Little River Band packs Central Park
The weather cooperated which resulted in another successful Chingawassa Days festival this past weekend.
Approximately 1,200 people attended both Friday and Saturday evening events in Marion Central Park with a couple from Australia also in attendance and introduced.
"There were a lot of people who didn't come from out of town because it was raining and storming in their towns," said Gene Winkler, committee chairman, "so they didn't come."
The chain saw art auction was a success, with the committee clearing $400, after paying the artists, said Winkler.
Pieces were carved by the artists and auctioned Saturday evening before the concert.
Marion National Bank employees served 1,100 people Friday evening, which is a few more than last year, said bank officials.
The bank also sponsored, for the first time, a Grab for Cash game where festival-goers registered in the hopes of having their names drawn to go in an air-filled booth for 15 seconds to grab cash and coupons.
Out of 300 to 400 entries, six people were given the opportunity Friday night and five Saturday night to grab cash and coupons. One contestant Friday night was able to grab $28 and Saturday night someone grabbed $31 and a "fistful of coupons," said Don Noller, vice president of Marion National Bank.
"It was very popular," Noller said, noting there were 12-15 people who registered who were from out-of-state.
Noller also thanked the local businesses who provided coupons for the game: Marion Pharmacy, Webster Auto Service, Marion Pizza Hut, and The County Seat.
St. Luke Hospital ice cream social was successful again with ice cream being served for two and one-half hours.
The Saturday morning Dinky Duck Race, sponsored by the hospital to raise funds for the transition to become an independent hospital, also was a success.
Forty-three prizes were donated by businesses and organizations with nearly 1,000 entries vying for the prizes.
The top three prizes were first place Emily Costello, $500; second place, Linda Kannady, a camping package; and third place Katie Maag, $100.
"We hope to continue to do this," said Cheryl Connell, hospital employee and organizer of the event. "Even after the transition, we'll need additional funds for various expenses."
Another first-time event was the Case and Son Insurance Rhino Run which was a 5k run and 2-mile fun run/walk.
For each run, there were six age categories for men and women. The age categories were 12 and under, 13-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, and 51 and older.
In the 5k race, the men's first place and age categories were: 12 and under, open; 21-30 Aaron Yoder (16:53, men's course record); 21-30 Anthony Works (23:35); 31-40 Tom Miles (26:52); 41-50 Evan Yoder (19:14); 51 and older, open.
In the 5k race, the women's first place and age categories were: 12 and under, open; 13-20 open; 21-30 Pam Idelman (23:37); 31-40 open; 41-50 Pam Gray (21:14, women's course record); 51 and older, open.
In the two-mile fun run/walk, men's: 12 and under Aaron Bina (19:37); 13-20, open; 21-30 Dax Kannady (14:58); 31-40, open; 41-50, open; 51 and older Bill Darrow (24:36).
In the two-mile fun run/walk, women's': 12 and under Danae Bina (19:37); 13-20 Maggie Powers (22:45); 21-30 Kris Kendrick (22:52); 31-40 Melissa Miles (21:14); 41-50 Debbi Darrow (24:35); and 51 and older, open.
Tampa State Bank "Bed Rock 'N' Run" bed race results were: men's division, first place Hett Construction, second place Carlsons' Grocery, third place Tampa State Bank #1, and fourth place Tampa State Bank #2, comprised of children of bank owners and employees.
"The men's race was a heated race," said Michele Hett, race organizer. Hett Construction had a time of 18:41 and Carlsons' Grocery's time was 18:69.
For the first time, the Chingawassa team won the exhibition race against Tampa State Bank.
Team members of Hett Construction team were Jerod Hett, Justin Hett, Jarvis Whiteman, and Brady May. Tory Hett was the rider.
In the women's division, first place was Hett Construction Women.
Best decorated bed was Marion National Bank.
Games sponsored by Midlands Farm Services/Scully Estates were the traditional money in the hay and boot race. A third game was added this year — wife carrying contest.
Contestants were to carry their spouses on their backs to a point where the husband then put a pair of shoes on the wife's feet, carried her back to the starting line, and gave her a kiss.
Land manager Doug Sharp said there was good participation again this year.
Participants clamored for $130 in coins in the money in the hay game, boot race winners received a total of $70, and $50 for three awards were given to winners of the wife carrying contest.
Central National Bank employees cut and served 15 watermelons in 20 minutes.
"We served everything we had and could have used a few more," said Kevin Fruechting, bank president. He said they bought the same number as last year but will get more next year.
The bank also sponsored the popular bingo games. Commemorating their 120th year in business, the bank gave a special prize of $120 for a special blackout game of bingo.
"We had 100 cards and used them all," Fruechting said. He said more cards will be purchased for next year. Bingo winners received prizes provided by the bank.
Winkler and the steering committee appreciated the support of the sponsors.
"Without the sponsors, the festival wouldn't have happened," Winkler said.
