General Pleasonton Days parade, activities provide October fun for all ages

Updated: Oct 10

Led by the Pleasanton Fire Department fire engine, first responders' vehicles line up for the General Pleasonton Days parade on Saturday, Oct. 4. (Photos by Journal Contributor Billy Roudybush except where noted)

By Billy Roudybush

Journal contributor

It is Saturday morning in early October, nice and warm – too warm for a fall day – and dry. You notice more than usual cars lining the side streets, but the main street is clear. A few motorcycles rumble down Main, but otherwise the street seems deserted.

A few people mill around as if in anticipation. You notice decorations in front of some of the buildings. A couple of old men show up and set up lawn chairs. Next, you notice a couple of kids, just sitting on the sidewalk.

***The Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center "Bee Kind" entry won the top float prize. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)***

The community breakfast has ended, and families are leaving. Children clutch their little firefighter’s hats and smile. With their exit from breakfast, families start to find or set up seating along the sidewalk. Families were entertained by a boy popping wheelies on his bicycle. Yet, there is still half an hour before the anticipated event.

***Rod Mangold cruises down Main in his 1970 Chevy Super Sport Chevelle 454 classic muscle car. His entry won the prize for top vehicle entry.***

More and more people are staking their position along Main. One pair found their spot by parking their ATV in the grass by an old building. One even came down on a lawnmower. It’s 15 minutes to showtime, the noise increases. As more groups pour into the masses the noise increases. People are greeting each other and catching up with news.

***The equestrian contingent in the parade was small but presented some fine animals. Olivia Wisdom won top prize for her horse entry.***

Many kids have bags, buckets, even just their firefighter’s helmets. They are hoping to fill whatever they hold, and the anticipation is building for them as they wait for the candy that will be thrown. A siren sounds down the street. Many kids rush out into the street to see if everything is ready to begin.

***The Clark Street Lights haunted house in Fort Scott won first place for its walking entry. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)***

Begin it does. The General Pleasonton Days Parade has started, and the excitement can be felt. Kids that were waiting on the sidewalk are now in the street waiting for the candy. Parents are smiling and helping their kids when candy comes flying. There is cheering as each entry goes by on the route. Many hold their ears as the sirens blast. More ears are covered when the mighty engines of several unmuffled race cars are revved.

***The top overall prize went to the Jayhawk Marching Band under the direction of Rachel Wilson. The band performed "I'm a Jayhawk" and "It's a Grand Old Flag" as they marched.***

All too soon it is over. The candy has been collected, and the excitement has passed. So many interesting entries and candy for the kids. Time for everyone to move to Dunlop Park, with games, face-painting and hair-braiding, and a line of food trucks waiting to feed several hundred people who are now enjoying a sunny afternoon outdoors.

The evening events will follow with a dinner, karaoke, and a street dance at the community center.