HOISINGTON — For 115 years and with the theme of "There’s No Place Like Home," Hoisington will once again celebrate Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2-5 with a full round of activities. The city of Hoisington is also celebrating its 125th birthday.
It’s the tenth anniversary of the Hoisington tornado, and the community is celebrating overcoming that trial as well. "Hoisington is a great community," Co-chair Pat Horton said. The theme was chosen to tie it all together.
There are several new events this year, and the fireworks display, "Thunder on the Plains" on Saturday evening at sundown will be bigger and better than ever, according to Stacey Bressler, executive director of the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to the regular Labor Day Baby Contest, a Labor Day Princess contest has been added for those ages 3-5. The baby contest starts at 9 a.m. and the princess contest starts at 10:30 a.m. at Hoisington High School.
For those that like to play cards, Hoisington Main Street Inc. will hold its first ever Labor Day weekend Poker Run to benefit Hoisington Main Street Inc. Starting at 281 S. Main in Hoisington, it runs from 1:30- 6 p.m., and the cost per hand is $10. It is for bikes and cars, and cards will be at various Barton County establishments.
Also new this year is the Hoisington High school football game at 1:30 p.m. at HHS. The HHS Cardinals take on the Cardinals from Sedgwick.
USD 431 Education Foundation will sponsor its 3rd annual Benefit Golf Tournament, Sept. 2 at Lake Barton Golf Club. No pre-registration is required, and golfers can register at Lake Barton and play anytime between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are two four person team divisions: Hoisington High Alumni and also an Open Division. There is a $20 registration fee, and golfers must pay green fees.
At 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2 the annual Community BBQ will be at Lebert Park. In conjunction with the BBQ, The "Riverbend Five Dixieland Band" will also play at Lebert Park beginning at 5 p.m. A freewill donation of $5 is suggested.
Then at 7:30 p.m. enjoy the "A Celebration: In Songs of Prayer and Dance" Kans for Kids Benefit Concert at St. John Catholic Church, 5th and Main. Craig Jaynes, featured organist and violist, David Lowe will captivate you with their beautiful music. Admission is a freewill donation.
Saturday morning, Sept. 3 will begin with the Annual Community Garage and Sidewalk sale. Spaces are free to anyone. Garage sale listings can be found at the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce as well as at several local businesses.
The annual Turtle Races for children 11 and under are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Children need to bring their turtles to the Wilson State Bank parking lot.
Children contests are also scheduled for Saturday. All children, ages 3 – 11 are welcome to participate. Events will be 3-legged races, sack races, wheelbarrow races, and running races. Award ribbons and carnival ride tickets are given to the top three places in each event. Each participating child will receive a prize.
The races will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Elton Brown Football Stadium in Hoisington. Due to conflicts, there will not be bicycle, tricycle, hotwheels or walking trike races.
The 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament will be held at the Hoisington Activity Center at 10 a.m. also on Saturday. Team registration is at 9:30 a.m. There will be one open division, and the tournament is open to any age group.
The car show is set to begin at 5 p.m. at 271 S. Main Street.
The 28th Annual Kansas State Demolition Derby will kick off Sunday’s schedule of events. The Demo Derby will be held at Hoisington’s Bicentennial Park at 1:30 p.m. and will feature the full-size car derby. A compact division has been added to this year’s derby entertainment. Entry can be made at the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce or at the derby site. Spectator fees are $8 for adults and $5 for children 4 –12 years of age. Children 3 and under are free.
Sunday’s activities conclude with a dance featuring the ever-popular Flatspin Band. FlatSpinBand plays a very cool variety of classic rock music, covering the best music from great artists and bands like Aerosmith, KISS, Joan Jett and the Blackharts, The Blues Brothers, Poison, The Eagles, Boston, Bon Jovi, Foreigner, AC/DC, Journey, Billy Idol, Steve Miller Band, Fleetwood Mac, the Beatles,Van Halen, and more! Join us at 8 p.m. at Bi-Centennial Park softball field. Gate fees are $5 for adults, $3 for children 5 – 11 years of age. Children 4 and under are free.
Labor Day, Sept. 5 activities will begin with the Living Joy Community Church, 354 W. First, holding a freewill offering Pancake & Sausage Breakfast from 7 a.m. 9 a.m.
The annual Flea Market will begin at 8 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m. located at the Hoisington City Auditorium.
Children are encouraged to participate in the Children’s Parade prior to the Annual Labor Day Parade. Ribbons and carnival ride tickets are given to children under 12 years of age. Entries must be in front of the High School by 9:45 a.m. The Children’s Parade will begin at 10:10 a.m.
At 10:30 a.m. sharp the 115th Annual Celebration Parade will start down Main Street. "This year’s parade will feature many entries and will provide great entertainment for the young and young at heart," said Bressler.
Also, immediately following the parade will be the annual Celebration Car Show. This event will be held downtown and will feature many cars, trucks, tractors and motorcycles. There are no entry fees.
The American Legion invites the Hoisington High School Alumni to its annual alumni Association Open House from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For all of the stamp cancellation collectors the Hoisington Post Office will offer First Day Stamp Coverage at the Hoisington Post Office beginning Sept. 6 and thereafter for 30 days.
"Make plans to attend the 115th Annual Celebration Labor Day Weekend in Hoisington," Bressler said.
All inquiries may be made at the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce, 123 N. Main, Hoisington or by calling 620-653-4311. For a complete listing of the schedule of events visit our website at www.hoisingtonkansas.com and click on the Labor Day Celebration Link.
