Chingawassa draws Elvis look-alikes, amazing racers, and Trick Pony
Sports reporter
A Thursday night storm made for some wet conditions, but didn't wash out the 11th annual Marion Chingawassa Days festivities.
While the Marion National Bank barbecue, a performance by The Callahan Band, and the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest Friday were moved to Marion High School, the rest of the events went on as scheduled.
"Once again the school saved our bacon," said co-chairman Mike Powers.
The Elvis contest was a new event, with the winner advancing to Memphis, Tenn., to compete in a worldwide competition to find the ultimate Elvis.
Joseph Hall of Lincoln, Neb., who has only been impersonating the King of Rock since October, took first place.
Co-chairman Jandee Moore knew the contest would be a success, but didn't know how successful.
"It turned out better than I thought," Moore said. "Lisa Vondenkamp did a great job in setting that up."
The Kansas Anvil Shooters started Saturday off with a bang, shooting off an anvil loud enough to be heard throughout the town as the Marion Kiwanis Club ended their pancake feed.
The festivities were highlighted Saturday by a performance from the country band, Trick Pony.
Moore said the concert went well, despite a generator catching on fire.
"We went into panic mode there for a minute, but everything turned out fine," Moore said.
For the first time the weekend included a "Marion Amazing Race."
The game was a model from the TV show, "Amazing Race," which has contestants race across the world for a prize. At the Chingawassa event, couples raced around Marion and answered trivia about the town.
The weekend also was filled with familiar events such as Tampa State Bank's Bed Rock 'N' Run bed race, St. Luke Hospital Dinky Duck Race, the Robinson Family Chain Saw Artists, and the Central National Bank watermelon feed.
"They just always seem to work," Moore said.
The Rhino Extreme Challenge, was successful for a third year. Contestants of the game, a take off from the popular TV show "Fear Factor," found themselves swimming in Luta Creek and eating hotdogs with a just a touch of Tabasco sauce and worms.
Flint Hills Embroidery Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament and TSB "Rock-Paper-Scissors" tournament were popular for the second year in a row.
If festival-goers weren't interested in playing games there was entertainment in the park that included a gymnastics demonstration, a cappella singing from the local group, "Four-given," and vendors throughout the park with a variety of items for sale.
Children found themselves bouncing down 30-foot slides, jousting on a padded, blow-up area, or racing remote control cars.
Overall, the weekend was another success.
"We had a good turnout," Moore said. "We couldn't have asked for better weather Saturday."
After a year of planning, the committee doesn't have much of a break before thinking about next year's events.
"We will have a meeting this week to talk about what worked and what didn't. So far I haven't heard any complaints, which is good," Moore said with a laugh.
Powers was appreciative of all the help the committee received to make the self-funded event successful once again.
Special thanks went out the City of Marion, Central Park superintendent Kevin Hill, Hett Construction, local electricians, vendors and businesses who donated money and time, and everyone who enjoyed the weekend in the park.
RESULTS
ultimate elvis tribute artist contest
1. Joseph Hall, Lincoln, Neb. 2. Shelby Daniels, Newbern, Tenn. 3. Kent Estep, Arkansas City.
rock-paper-scissors
1. Andi Marshall. 2. Colby Johnson. 3 (tie). Travis Hett and Mara Prescott.
CELEBRITY tricycle race
1. Casey Case. 2. Sondra Mayfield. 3. Greta Smith.
poker run
1. Jim Chamberland., Hillsboro. 2. Sean Gillette, McKinney, Texas. 3. Michael Morgan, Herington.
50/50 drawing winner - Audrey McLinden.
texas hold 'em poker tournament
1. Jerry Cady. 2. Dave Mayfield. 3. Linda Kannady.
Marion amazing race
1. Casey and Nicki Case. 2. Sean Geis and Ann Carr. 3. Chris and Kevin Costello.
extreme rhino challenge
1. Travis Hett and Kevin Costello. 2. Mike Calhoun and Tidwell. 3. John Barr III and Jake Czarnowsky. 4. Nick Klenda and Sheldon Boone.
bed rock 'n' run races
Women's division - 1. Tampa State Bank. 2. Ampride. 3. Carlsons' Grocery.
Open Division - 1. Hett Construction. 2. Tampa State Bank. 3. Marion Family Physicians.
Best decorated - Western Associates and Eastmoor United Methodist Youth Group.
Case and son two-mile rhino run
13-20 men - 1. Dylan Svitak.
12 and-under women - 1. Samantha Davies.
12 and-under men - 1. Nathan Baldwin.
41-50 women - 1. Robin Davies.
case and son 5k run
13-20 women - Taylor Nikkel.
21-30 women - Chelsea Zeiner.
31-40 women - Sheri Lewis.
41-50 women - Mickey Lundy.
31-40 men - Tom Miles.
41-50 men - Lloyd Davies.
51 and-over - Mike Moran.
Pedal tractor pull
Age 4 - 1. Blake Gormly. 2. Jonathan Spachek. 3. Brandon Long.
Age 5 - 1. Hunter Helmer. 2. Chloe Burkholder. 3. Kennedy Fahey.
Age 6 - 1. Drew Helmer. 2. Maddie Steinbauer. 3. Devin Soyez.
Age 7 - 1. Phoebe Hett. 2. Evan Calhoun. 3. Riley Hake.
Age 8 - 1. Tyler Arocha. 2. Molly Hess. 3. Bryce Shults.
Age 9 - 1. Layne Nienstedt. 2. Jacob Spachek. 3. Remington Putter.
Age 10 - 1. Dirk Young. 2. Jacob Stade. 3. Nathan Cyr.
Age 11 - 1. James Jones. 2. Zac Lewman. 3. Jordan Hake.
Age 12 - 1. Julio Vizcarra. 2. Chris Cardenas. 3. Derrick Dvorak.
