Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Dave And Susan Haack Grand Marshals 45 Years After Farmer's Day Wedding
For 2019 Farmer's Day grand marshals Susan and Dave Haack, their big day turned out to be 45 years in the making.
They were married 45 years to the day – on a long-ago Farmer's Day – before serving as grand marshals of their community's 93rd annual local celebration.
"Oh, my gosh," Susan said. " We were so surprised and honored by the award and to be chosen as grand marshals."
The inscription on that award, a silver plate, is simple and meaningful to them: "Grand Marshals. Dave and Susan Haack. Farmer's Day 2019. Presented by FirsTier Bank."
The Haacks took it all in – everything that was Farmer's Day.
Dave mentioned the bike race, participating in it with his grandson, 4-year-old Gage Nole, the only one with training wheels on his bike. The kid ended up winning $1 and a water bottle for his efforts.
And Dave, he's champion of his age division. He also was the only one in it.
"He'd like to see that grow," Susan said. "He liked it."
Being grand marshals came with other perks, such as the dignitary coffee gathering. Dave enjoyed visiting with state Sen. Steve Erdman at the museum, too.
Farmer's Day also was about family and their business, Z&S Construction, for the Haacks.
Old Glory flew atop the towering Z&S crane near the Farmer's Day stage, carrying on the family's patriotic tradition. Then there were the hamburger feed, the Kiwanis Craft & Vendor Market, the Z&S parade float, and the book sale and talented artist Mary Hunt at Kimball Public Library.
For the Haacks, it was all good even though the weather put a damper on some Saturday festivities.
"Thanks to the community and the city of Kimball for everything, for bestowing this honor on us," Susan said.
Parade Results
Here are the Farmer's Day parade winners.
Business: 1 Hometown Hardware, 2 FirsTier Bank, 3 Kimball Realty.
Organizations: 1 Girl Scout Troop 18412, 2 Panhandle Shriners, 3 Boy Scout Troop 100 & Pack 31.
Tractors: 1 Dale Yung and John Deere, 2 Cedar Grove Farm and Moline, 3 Jack Bowman and Massey Ferguson.
Vehicles: 1 Western Wheels Studebaker Club, 2 Sonny & Kathy Porter and 1940 Ford, 3 Mark and Kathy Young and 1920 Model A.
Anything with horses: 1 Mckyanna Deeds – PRCA Rodeo Queen, 2 Colts and Fillies 4-H Club.
Motorcycle: 1 Red Knights Motorcycle Club.