Chinga Talk
Marion enjoyed its 11th Chingawassa Days in June 2007. This annual festival has become one of the highlights of the year, and a great selling point for those promoting the quality of life in our town. Even though everyone has some idea what the festival offers, you can't really know what goes into staging the event unless you have been on the Chinga committee. To answer questions and clear up areas of confusion, Pete the Chingawassa Rhino has agreed to respond to a number of questions. The issues and Pete's responses will be presented in a series of columns the next few weeks.
Dear Pete: Why does Chingawassa Days just have the same old events year after year?
Pete's answer: OK, this question makes Pete want to get the rest of the Marion rhino herd and do an enthusiastic version of the rhino polka on the questioner's foot.
Of the many events and activities offered at the first Chingawassa Days in 1997, only one continues today! The Marion National Bank Friday night barbecue endures because the bank has been kind enough to continue to offer it and the public likes free barbecue.
Over the years since that first festival, the weekends have included a wide variety of acts, events, and entertainment.
Does anyone remember airplane rides; hot air balloon flight; carnival; Wild West gunfighters; Visions of Cairo belly dancers; Marching Cobras (drum and dance troupe); chili cook-off; Ching Spring hunt; Attorney General Cup canoe races; sand volleyball tournament; pet fair; Mike and Glenda (magicians and ventriloquists); Steve Hanson and Company; buggy rides; Millie and Billie (clowns); Mary Beth and Friends (puppet show); mutton busting; Mr. Bill; Mehandi painting; Dynamic Steppers; Laughing Matters (jugglers); palm reading; free-throw contest; karaoke; skydivers; mule rides; Chinese acrobats; Stuchlik Polka Band; MHS Jazz Ensemble; remote control car racing; River City Spinners (yo-yo club); Bubble Man; fast-draw competition; National Guard shooting van; Marion National Bank grab for cash; Lip Shtick (comedian); Three Ring Circus (costumed performance rock 'n' roll band); Jazzy Jumpers; Bal-A-Visx; MHS drum line: Polly, Esther and the Pleasures; The Sand Man (hypnotist); Extreme Rhino Challenge; rock climbing wall; Trash Can Band; Melton the Magician; local teen bands; fainting goats; and sheep dog demonstrations?
This list contains just a few of the acts and activities Chingawassa has presented over the years on a limited run, or a one time only basis.
There are certain events that are staples of the festival and return frequently or annually: Marion National Bank barbecue; horseshoe pitching tournament; Case & Son Rhino Run; Kansas Anvil Shooters; Tampa State Bank Bed Rock-N-Run; Deer Trail pedal tractor pull; Central National Bank melon feed and bingo; Scully games; St. Luke Hospital ice cream social; miniature horse demonstrations; chain saw artists; and the Flint Hills Embroidery Texas Hold'em Tournament.
These events and activities have proven to be popular and stood the test of time.
Each year the committee evaluates all events to determine what should return and what should be retired or "put on hold." It is a point of emphasis to make sure we have new acts and events each year. Sometimes popular events are not brought back immediately just to keep the festival fresh.
Some of the "newer" events premiering in the past couple of years include Rhino Riders Poker Run and cycle parade; Celebrity Tricycle Races; Marion's Amazing Race; Tampa State Bank Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament; Lions Club Classic Car Show; Marion Police Department Dodge Ball Tournament; Ultimate Elvis Contest; and Chinga Idol.
The committee feels that a strong and successful festival should have some events that return every year, things the public anticipates and can look forward to. These "base" events then should be supplemented with new and innovative things which may appear for a year or two and then go away to be replaced by something different.
In reviewing the lists of old events, ongoing events, and recent events set out in this column, the reader should be able to see that the committee has in fact "mixed it up" on a regular basis to avoid presenting the same old thing year after year.
Plans already are underway to have at least a couple of new acts or events at Chingawassa '08. If you see or hear of any unique acts or activities, don't hesitate to contact a Chingawassa committee member. Suggestions always are welcome.
