Burdick community celebrates blessings in Labor Day parade
By ROWENA PLETT
staff writer
A crowd of at least 2,400 gathered Monday at Burdick to enjoy the Labor Day parade. The theme was: "Blessings Galore in 2004."
A clear, blue sky and temperature in the lower 80s provided a pleasant atmosphere.
Auctioneer Lee Remy announced the approximately 75 entries.
The parade was led by a color guard comprised of Bruce Hedstrom, Rolland Peterson, Charlie Gutsch, and Larry Hempleman of Corlberg-Smith American Legion Post #147.
Grand marshals were Charles and Arlene Carlson of rural Burdick. Charles is a lifelong resident of the Burdick community. He was a janitor for 18 years at Burdick High School and served as bus driver for Centre school district for 41 years. Arlene worked at Burdick Meat Market for 14 years. They have been married for 58 years.
Parade prize winners were:
Theme prize: Burdick United Methodist Church, which featured a huge bundle of tall corn and other farm produce.
Judges prize: Al Fisher on Du-All tractor.
Most Humorous: Lois Peterson, a pumped-up wrestler.
Floats: first, Burdick Hustlers; second, Hebron Lutheran Church; third, Burdick Meat Market.
Clowns: first, chicken, Verna Warneke of Herington; second, Rick and Khrista Branson.
Antique cars and trucks: first, Warren Fike, Ramona, 1953 Chevrolet pickup; second, Fred Herpich, White City, 1947 Chevrolet truck.
Classic/collectible cars: first, Bob Kleinschmidt, Lincolnville 1962 Thunderbird; second, Richard Kassebaum, Los Angeles, Calif., 1968 Fairlane.
Four-wheelers: first, Tabitha Brownell, Wichita; second, Hunter Emerson, Marion.
Antique tractors: first, Earl Forsberg, 1937 John Deere B; second, Milan Harkness, 1938 John Deere A.
Children's entries: first, Nellie Kassebaum; second, Brittany Love.
Miscellaneous: first, Centre High School band; second, Tampa American Legion.
Horses: first, Falkon Riding School, Woodbine; second, Burdick 4-H Club.
Horse-drawn entries: first, Ralph and Phyllis Hedstrom, Rockwall, Texas; second, Cottonwood Miniatures, Marion.
A tractor pull attracted 82 entries. Winners were (first, second, third):
Age 4: Kate Basore, Mikke Steinle, Eden West.
Age 5: Sarah Loomis, Andi Zook, Brendan Bina.
Age 6: Jason Zook, Kyle Riffel, Dustin Plenert.
Age 7: Sami Steinle, Matt Roe, Justin Bina.
Age 8: Maria Traskowsky, Caleb Kristek, Cuyler Cowart.
Age 9: Spencer Yenni, Meghan Leihy, Justin Deines.
Age 10: Kyle Womochil, Trey Jackson, Clayton Hughes.
Age ll: Benjamin Wirtz, Holly Spoonemore, Brian Burhoop.
Age 12: Jamie Spoonemore, Amanda Steinle, Jacob Jirak.
Fun Run
At least 84 people participated in the two-mile fun run/walk Monday morning. Placements follow.
Men's overall (13:13): Isaac Leihy.
Women's overall (14:29): Kelly Tindle.
Under 13: boys, Rustyn Kerbs, Tanner Brunner; girls, Shelby Deines, Carlye Simons.
Ages 13-19: boys, Michael Pietsch; girls, Cari Power, Janine Hedstrom.
Ages 20-29: men, Cezar Salazar; women, Tory Jost, Bethany Carlson.
Ages 30-39: men, Kevin W., Tracy Roniger; women, Pam Idleman, Lisa Dickenson.
Ages 40-49: men, Tom Leihy, Tracy Brunner; women, Yvonne Brunner, Julie Kerbs.
Ages 50-59: men, Bob Kiblinger, John and Larry Roniger; women, Sandra Deines, Mary Roniger.
Ages 60-69: men, Father Oborny, Dan Peterson; women, Helen Jensen, Rowena Plett.
Ages 70 and over: men, Rolland Peterson, Roger Peterson; women, Marie Thornton, Mary Deane Peterson.
Musical entertainment was provided by a bagpipe and drum band from McPherson and Alex Stuchlik Polka Band.
Traditional food favorites included the pork burger meal provided by Centre FFA and homemade ice cream provided by Burdick United Methodist Church.
Judging by the turn-out, the event was a success and sure to be repeated next year, a great feat for a town of 60 residents.
The celebration is sponsored by Burdick Council of Clubs, an organization which brings together rural and town residents to keep this outstanding community event going year after year.
