ELLINWOOD — For the past 31 years, the Ellinwood Rotary Club has coordinated the After Harvest Parade for the community of Ellinwood. 

This year’s parade organizing committee included Rosie Joiner, Tricia Schlessiger and Mayor Irlan Fullbright, with assisting members Kent Roth, Mark Cook, Justin Lear and Chuck Wilson. As part of the coordination, the Rotary Club selects the parade grand marshal, which for 2022 was Stephen Richter, Ellinwood Recreation director.

Parade entries for 2022 were divided into nine categories for judging under the theme of “Hometown Roots.” This year’s parade had 65 entries, celebrating Ellinwood’s 150th anniversary. 

Honored among the entries this year was a posthumous distinguished citizen award to Kelly Miller, a lifetime Ellinwood resident who passed away last May. Miller proudly worked alongside his parents on their farm north of Ellinwood, passing the torch for Cheyenne Angus Farms and Cheyenne Trailer Sales to his sons Saul and Colin.

2022 parade winners

1st Place All-Around — Ellinwood District Hospital

2nd Place All-Around — Ellinwood Garden Club

1st Place Most Original — Chris Isern

2nd Place Most Original — Spellbound

1st Place Theme — Class of 1997

2nd Place Theme – Class of 2002

1st Place Youth — Ellinwood High School

2nd Place Youth — Ellinwood Energizers 4-H Club

1st Place Patriotic — American Legion

2nd Place Patriotic — Boy Scouts

1st Place Antique/Classic Vehicle — Kelly Miller Posthumous Distinguished Citizen 

2nd Place Antique/Classic Vehicle — Travis and Lloyd Scheck

1st Place Antique Truck — Jim McMullen

2nd Place Antique Truck — Cooper Proffit

1st Place Commercial — Bob’s Oil Service

2nd Place Commercial — Kansas Wetlands Education Center

1st Place Class Reunions — Class of 2012

2nd Place Class Reunions — Class of 1972