Leonardville Pride 2022 Hullabaloo well attended despite extreme heat – News Radio KMAN

Kansas Pride is a program dedicated to serving communities across the state to encourage and assist local government and volunteers to make their community a better place to live and work. Local communities identify what they would like to preserve, create or improve for their future. On Saturday, Leonardville Pride hosted its 2022 Hullabaloo, and with much fanfare. Here are some of the highlights.

Riley County Fire District No. 1 has arranged tours of its equipment and station located in Leonardville. There were free activities for the kids, like practicing with a pipe to protect a miniature house. They also gave people three chances to dunk a firefighter or a reporter for a $1 donation. Proceeds help support the Riley County Firefighters Association which pays for the awards and their annual Firefighters Banquet.

The Lions Club hosted an ice cream party. They also sold slices of homemade pie with a scoop of ice cream, although the scoop may have actually been a bowl. The strawberry and rhubarb pie was fabulous. They also showed off their disaster relief van.

The Harold Daniels slide collection was on display throughout the day and was housed in an air-conditioned building which was a welcome break from the sunny day. Many historical documents were also on display.

The hottest part of the day was reserved for the parade. It lasted more than half an hour and drew a large crowd. The parade began with a Riley County Police vehicle, followed by the 1st Infantry Band, with veterans presenting the colors as they begin their formation. They stopped in front of the parade announcer, Kevin Larson, a native of Leonardville. The crowd rose to pay their respects to the American flag as Dale DuBois of Junction City performed a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. Once the parade resumed, children on bicycles and other wheeled vehicles led the parade through the city. Behind them were classic cars and other vintage vehicles.

Many companies and voluntary organizations also joined the parade, then tractors, tractors and more tractors. The Riley County High School Marching Band performed excellently throughout the parade; with equipment from the Leonardville Fire Station coming up behind them with lights and occasional sirens. The North County EMS 1st Responder vehicle joined the parade, which ended with horses, some with carts or buggies, and a rider performing horseback stunts.

2022 Hullabaloo Riley Co HS Band 1

2022 Hullabaloo Riley Co HS Band 2

2022 Hullabaloo Riley Co HS Band 3

All over town, there were households and businesses hosting Leonardville Pride celebrations. Cultivating Caregivers drew a grateful crowd to their backyard.

Both children and adults enjoyed the exhibit in front of the Leonardville Nursing Home. Ruby red slippers sat under a twisting tornado along with homes, farm animals and vehicles caught in the storm. They also organized a barbecue, free horse rides and a bouncy castle.

Senior citizen Happy Knorr shared her experience in the parade and how she handled the 105 degree temperature.

2022 Hullabaloo Happy Knorr on parade

Happy was considering a hot air balloon ride and denied being afraid of heights.

2022 Hullabaloo Happy Knorr re hot air balloon

She said it’s the fall she’s afraid of.

Cora Davies, 11, of Leonardville, was in the parade and also enjoyed all the celebrations within the community.

2022 Hullabaloo Cora Davies

Izabel Nelson, 12, of Leonardville, shared some of her favorite things about the day.

2022 Hullabaloo Izabel Nelson

Later, the two girls enjoyed an activity in the shade at the bouncy castle.

Leonardville can serve as an example for other communities to show why they should be proud. Leonardville Pride’s 2022 Hullabaloo shone a light on their residents, their volunteer organizations, their businesses, their history, but most importantly the attitude of the community. With a population of less than 650, everyone knows everyone; without interfering in the life of the other. But if someone is in need, the community comes together to help, support and encourage. Strangers in town are quickly noticed and these visitors are greeted with kindness and respect. Leonardville, Kansas is a proud community…and for good reason.