By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
One of the largest parades in Kansas will work its way down Main Street in Hoisington for the 128th time on Monday, Sept. 2, as part of the annual Labor Day Celebration. The big weekend will also feature some new events. Hoisington Chamber Director Karen Baldyga said that begins Friday, Aug. 30 at 5 p.m. with the Thunder in the Wetlands Kart Nationals at Bicentennial Park.
"It's our first time ever having go-kart races out here," she said. "This is a big event for us. It will take place on Friday and Saturday over Labor Day weekend."
Pit gates open at 4 p.m. that Friday and general admission gates open at 5 p.m. on both nights. Admission is $10 for those 13 and older, $5 for 6-12-year-olds, and free for anyone five years of age and younger. Registration fees to race begin at $10 for rookies. Food and beverage options will be available. A full list of rules can be found at the Thunder in the Wetlands Kart Nationals Facebook page. Another new event this year is an antique tractor pull that will take place after Monday's parade at 1 p.m.
"It will be a free spectator sport," Baldyga said. "Great Plains Antique Tractor Club is partnering with us, along with several other businesses, to help us get this on the schedule for this year. It should be fun. USD 431 has given us permission to use what was the football practice field out back of the Hoisington Activity Center."
Admission is free to watch tractors from 1959 and earlier pull a sled with weights from 500 to 10,000 pounds. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
CLICK HERE for a full schedule of the 2024 Hoisington Labor Day Celebration.