Friday morning’s drenching rain forced several cancellations at the annual Florence Labor Day celebration. Events that fell victim to cancellation were the Mountain Men rendezvous and the coed softball tournament. All other events went off as scheduled.

According to several reports the garage sales went well. The second annual “King of the Hill” soap box derby race held Saturday morning provided some fun and entertainment for event-goers. This year’s King of the Hill is Nevin Shields, Florence.

McClain’s Kids’ Ranch Rodeo and Mutton Bustin’ was held Saturday afternoon with a larger-than-average participation. Taking first-place honors was Paul Fasnacht, Peabody.

Finishing off the events Saturday was the annual street dance featuring the Callahan Band.

Around 300 attended the gospel concert and Prairie Rose Rangers performance Sunday evening following the hog roast.

Parade winners were, in open class: Florence Historical Society, first; Florence Chamber of Commerce, second; Aaron and Angela Allen family, third. Youth class: Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Marion County, first.

Other winners were: Michelle Baldwin, $137 button drawing; Dan Ludwig and Delano O’Dell, cow chip bingo; Bert Zogelman, side of beef from Florence PRIDE; and Emma Versch, Big Brothers, Big Sisters drawing for TV.