Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

After Nearly A Decade, Bushnell Has Its Day

Fire Dept. Celebrates 100 Years

Bushnell Day 2021 reappeared after almost a decade of nonexistence. The day began with a parade complete with Bushnell fire trucks celebrating 100 years of service to the community, Kimball and Dix fire trucks, princesses, the VFW, and Bushnell Day King Bruce Sigette and Queen Wilma Lockwood-Sigette.

According to Bushnell Fire Chief Klent Schnell, "A group of Bushnell citizens formed a fire department in 1921."

The department has come a long ways from the initial equipment of a hose cart, ladder, hose and two half gallon chemical fire extinguishers. Now, the 19 members of the Bushnell Fire Department lend a hand fighting grass fires to everyone in the area with their eight rigs.

Thirteen area girls were selected as Bushnell Day princesses, including Bushnell residents MaKenzie Loy, 4; Madilyn Whitney, 5; Sydnie Purdy, 6; MaKayla Loy, 7; and Dix resident Deanna Buanteo, 5; and the princesses from Kimball were Gabriela Sharples, 4; Addison Holdgrafer, 5; Knightly Anderson, 5; Cashlyn Culek, 8; Destiny Marie Green, 8; Jaelynn Buanteo, 8; Hadley Carruthers, 8; and Aleeah Eastman, 8.

Ray Hammond Park was filled with kids playing, kids crafts, vendors, raffles and lots of games.

The evening concluded with a Bushnell Fire Department hog roast and music provided by Martin Filmore and the Stahla-Ford Band.