Every Labor Day Weekend the community of Hoisington comes together to put on a celebration that began over 110 years ago. In 1896, Hoisington was young and thriving, with a bright future and the railroad was the biggest and most prosperous industry. The round house and shops were filled with workers and steam engines stopped on their way between Horace and Kansas City to change crews. And that is were the story begins, the railroad employees decided to hold a picnic each year. The picnic soon evolved into an annual event and included a parade and in time, the date was moved to the weekend of Labor Day. The celebration grew as the town grew. Though changed from an annual picnic to a four day celebration, the children still participate in races, dances are held, and automobiles are polished and shined for display and one of the largest parades in the state starts promptly at 10:30 a.m. on Labor Day.

 

Now thousands of people from all over pass through our town over the four days taking in many or all of the events that make this one of the largest celebrations in the state of Kansas.