Labor Day event is weekend-long celebration
New events will take place all weekend at the 67th annual Florence Labor Day Celebration.
Along with the traditional city-wide garage sales Saturday morning, there will be the first annual Labor Day Poker Run beginning at 1 p.m. Traditionally a motorcycle event, this is not limited to cycles.
Labor Day chairman Sue Klassen explains, "We aren't using regular playing cards but punch cards." Each person wishing to participate buys a "hand" for $15. Additional hands are available for $5 each.
The journey begins in front of Junction Saloon, sponsor of this year's event. Riders travel from Florence to Herington, Council Grove, Cottonwood Falls, and back to Florence. At each stop they get cards punched and signed. The winning hand will be determined at 5:30 p.m.
"You can buy a hand and get all of your punches right here in Florence," Klassen added, "No travel required."
Part of the entry fees collected go to the winner. Remaining proceeds benefit the Labor Day Committee and Florence Swimming Pool.
One more new event drawing interest is the Kid's Ranch Rodeo and Mutton Bustin' sponsored by Doyle Creek Land & Cattle Company.
This good, wholesome, family entertainment will be held at the former Florence football field. During the Ranch Rodeo portion kids will learn about activities on the farm such as trying to milk the wooden "cow."
At the Mutton Bustin' session, kids will try their hand at being wild sheep riders. The McClain family from Nebraska, who travel the country with their event, supervises all activities.
"They are professionals and have your child's safety in mind," Klassen stated. "We found the McClain people in January at the Kansas Fairs Association convention in Topeka. Instantly we were impressed with their show. We were lucky enough to have Doyle Creek Land & Cattle Company sponsor this event so the kids can participate at no charge."
A Labor Day button is required for ages 4 and older to get into the event but there is no additional charge to ride.
Saturday events continue with the Downtown Barbecue at 6 p.m. and wraps up with the street dance to the music of "Clearview" from 8 p.m. to midnight. No glass containers will be allowed.
Labor Day buttons are available for sale at several area merchants.
Main Street Flowers in Marion and Johnson's General Store in Florence have been added to the list of merchants where buttons are available.
A $3 button helps the committee pay for the weekend of activities, and gives a chance to win $132 at the drawing following the parade. "Other than a couple events where there is a free-will donation, these buttons are your ticket to a weekend full of fun," said Klassen.
