Hundreds of people flocked to Atlanta on Labor Day weekend to participate in the 125th anniversary of this annual event. The weekend began Saturday evening with the Eldon Whiteman Memorial BBQ where over 420 were served. There was a homemade ice cream social complete with specially made birthday cakes and entertainment by various musicians. The crowd ended the evening with an explosive array of fireworks and a softball game.
Sunday, about 125 gathered at the Atlanta Community Building for a community worship service with participation from the area churches. That evening, nearly that many families and visitors enjoyed the free movie “Blind Side” complete with popcorn and lemonade.Over 1,000 people lined the streets of Atlanta on Monday morning to see the parade led by the American Legion Honor Guard. The parade marshal was a dedication to long-time resident Patricia Couch who passed away several weeks ago. The parade lasted an hour and had at least 92 units including bands, politicians, floats, old cars and tractors, motorcycles and horses. The adults’ parade was preceded by the kiddie parade with at least 25 entries.
Parade winners include the float winners: •Business division — El Dorado Livestock Assn. •Organizations — Burden 4-H Club.
•Family — first, Henderson family train and second, Johnsen family.
•Church entries — Timber Creek Friends, first, and Cornerstone Christian, second.
•Classic car division (1957 or newer) — first, Dave & Ruth Pirtle; second, Roy Voth.
•Antique cars (1956 or older) — first, Carl Borrar; second, Keith Dudeck.
•Horse division mounted 18 & up — first, Gail Wonser; second, Carolyn Erickson.
•Mounted under 18 — first, Jace & Haven Wunderlich; second, Baylee and Amelia Barker (a tie).
•Horse-drawn division — first, Ron & Vicki Glaze; second, Brenda Johnson, Winfield Saddle Club.
•First in the antique tractor division was Louise Underwood.
“This is the largest crowd we have seen here in years,” said Katherine Grow, a volunteer who is in charge of the kitchen and food.
“People started lining up for lunch just after the parade, and we served for several hours. There were a lot of visitors and family members who came just for this celebration, and many helped out.”
Following the new flag ceremony, conducted by state representative Ed Trimmer, numerous activities filled the afternoon. Inflatables, games and foot races for the kids; bingo, barnyard Olympics motorcycle games, craft and quilt shows, a dog demonstration, a horseshoer demonstration, a car show with 56 entries, free watermelon, a tractor show and, of course, lots of visiting continued until about 5 p.m. Visitors also relaxed and listened to the music of the Billiter Family Band that played through the bean feed.
A special unexpected treat for kids and adults alike was the arrival of the Eagle Med helicopter. The crew explained what they did and let people check out the helicopter for themselves.
The evening and 125th celebration ended with the free Joe Couch Memorial Bean Feed and final words from chairladies, Carolyn Wilson and Marci Moore.
“We would not have had such a great celebration if it hadn’t been for our volunteers who carried out their duties with good spirits and cooperation.” said Marci. “Carolyn and I want to thank everyone who came to this wonderful weekend and everyone who helped in any way. Residents and visitors saw where help was needed and stepped in. Everyone worked really hard for Atlanta this weekend.”
Evelyn King, another long-time volunteer, commented that, “Co-chairladies Marcie and Carolyn did a fantastic job organizing this weekend and getting activities and memorabilia that were special for this year. They produced a memory book comprised of pictures, old recipes and comments from the late 1800s to today, a CD with over 500 pictures, special T-shirts and hats, wooden nickels thrown during the parade and lots more! Thanks, girls.”