The Patoka Fall Festival Parade went on as scheduled Saturday morning despite a steady rain.
The theme was ‘Those Were the Days’ and an entry featuring a garden display from Susan Spencer won the award for Best Theme and the Mayor’s Choice. The First National Bank float won for most colorful and a fishing boat entry from the Madison and Herrin family won most creative.
In the Kids Float Division, the Spicer, Thompson, and Phelps family entry around the 1980’s Hair Spray theme won Best Theme. Brandi Meyer with a Railroad Crossing themed entry won for most original. The Patoka FFA won for Most Creative.
In the Antique Tractor Division, Stevie Wilkerson took first, Nolan Torrence second, and Noah Reynolds third.
A Model A owned by Larry and Joyce Cain first place in the show cars while a large unique black vehicle entered by Tune Trucking took second.
The Best Dressed Pet and Owner was Kaiser Miller who was dressed as Spiderman.
The Spirit award went to Studio 50.
The first-place winner in Kids Bikes was Blaze Murray. Jessie Cain was second and Carter Aukamp third.
An entry centered around Sesame Street characters created by Anslee Faulkner took the Wild Card.
The Best Dressed Cowgirls were Nita Kurtz and Terry Kramer. Best Dressed Indian went to Jassica Thalman. In the adult Best Dressed Horse and Rider, Paris Queen took first, Rachel Neubauer 2nd, and Erika Meyer third. In the kid Best Dressed Horse and Rider, Chesni Adams was first, Ryley Hassebrock second, and Hayley Hassebrock third.
Organizers say there were more people involved in the committee this year and people really wanted to see the festival come back after a year’s absence due to COVID-19. The festival also included a Friday night rodeo and Saturday night demolition derby as well as a carnival and other activities throughout the day at the park. It concluded Sunday morning with a community church service in the park.
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