Staff writer
Bad weather threatened to derail Lincolnville’s Octoberfest on Saturday, but a day that started out cool and rainy turned warm and sunny for a great afternoon of fun in the city park.
Light rain stopped just prior to the 11 a.m. parade down Main St. There were 22 entries.
Jose Espinoza was grand marshal. The career military man moved with his wife and family of eight children to Lincolnville in 2013.
The family is involved in the community and with Centre schools. His wife, Jennifer, is assistant junior high and high school volleyball and girls’ basketball coach. Five of their children are still in school.
Espinoza is stationed at Fort Riley and is planning to retire in two years, after 25 years of service.
McKinley Carpenter, 9-month-old daughter of Taylor Peterson, and Everleigh Powell, 4-month-old daughter of Sabrina Powell, won the best of all theme prize. Their little wagon was decorated with leaves, and the mothers wore camouflage suits.
Of the three CHS class floats, the sophomores placed first, freshmen second, and seniors third.
Other prizewinners were
Lincolnville Fire Department, the Centre Elementary Royalty Train, Alexis Barlow and her pony cart, and horses ridden by Dalton and Karlie Miller, grandchildren of Sherry Nelson.
Children in the royalty train were kindergartners Isabella Felpel and Konnor Nickel; first graders Michaela Hinkson and Gus Richard; second graders Annalee Myer and Wylie Meyer; and third graders Lacey Hancock and Scott Hinkson.
At least a dozen vendors sold their products in the park. Children had fun jumping on inflatables, painted pumpkins, and had their faces painted.
Prize drawings for adults and children were held every hour. Clues were given every hour for a medallion hunt. Taylor Peterson found the medallion and was awarded a $50 gift certificate.
Musical entertainment was provided by guitarists and vocalists Dylan and Cody Delk of Hillsboro, grandsons of Bob Delk of Bob and the Boys fame; Tammy Crosby of Herington; and Yours, Mine, and Ours, a bluegrass band.
The day ended with Bingo in the community building, an evening meal, and a dance until midnight.