Three-day event draws thousands to Florence
The Florence Labor Day committee put on a successful three-day event that drew hundreds of visitors into their community over the Labor Day weekend.
Beginning with the city-wide garage sale Saturday morning, the community hosted games, races, concerts, meals, a car show, flea market, dance, parade, and play. There were events and activities going on most of the time during the celebration.
Janette Parmley, one of the organizers was pleasantly surprised by the turn-out, especially for Monday's car show.
"We had a terrific response from car owners," she said. "There were 35 cars on exhibit and several took part in the parade. People seemed to get such a kick out of looking them over. We haven't done this in Florence in a while — maybe that is why it was such a big hit."
"This is definitely something we will be doing again." She added. "We appreciate the people who brought their cars and all the people who took the time to look at them and visit with the owners."
Parmley thought there were around 40 entries in the parade. Winning float entries were the Florence Christian Church, first place; Florence Health Care, second place; and Doyle Creek Land and Cattle, third place.
Josh Gayle of Florence won the button drawing for a $130 cash prize and Sharon Mackey of Aulne won a $65 cash prize from tickets entered at the Florence Spring Fling in April.
Del Leeds, who designed the button for this year's celebration, was honored by the committee after the parade and presented with a plaque for his winning design.
"All in all, it was a good weekend," said Parmley. "We've learned some things, but we always do. We hope everyone who participated or came to watch had a good time. That's the whole point, isn't it? To celebrate Florence and have fun while all that is going on."
