What A Week In Kahoka!
By Mike Scott
Could anyone have asked for a bigger or better celebration?
This week, Kahoka celebrated her sesquicentennial, 150 years of being the “Queen City of the Prairie Realm”, so named by former Gazette-Herald Editor S.S. Ball in 1922. At the same time, Clark County celebrated the 124th Annual Old Settlers Day, with the usual excitement, parade and day-long festivities.
Preparation for the big day started over a year ago, when Bev Laffoon took on the role of Sesquicentennial Chairman, and Bev and her committee planned monthly events, including historic tours homes, churches, and the Clark County Courthouse, as well as a Valentine Dance and an Old Fashioned Night in the Park. The events culminated this week, and were kicked off by the Old Settler’s Queen and Princess Contest, where Kelsey Arnold and Lakin Morrow were as this year’s royalty.
The Old Settlers Little Mr. and Miss Contest was held Tuesday evening, and Alleanah Ellen Rae Oilar and Gabe Hunziker were selected.
Thursday’s cemetery tour attracted over 200 visitors, who were greeted by actors portraying a number of Clark County’s historic figures.
All eyes were on the front lawn of the Sever Library Friday morning, as the time capsule buried during Kahoka’s Centennial Celebration was unearthed.
Saturday’s events started early and continued well into the evening. The day began with a fundraising pancake breakfast at the Fire Station. The annual Baby Contest was held in the Middle School Auditorium
The weather was absolutely perfect for the day’s outdoor activities in the park, including the Pet Parade, Pedal Tractor Pull, Decorated Bike Contest, Car Show, Tractor Show, Carving Exhibition and all the other events held in and around Kahoka’s City Park.
The traditional prizes for the oldest Clark County citizens in attendance, a chair and cane, were awarded to Helen Beaird and Aubrey Sutter.
The day’s highlight was the Parade, complete with a number of incredible floats, walking units and area marching bands. Many classic cars and tractors from the shows drove in the parade.
The day closed with a historical production in the Middle School Auditorium. Entitled “A Taste Of Kahoka”, this narrative, pictorial and musical production directed by Carla Derrick delighted the over 200 in attendance.
As an editorial note, I would like to congratulate and thank all those who had a part in making this years Kahoka Sesquicentennial/Clark County Old Settlers Celebration an overwhelming success. It wonderful to be part of such a vibrant little community.
