonight’s KU game, so you know what I gave up to be here,” he said. The Jayhawks secured their 1,000th win at Allen Fieldhouse with a 90-82 victory over top-15 Big 12 rival BYU.
Harmon did recognize the other deserving nominees as he modestly accepted the Citizen of the Year Award plaque. “I did have a big long speech all written out, but that kind of went by the wayside,” he said. “I do appreciate everyone who voted for me and I am honored to be included among such a group of good people. Thank you, everybody.”
As a Citizen of the Year recipient, Harmon earns a position in the lineup of the state’s largest Labor Day parade in September 2026.
