Pleasant weather greeted Council Grove parade-goers Saturday morning as they lined the 1.5-mile route to view the 100+ entries in the 2026 Washunga Days Parade.
The annual parade again drew many visitors from out of town, along with a large contingent of local residents, organizations, churches, families, businesses and youth groups. The parade has become one of the “must-do” events of the Washunga Days celebration, with participants representing a wide range of the community.
Prizes were awarded following the parade. Winners were as follows: In the Veterans category, Together with Veterans placed first, followed by Flint Hills Veteran Supporters in second.
In the Commercial category, Central Mechanical placed first, Flint Hills Group-Thrivent placed second and Roxie’s Snow Caps placed third.
In Adult Organizations, CG Senior Center placed first, Moped Mafia placed second and Master Teacher Samantha Davis placed third.
In the Churches category, Community Christian Church placed first, First Baptist Church placed second and White Memorial Camp placed third.
The Flint Hills Band placed first in the Performance Group category.
In Cars and Trucks, Marina Friends’ 1972 Cadillac placed first, Marina Friends’ 1972 Blazer placed second and Norman Frese’s 1993 Mustang Convertible placed third.
In Youth Organizations, Dwight Sunflower 4-H Club placed first, Flint Hills 4-H Club placed second and the CGHS Spirit Squad placed third.
In the Family and Personal category, the Litke Family placed first, Don Johnson placed second and the Zimmerman Family placed third.
In Tractors, HD Bar Ranch’s Big Red placed first, Eli Day placed second and Dillon Brown, with Glen and Clara Pitts’ tractor, placed third.