'Redneck in Ramona' cut short, but second party is planned
Only four activities were completed before rain forced cancellation of Redneck in Ramona, the community’s July Fourth celebration last week, but a later party is being planned.
Thirty-eight runners — eight in the 10k and 30 in the 2-mile — competed in the Redneck Run.
Jason Martin of Herington won the 2-mile run in 13 minutes 38 seconds. Leah Thompson of Salina won the 10k: 37:32.
The James Weber Memorial 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament moved indoors.
James’ favorite saying was: “Suck it up; it builds character.” So the competitors moved to Centre Elementary School’s gym.
Winners were Thieen Antoszyk of Ramona, Trevor Trout of Lincolnville and Lance Shriver of Herington. Between registration fees and the winners, who donated their prize money, a total of $145 was donated to the James Weber Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Leroy Schmidt arrived in Ramona with his wagon and mules after the rain was no longer drizzle, but a downpour.
“We go on wagon trains,” Leroy’s wife said. By the inflection in her voice, it was clear wagon trains don’t stop because of weather.
Soaked to the core, Leroy and his mules took anyone who was brave enough to be out in the rain on a leisurely wagon ride around Ramona.
However, most of Ramona’s festivities — afternoon games, parade, a Greenhorn concert, a tractor pull, and fireworks — were cancelled.
“We were disappointed, of course, but there was no way to recreate the event after the fact, since we had not planned an alternate date,” Mayor Pat Wick said. “Next year, we’ll be prepared to factor weather into the equation.”
An After the Fourth party is planned for 6 to 9:30 p.m. July 25. Plinko, darts, a dunk tank, a kids’ waterslide, and a lawnmower obstacle course will be featured. Music on the street will be provided by In D Shadow Karaoke and DJ Dave.
The city will have a fire pit going for toasting marshmallows, making smores, and roasting hot dogs. Soda and ice cream will be available. A 50/50 drawing will be held, with an additional $200 in gift certificates being awarded.
At dark, a sampling of Ramona’s fireworks will conclude the evening.
“If rain should cancel the party on July 25, we’ll just see you next year on the 4th of July,” planning team member Jessica Gilbert said. “It will be twice the fun.”
Last modified July 15, 2010