Staff writer
A group of Burdick senior citizens portrayed a cattle roundup and branding event to capture the theme prize in the 2008 Burdick Labor Day parade.
The theme was: “Round’em up and bring ’em in.”
Diana Jost announced the 50 parade entries. Wayne and Nancy Hanson, 43-year residents of Burdick, were grand marshals.
Other parade winners were: judges’ prize, Mike and Linda Carlson family; most humorous, Nancy Riggin, winner of the local cowgirl/cowboy photo contest; antique cars and trucks, a 1957 Pontiac driven by Fred Herpich of White City and a 1928 Model A driven by Robert Mowatt of Herington.
Classic/collectible cars, a 1966 Ford Fairlane driven by Tom Biehler in honor of the Herington High School class of ’68; antique tractors, a 1945 B Farmall and a 4620 John Deere, owned by Glenn Knuth of Emporia; children’s entries, Tabitha Brownell of Wichita and Michaela Stika of Burdick on bicycles.
Float winners were Lincolnville Octoberfest, Lois Peterson, and Alex Stuchlik Polka Band.
Miscellaneous prizes went to the Hebron Lutheran Church and the “Burdick Bunch” Relay for Life team. Horse prizes were awarded to Six-gun Leather and Lace of Wilsey, Falcon Riding School of Woodbine, and Burdick UMC. Horse-drawn winners were Ralph Anderson of Council Grove and Jonas Frantz of Tampa.
Judges were Gwen Owens-Wilson, Jerri Kemble, and Shawn Baird, all of Herington.
The noon meal was provided by the Centre FBLA chapter. David and Sharon Boyd of Holton and the Alex Stuchlik Polka Band provided musical entertainment.
Other events of the day included a fun run, bake sale, kiddie tractor pull, arts and crafts, and horseshoes. Homemade ice cream was available all day at Gary Hageberg’s garage.
The celebration was sponsored by the Burdick Council of Clubs and other volunteers from the community. They included Burdette Peterson, Jim and Marilyn Peterson, Nancy and Wayne Hanson, Connie Johnson, Diana Jost, Lee Shade, Marie Anderson, Gloria Martin, Ruth Riggin, Darlene Gutsch, Roger Peterson, Glenn Carlson, Linda Peterson, Jennifer Kassebaum, and Angela Basore.