Chingawassa Days
Organizers reinvigorate traditional bed races
Staff writer
Bed races organizers Torey Hett and Jarvis Whiteman have been reaching out to possible contestants for the Chingawassa Days staple. In recent years the competition has declined, but they hope to reverse that trend. Response has been generally positive, they said Friday.
“I think it will be a success,” Whiteman said.
In particular, they have been speaking with younger possible contestants — people who haven’t competed in the past but could participate for several years, including middle school students.
The event originated when St. Luke Hospital was preparing to get rid of old hospital beds and someone had the idea to have races with them, Hett said.
Teams consist of five members — four pushers and one rider. The bed races begin at 9:30 a.m. June 4. Teams should meet at 9 a.m. outside G&J Video on Main Street.
Team registration costs $20 and is due May 23. Late registration may be possible, but late teams won’t receive T-shirts. Prizes are available to the top three teams and the best-decorated entry. Entry forms and full rules are available online at http://www.chingawassa.com. For more information, contact Hett at (620) 382-7391 or t_hett@hotmail.com.
Amazing Race returns
After a two-year hiatus, Marion’s Amazing Race contest will return to Chingawassa Days.
The race, based on a television show, will send teams of two contestants following clues around town. When they reach a location hinted at in a clue, they will have a task to complete before receiving the next clue.
As an example from a past race, teams had to go to Marion Presbyterian Church, put on choir robes, and sing one verse of “Amazing Grace,” organizer Gary Ewert said.
The event is intended to draw attention to Marion Historical Museum and Marion’s history.
Contestants will meet at 9:30 a.m. June 4 outside G&J Video. Tampa State Bank will provide prize money for the top three teams, $100, $75, and $50, respectively.
Registration is free and due June 3. Registration forms and complete rules are available at Tampa State Bank, Marion Historical Museum, and from Ewert. For more information, contact Ewert at (620) 382-3498.
Former KU standout to speak at community service
Managing editor
Wayne Simien Jr. was a powerhouse on the basketball court when he played for the University of Kansas Jayhawks 2001 through 2004. He was the Big 12 Player of the Year his senior year, and he helped KU win three Big 12 championships and four NCAA tournament berths.
He found himself searching for something greater to live for than just himself and basketball. He found the answer to his searching and became a born-again Christian in 2003.
Simien then went on to play in the NBA for the Miami Heat, helping the team to win a championship in 2006.
He retired from professional basketball in 2009, to answer another calling — one from God.
Simien now spends his time ministering through Called To Greatness, an organization in Lawrence, as a commissioned minister. He also volunteers as a KU religious adviser and mentor of student athlete development.
A sought-out motivational speaker, the Leavenworth native will share his faith journey as part of Chingawassa Days at 10:30 a.m. June 5 at USD 408 Performing Arts Center, Marion.
The annual community service is sponsored by Marion Ministerial Alliance and the public is invited to attend.