The theme picked this year for the annual Florence Labor Day celebration is “Celebrating 150 Years of Kansas History” in honor of the Kansas Sesquicentennial.

The three-day event starts Saturday with a citywide garage sale at 8 a.m.

New site for soap box derby

The “King of the Hill” soap box derby will begin at 10 a.m. This year the competition will be on Sixth Street. The Florence Volunteer Fire Department will be managing the race. The event is limited to the first 50 riders. Age and weight restrictions will apply. For information call Mark Slater, (620) 382-0442.

McClain’s Kids’ Ranch Rodeo will take place at 2:30 p.m. Registration will be at 2 p.m. A competition for rodeo king and queen will be held this year in addition to traditional fun-filled events.

Magic show highlights Saturday’s evening events

An award-winning magic, comedy, and illusions show by T.A. Hamilton, master magician, comedian, and ventriloquist will be the highlight of Saturday evening events. It will be on the main stage on Main Street. The starting time has been pushed back due to scheduling conflicts. The show is expected to begin around 6:30 p.m. instead of the advertised time of 6 p.m.

Other Saturday events include Quick Draw Caricatures, musical performance by Bennie Holtsclaw, sloppy joe or brat meal, and street dance featuring the band “Justus.”

Events for children will be featured on Sunday — sidewalk chalk art, bike decorating workshop, and YCAT art fun. The events will follow a community church service at 11 a.m. and potluck lunch at noon held in Grandview Park.

Fine arts show

The Chase County Art Guild’s fine arts show features many fine art exhibits which can be viewed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday.

The annual parade starts at 11 a.m. Grand marshals this year are Ronald and Kathleen Ludwig. This year’s button drawing will be held following the parade at the main stage. The prize is $150.00 in honor of the Kansas Sesquicentennial.

A full schedule of events can be viewed at www.marionrecord.com.