Byron News: Byron Days went out with a boom

Every year, as the folks leave the fireworks show, I hear people commenting on how this is the best one yet.

Caleb and Josh Sanders do an amazing job of syncing even the smaller displays and details to music. What an enjoyable way to end a couple of fun days celebrating.

Friday night was the first time food trucks opened during the family carnival. It is fun to have such a variety from the 13 vendors. Having people come for the food also brought more folks for the carnival, so it was a good addition. The wind came up and blew the dance away, but people woke early and came for the fun run on Saturday morning. The Bodtkes won the prize for the best decade costumes at the 5K. Some enjoyed morning biscuits and gravy from an early opened vendor.

There was a good turnout for the parade, and I have to give a thumbs up to the Bank of Lovell, who had an old-fashioned decorated float. I have missed seeing those pretty floats. But there were many enjoyable entries, and we appreciate them all.

The park was busy all day with a variety of activities: volleyball and cornhole tournaments, inflatables for the kids, a classic car show and lots of visiting and catching up around a variety of yummy food and drink and marketplace vendors to sell their wares.

People gathered early to listen to the band before the fireworks. It looks like a big picnic with blankets spread and Kettle Corn, hotdogs and ice cream being passed around families and friends. The tickets for the reserved VIP seating and the individual seating go a long way to help put on that great show.

Thank you for all who contribute to help us continue with the fireworks. Every year there are a few who grumble that it is too bad we can’t continue paying for the fireworks like we used to when “Frankie was picking up speeders.” Even though that rumor grew legs, it was just a fun joke. However, the legend continues. (Because I just wrote about it again.)

The alumni group, though small in numbers, had fun reminiscing about the “good ole’ days.”

This year we enjoyed having several volunteers step forward to help with the many details that are behind the scenes in an event. It does take many hands. Thank you to all who gave your time to help make Byron Days a success. Your enthusiasm is catching, and your caring about helping and not caring about who gets credit is admirable. Thanks again. On to Cowley  Pioneer Day.