Florence Western Shindig kicks off fund-raising for park
Florence PRIDE committee had its first fund-raiser Saturday night, hosting an evening of food and western-style entertainment at Veteran's Park, downtown Florence.
The 100 or so people in attendance enjoyed country music by the Sons of the Konza Prairie.
The purpose of the evening was to get the community together to unveil the group's plans for upgrading the park which occupies a prominent spot on the downtown landscape.
"Several months ago PRIDE members got together and made up a list of people or so who have a positive attitude about Florence and who are willing to help with community projects," said PRIDE member Judy Mills. "We asked people on that list to help us identify some areas in the community that could use an infusion of volunteers, time, and money.
"Veteran's Park was on several lists. The city gave us permission to work on it and I think we were able to come up with a plan that will please the community."
Another "unveiling" at the western party was a new community promotion. Concrete cowboy boots similar to the concrete roosters in Burns and the rhinoceroses in Marion had been painted and decorated and were offered for auction. The committee hopes the boots will become a symbol of community pride and unity.
Dozens of boot orders were snapped up by businesses and individuals by the end of the evening.
Florence newcomer John Swarm purchased the first boot to be auctioned. The second created a lively bidding war between Janet Robinson and Judy Creamer.
Mills noted that more than $900 was taken in during the evening and the boot orders will go a long way in adding to the fund for the park.
"We want to get the money before we get started," she said. "And it will be an extensive project with landscaping, a gazebo, trees, lighting, a fountain, and much more."
Mills said the plan will use local vendors as often as possible and volunteer help will be needed from time to time.
"We are excited about doing this for the community," she added. "The group that has worked on the project has really bonded together with a sense of purpose. We are committed."
For more information, to make a donation to the fund for the park improvement plan, or to volunteer to help with the fund-raising, contact Judy Mills at 620-878-4466 or Sue Klassen at 620-381-4349.
