By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
A full weekend of events is once again slated for Hoisington's 129th Annual Labor Day Celebration. Four days of fun begin on Friday, Aug. 29. Chamber Administrator Karen Baldyga said this year's community barbecue and beer garden, sponsored by Superior Essex, begins at 5 p.m. that Friday. For $5, guests get a pulled-pork sandwich and a side.
"We're excited because that will be out at Bicentennial Park, next to the Go Kart races, which are also starting on Friday night, and will again be going on Saturday, as well," she said.
The Hoisington Historical Society will host a Drag Main Street event beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Community-wide garage sales begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday, and the Market Square is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hoisington Activity Center. In the same location from 9 a.m. to noon is Kidstop, which will feature the popular touch-a-truck event, indoor inflatables, turtle races, kid races, the kids tractor pull, and crafts. Several activities resume at Bicentennial Park at 5 p.m., culminating with the Thunder in the Wetlands Fireworks display at 9:30. A big draw on Saturday is the Demolition Derby, which features a new class in its 41st year.
"We have a new class this year, which is the hobo swap class," Baldyga said. "That should be exciting because that allows people who are new to demolition derby to make a car for a little less money."
A total of $13,000 will be handed out at this year's derby. Gates open Saturday at noon with the derby beginning at 1 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. There is no admission for children three and younger. No coolers are allowed at any Labor Day Celebration event featuring a beer garden, including the Demolition Derby.