Despite a transformer malfunction Saturday afternoon, the 13th annual Chingawassa Days went off with only a minor hitch, entertaining large crowds Friday and Saturday nights.
The Bellamy Brothers concert Saturday night drew the largest crowd, nearly 2,300 people. There were 1,800 people at Friday night’s events, organizers said.
The weather was nearly perfect with no rain delays or relocations.
The only snafu was when an electrical circuit began to smolder Saturday afternoon near a tent that housed bingo.
According to committee member Mike Powers, city crews responded quickly and replaced the transformer, allowing the festival to continue.
Electrical power was shut off to the park, bringing a halt to funnel cakes and sweet and sour chicken. However, a generator, which provided electricity to the main stage for the bands, allowed organizers to communicate the situation to festivalgoers.
“We really appreciated the city’s quick response,” Powers said. “We went from a catastrophe to business as usual within an hour. It was quite remarkable.”
Large crowds filled the park beginning Friday evening for a barbecue and ice cream social.
A-capella group Six Appeal, featuring former Marion resident Michael Brookens, and the co-dependents warmed up the crowd before legendary rock ‘n’ roll group Foghat took the stage.
Numerous activities and competitions followed Saturday.
Bands Hopkins Switch and Justus performed Saturday evening followed by a chain saw art auction and the Bellamy Brothers.
The weekend was capped with a fireworks display after the concert.
A community church service was Sunday morning at the USD 408 Performing Arts Center.
Winners included:
Rhino Run
Two mile run — Kaelyn Thierolf, 15:00:61.
Men — 12 and younger Bryce Shults; 13 to 20, Nicholas Davies.
Women — 13 to 20, Thierolf.
5k run — Nicholas Mueller, 20:44:36.
Men — 12 and younger, Jacob Baldwin; 13 to 20, Nicholas Mueller; 31 to 40, Brian Frese; 41 to 50, Lloyd Davies; senior division, Mike Moran.
Women — 13 to 20, Danielle Cope; 41 to 50, Robin Davies.
Dinky Duck Race
A total of 1,525 ducks were “adopted,” and $7,550 collected.
Big screen TV, Shelly Stafford; laptop, Bobby Richmond; $500 cash, Lori Kirkpatrick; Wii game system, Tom Reed; two airline tickets, Linda Allison; $250 cash, Carolyn Hoover; iPod, Sharon James; 12-month membership to Marion Wellness Center, Gene Winkler; $100 cash, Gary and Tamara Christensen; autographed KU basketball, Nancy Fruechting.
Couch Potato Races
First heat, 1. Hett Construction, 2. Carlsons’ Grocery. Second heat, 1. SherBowl Lanes, 2. Mattress Haven. Hett Construction beat Carlsons’ Grocery in championship race.
Most popular: Mattress Haven.
Celebrity Tricycle Races
First, Casey Case; best time, Mike Powers. Powers lost the race with Case because of mechanical problems with his tricycle.
Dodge Ball Tournament
Children — 1. Redskins, Joey Anderson, Lance Knolla, Spencer Fugitt; 2. 2½ Men, Nathan Cyr, Jacob Baldwin, Remington Putter; 3. Ballers, Austin Pedersen, Timothy Knolla, Zach Hammond.
Adult — 1. Winners, Jacob Jirak, Aaron Bina, Rustyn Kerbs; 2. Ramrod, Cory Hiebert, Cole Lewman, Frankie Martin; 3. Antiques, Clayton Garnica, Travis Schafers, Calvin Jeffrey.
Texas Hold-em Tournament
1.J.B. Miesse, $140; 2. Jerry Mills, $105; 3. Jack Hett, $70; 4. Dave Richmond, $35.
Pedal Power Tractor Pull
4-year-olds — 1. Atlanta Wing, 2. Devon Huffman, 3. Ryan Terry.
5-year-olds — 1. Johnny Zieammerman, 2. Ian Ingels, 3. Cross Brown.
6-year-olds — 1. Jonathan Spacek, 2. Deeka Wing, 3. Gage Branson.
7-year-olds — 1. Hunter Helmer, 2. Jenny Fitzpatrick, 3. Madison Huffman.
8-year-olds — 1. Tori Shultz, 2. Drew Helmer, 3. Riley Terry.
9-year-olds — 1. Riley Hake, 2. Sunday Waite, 3. Samantha Richmond.
10-year-olds — 1. Molly Hess, 2. Nathan Baldwin, 3. Dalton Smith.
11-year-olds — 1. Jaylynn Wing, 2. Taylor Carothers, 3. John Lind.
12-year-olds — 1. Lane Nienstedt, 2. Spencer Gannon, 3. Colin Reissig.
Horseshoe Pitching Tournament
1. Jim Looper and partner, 2. Mark Tajchman and Bryan Alexander, 3. Mike Bright and Jay Nolen.
Rock, Paper, Scissors
1. Dakota Funk, 2. Kayley Waner, 3. Khrista Branson, 4. Ginny Lind.