Capacity crowd attends Spring Fling
Even though gray skies and occasional rain forced the Spring Fling indoors, there was a capacity crowd Sunday afternoon at the Florence American Legion building.
The event is a fund-raiser for the Florence Labor Day committee. It also raises awareness about the events planned for the weekend celebration.
Sunday afternoon's entertainment began with Cheryl (Robinson) Doty, daughter of Bill Robinson, and former resident of Florence. Sheryl performed a selection of favorite songs, including some by Patsy Cline.
Bennie Holtsclaw accompanied himself on the guitar and entertained the crowd with many old favorite gospel and country songs.
Ken Nienstedt, self-proclaimed "Cowboy Poet," performed western tales set to rhyme.
Clint and Sara Cope had a Soap Box Derby car on display and were on hand to promote that Labor Day weekend event.
Duane McCarty set up a section of Pinewood Derby track with two Pinewood model cars and sold 15 kits to prospective racers. The Pinewood Derby will be a new event this year.
A meal featured homemade bratwurst from Florence Market and a wide selection of desserts donated by several local bakers.
Following the meal, MC Tisha Warner auctioned off 20 cakes. The first, decorated as an American flag, was created by Cindy Slater.
The Labor Day committee displayed the button designs submitted for the occasion and a vote was taken. The winning design, an aerial view of Florence including the water tower and Fifth Street hill, was created by Duane McCarty.
Labor Day committee chairman Trayce Warner said, "From the exceptional talent of the performers to the friendly rivalry of the cake auction, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the event was a success as a fund-raiser for Labor Day."
Warner added that the committee is grateful for the community support.
