HOISINGTON — Early Monday morning, a line of vehicles traveled north on U.S. 281, where already parking was a premium; meanwhile, local residents were already picking their spots on Main Street to view the 125th annual Hoisington Labor Day Parade.

While the Labor Day celebration has been going on for 125 years, the pandemic curtailed many of the community’s traditional events last year. This year, however, the parade was back in full force, topping 100 entries covering the two-mile route starting at Hoisington High School. 

Following the traditional color guard, Grand Marshal Patricia Horton led the line of floats, bands, vehicles, marchers, walkers, politicians and reunion-goers that have made the Hoisington spectacle – spanning nearly two hours – one of the largest Labor Day parade events in the state.

When the last entry had passed, spectators arose to peruse the car show sponsored by Barnard Tire & Automotive, grab a hamburger at the Knights of Columbus, or catch a ride at the Weee Entertainment Carnival down the street. 

The parade capped off four days of activities that continue to make a Labor Day trip to Hoisington special.