Hurdland Celebration Ready for Its 137th Year
Hurdland Celebration Ready for Its 137th Year
By Carol Kincaid
The community of Hurdland will soon be ready to welcome the crowds of former residents, returning relatives, and area friends to their Annual 4th of July Celebration.
Be sure to buy raffle tickets for a chance for a Wicker Patio Set, a $300 Meat Bundle, or a Garmin Navigation System.
The big party kicks off Friday afternoon, about 4:30 PM, when the pork loin, hot dogs, chips, ice cream, pie and cake are served.
Shortly afterward there will be musical entertainment by the Hurdland Baptist Church, the Nazarene Church, and the Methodist Church.
Following the church programs, the group Redwing will perform, with an additional later show.
Throughout the evening there will be Drawings, Blackout Bingo, and the Little Mr. and Ms. Firecracker Contest.
The morning of the 4th, festivities begin with the Annual Parade. Royalty this year is Roland and Verna Marie Hamlin and the Firecrackers. There will be over $500 in prizes awarded to the various categories: Best Religious Entry, Best of Parade, Best Horses, Best Automobile, Best Bikes, Best Tractors, Best ATVs, Best Fire Trucks, and Best Band. The winners will be announced from the stage after the parade. Jerry Woodard is the “go to guy” for questions about the parade.
Those delicious jumbo tenderloins will be ready at the “Eat Stand” at 11:30 AM, so don’t forget one of those mouth-watering treats.
Nancy Douglas, the Hurdland United Methodist Church Lay Pastor will offer a few words to the assemblage. Lisa Blake is scheduled to sing the National Anthem, Rev. Robert Shobe will give an acknowledgement to those who have been involved in the Hurdland Celebration, but have now passed away.
Lowell Woods presents a Salute to our Veterans, including a 21 Gun Salute, “Taps”, and “Echo”.
The Knox County Community Band will play for a short time after noon.
Courtney Cahalan was the winner of the scholarship sponsored by the Hurdland 4th of July Committee. She plans to continue her education at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, and become a teacher. Her winning essay is as follows: “Nationalism”, “I have obtained a deeper meaning of patriotism over the past few years in many ways. Events such as 9/11 and the War in Iraq have demonstrated the hardships which our country’s men have died for, granting Americans their independence. My hometown on the 4th of July also illustrates patriotism as we celebrate our freedom from Great Britain. I am very proud to be an American as I take pride supporting liberty, which represents the United States. If it weren’t for patriotism, then our country may not have grown to be as virtuous as it is today.”
Lynn Douglas, Kenny Cooper, and Keith Spory are the gentlemen who are organizing the Tractor Show. Tractor Games are scheduled after the parade, and there will be a Poker Run.
Pre-registration for the Talent Show will begin at 12:30 behind the Stage. The show actually begins at 1 PM.
The American Legion will sponsor the “Armed Forces Active Duty Family Recognition”.
Bingo will begin at 1 PM on the west side of the park, and continue throughout the afternoon and evening. The Museum will also be open for the afternoon and most of the evening.
Also beginning at 1 PM is the Car Show on the south side of the square. John and Sherrie Hayes are the contacts for that event. Registration is from 8 AM through 11:30, with the awards at 2:30 at the Stage area.
New this year is a Scavenger Hunt featuring 17 teams. Teams are urged to bring a digital camera to take photos of the items, and register at the ticket stand between 12:30 and 1 PM or pre-register with Ann McCarty before the 4th.
The Basketball Free-Throw Contest at the Northeast corner of the Park is being organized by Tonya Hamlin, and has several divisions: Ages 8-10; 11-13; 14-16; 17-19; Boys and Girls; Adult Division— with cash prizes in all divisions.
“Kid’s Contests” with Tiffany Blankenship will be held at the North side of the Park, and the Pinewood Derby Contests will be held at the Fire Station, one block east of the Square. Kent Hagerla is the contact person for the Derby. Kids are urged to bring their own vehicles.
Chuck Hayes’ “Backroads” band will entertain for about an hour at 3:30, then Becky Reeves will perform for about a half hour.
The “Pedal Tractor Pull” is held in the northwest corner of the park, and organized by Rex Sykes. It is scheduled for 4:30.
Always a big draw, the Crosscut Saw and Nail Driving Contests, with both Men’s and Women’s divisions is being organized by George Sparks.
The “Backseat Driver’s Contest” , from 5 PM to 6 PM, is being organized by Gene and Ann McCarty. At the same time, on stage, is “Backroads” one more time.
The biggest draw of the day is the “Baby Show” from 6 PM to 7 PM. It will be held in front of the stage, with separate divisions for Boys and Girls. Divisions include: 6 months and under; 7-12 months; 13-18 months; 19-24 months, and no pre-registration is necessary.
Blackout Bingo is at 7:15, followed by the Aaron Russell Band with Bill Lear. They take a break at 8:30, giving the Scavenger Hunt organizers time to announce their winners. Then Aaron and group return to play until 10:00 PM.
He will be followed by the main drawings and the Fireworks display, organized by Jeff Doss.
Drawings are held throughout the day for a wide variety of Prizes, donated by the generous merchants and individuals around the community, county and area.
So, bring your lawn chairs, sunscreen or umbrella, and be prepared to be entertained, fed, and have a grand old time at the 137th Hurdland 4th of July Celebration, just about six miles west of Edina.
