Saturday’s cold temperatures led to a below-average attendance for the 55th annual Biblesta parade and celebration, but people still filled the streets to cheer on the 27 float entries.
Carollyn Barnett, a Biblesta committee member, said about one-third of the average amount of people attended the celebration — she estimated just under 1,000 people. She said the weather played a large role and many people stayed at home or came to the parade for a short amount of time, but overall Biblesta was a success.
The parade started right on time at 1:30 p.m. and had entries from local businesses, schools and organizations. Crowds filled the town square as vendors served barbecue and other treats; the Biblesta information booth sold T-shirts to recognize the celebration’s anniversary. Gospel group The Missourians played on the main stage. The group finished their set as the Humboldt High marching band started the parade by playing the national anthem.
Rev. James Cain, Wes Dewey and Jane Landreth acted as float judges for the parade. Floats were judged in six different categories including: drama, authentic, beauty, spectacular, walking (best walking entry) and Philip Doty Memorial (judge’s choice). Jack Ellis acted as parade marshal for the day and opened the ceremonies with a history of Biblesta and a prayer.
Following the parade, Humboldt Lion’s Club provided a free ham and bean feed.
The Biblesta After Dark youth rally, featuring the Christian band Don’t Know Dorothy, closed events for the day. Gary Larson, director for the rally, said there were more than 200 teens and young adults who attended.
“I was really pleased with that number,” Larson said. “We would have had more without the bad weather, but we had a great time.”
Biblesta Parade Awards
Grand Prize: “Judgment of Sin” – Faith Assembly of God Church, Humboldt
Beauty: “Star of Bethlehem” – Poplar Grove Baptist Church, Humboldt
Drama: “Jesus Heals the Paralytic” – First Baptist Church, Humboldt
Authenticity: “Setting Free Those Doomed to Die” – United Methodist Church, Humboldt
Spectacular: “For the Battle is the Lords” – Restoration Fellowship Church, Humboldt
Walking Entry: “The Good Shepherd” – Zion Lutheran Church, Chanute
Philip Doty Memorial: “Jesus Entered the Temple of God” – St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Humboldt
Weather tempers Biblesta crowds
