New, old events planned for Florence Labor Day
New events and familiar activities will highlight this weekend's 68th annual Labor Day celebration at Florence.
A $4 button will be required for admittance, children six years and younger are free.
The festival will begin Saturday morning and the last event will be a performance of Nashville recording artist Gary Nichols at 6:30 p.m. Monday on the Main Stage.
Other entertainment on Monday will be western swing group Judy Coder and Pride of the Prairie at 3 p.m., and master hypnotist Robinn Lange at 5 p.m.
This year's parade theme, "Full Steam Ahead," commemorates the history of the railroad and its service to Florence.
Four retired railroad workers, Mauro Medina, Roger Steward, Bob Hanes, and the late Bob Shanklin, will be recognized as grand marshals.
Following the parade, a button-holder will win $133.
An amateur barbecue cook-off will begin at 9 a.m. Monday on East Fourth Street. Cash prizes will be awarded and contestants will be eligible to win "The Good One" patio grill/smoker. Winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m.
Children ages four and older can sign-up at 2:30 p.m. Monday for McLain's Kids' Ranch Rodeo & Muttin' Bustin.'
Florence Fire Department will have two drawings at 4:30 p.m. Monday on the Main Stage.
A Winchester 1187 12-gauge shotgun and a five-piece patio set will be given away to a ticket holder. Tickets for the shotgun are $5 each or five for $20. Tickets for the patio set are $3 each or four for $10.
Food vendors also will be available during the festival.
