Since 1914, McPherson County has celebrated All Schools Day with a Main Street parade, a carnival, and winding of the Maypole at Lakeside Park. It was a tradition dearly held by my family, growing up in McPherson County, and of all other countians. Every school district elected a May Day royalty, built a float, and competed for recognition and prizes. I well remember the annual task of sculpting masterpieces out of tissue- stuffed chicken wire. Of the four girls in our family, three of us were May Queens but from three different school districts (and our farm never moved)! Holly was a May Queen from Roxbury, I represented Canton, and Julie wore the crown for Canton-Galva. The school consolidation movement was rampant during our school years.
I have often returned for the All Schools Day activities, sitting with my mother and other family and friends. This year, I walked the parade route, and enjoyed playing an active role again. My first cousin Lori (Krehbiel) Vontz, her husband Nick, and their son and daughter (McPherson) walked with me handing out candy to the children along the route.
Following the parade, the Republican committee hosted a luncheon at Tres Amigos restaurant and I had the opportunity to address the members. My first cousin on the Holloway side, Linda Holloway Paul, the McPherson County registrar of deeds since 1985, accompanied me and introduced me to many of the attendees. She also mentioned my relationship to our uncle Carl Holloway, my father’s brother, life-time resident of McPherson and former mayor. Linda was very gracious and offered to help me as I seek this First District Congressional seat.
That evening, our son Brandon brought his daughter to McPherson from Marquette, our daughter Chelsea and her husband Jesse traveled from Hutchinson, my mother, and Carl and I went to the carnival. Granddaughter Aubrey took her dad and uncle and aunt for an entire evening of riding all the available rides. Check out our pictures. Brandon took a very satisfied, tired little girl home that evening.
