HOISINGTON — Hoisington is gearing up for the 117th annual Labor Day event with a some new events combined with old favorites, but with all of them “Celebrating Life in the Heartland,” the theme of this year’s parade. New events this year include a concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30. Confederate Railroad will perform after a community barbecue and beer garden, all located under the water tower.
“Each year, the town of Hoisington puts on a fantastic labor Day Celebration,” said Stacey Bressler, director of the chamber. “It’s everything you’d expect in small town American — community barbecue, headliner concert, 5K/Walk/Run with Light the Rainbow colors, an all-weekend carnival, kid’s wacky duck races at the pool, and fireworks.”
Also new this year will be  the Touch A Truck event, 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, where at least 20 different vehicles such as an ambulance will be available to touch. This activity will be at Hoisington Activity Center, 1200 Susank Rd.
Of course, the weekend would not be complete without the parade, starting at 10:10 a.m. on Labor Day. This year’s honorary Grand Marshal is Troy Bressler, who passed away last fall.
“The Labor Day Committee looks forward to an ideal weekend with immense crowds, great entertainment and fun,” said Stacey. “It is always fun and interesting to watch as the big crowds of people get together. Everyone appears happy, and they are always looking for a new or old acquaintance. Many people that have grown up in Hoisington feel this is one time of year that they can come home again and be with family and friends.”
Back this year for another round is the  4-person scramble USD 431 Foundation Golf Tournament. The proceeds benefit the foundation.
There will also be helicopter rides, the Labor Day babies and princess contest, 3 on 3 basketball, garage and sidewalk sales, turtle races, barbecue cook-off and more.
The Knights of Columbus will have a “Beer Identification Challenge” from 2-4 p.m. on Sept 2. The proceeds will support charities.
Plus, old favorites like the Labor Day Stamp Cancellation at the Hoisington Post Office, the flea market, and the demolition derby will also entertain.
“We must not forget the reason why we celebrate Labor Day,” said Stacey. “It is appropriate that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom and leadership - the American worker.
“The Labor Day Committee is working hard to make this year’s celebration of the best,” the chamber director said. “The committee has added a few new events and made changes to others.”
A detailed schedule of events is available at www.hoisingtonkansas.com.