By KEN CARPENTER
Great Bend Post
Thousands of people lined Main Street in Hoisington Monday morning to watch the 125th annual Labor Day Parade. The event, emceed by Eagle Radio’s Shannon Stafford and Dakota Tucker, included bands, floats, antique cars and local and statewide political leaders.
Lifelong Hoisington resident Pat Horton was the parade’s grand marshal. She said she was humbled and proud to be part of the event.
"It's so exciting to see everybody here in town and the crowds and everything going well this year,” Horton commented.
Horton has volunteered for a number of organizations in the community including Hoisington Main Street, Inc., Clara Barton Hospital, the Chamber of Commerce and the Hoisington Historical Society.
Shortly before the parade began, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said he always looks forward to coming to central Kansas for the Labor Day celebration.
"This parade is sort of a regular feature on the annual calendar,” Schmidt noted. “It’s always a great turnout, and I think people are going to be excited this year because of last year’s cancellation. Hoisington is real America, and we’re glad to be here.”
Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Great Bend native, was in attendance. Also, state representatives Tory Arnberger-Blew and Troy Waymaster participated in the parade.