By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

“Faith, Family, and Friends,” was the theme of Burdick’s Labor Day celebration. Amid forecasts for rain, the day turned out to be mild and partly cloudy.

The 2 p.m. parade featured 60 entries.

A Burdick United Methodist float, “Sharing ice cream with family and friends,” carried pastors and others who were commemorating the many years members have provided homemade ice cream for Labor Day celebrations. It won the theme prize.

Dan and Linda Peterson were grand marshals. Dan, 71, was born and raised in the community.

He and his wife, Linda, a native of Ramona, have lived on the same farm all of their 50 years of married life. Dan is still actively farming.

They were high school sweethearts.

“I was a senior and Linda was a freshman at Centre High School,” Dan said.

They have two married children, Susie and Jeff, and five grandchildren.

Flint Hills Express String Band was among noon entertainers at the park. Jim Versch of Marion is a member and plays mandolin. Annie Wilson of Chase County plays guitar, and Carl Reed of Manhattan plays bass and guitar. They have been playing together since 2004.

Other entertainment included a singing family named Into the Sun, pedal tractor pull, Shetland pony, and kiddie train.