LUSK – As the shadows lengthened and leaves skittered down the side- walk the community of Lusk gathered for a downtown fall festival of pump- kins, soup and socializing. For the second year in a row the pumpkin contest took front and center at the Lusk ROCS (Revitalize our Community Spirit)
Fall Festival. This year it was held at the ROCS pocket park on main street and included candy, cookies and cider from the Niobrara Community Hospital, soup and breadsticks provided by Legends Bar and Grill and face painting by the Up & Coming 4-H club. A sidewalk chalk drawing contest accompanied the pumpkin contest along with pumpkin tic-tac-toe.
The festival is small in size but large in impact as individuals from around the community came together to have fun weighing and measuring their pumpkins. From the largest pumpkin presented by Diane Cannon to the tiniest pumpkin from the tiniest contestant Scott Gaukel, the pumpkins at this year’s festival showcased a wide varieties of shapes, sizes and colors. Most unique shape went to Charlie Gaukel with his blog, almost flat pumpkin. Lightest was awarded to little Scott Gaukel. Wartiest was claimed by Maggie Goddard and most unique pattern was Sarah-Jo Goddard. Greenest was awarded to Devlin Moody and Most perfect shape was Essie. Pat Bruch and Diane Cannon were neck in neck with Diane taking heaviest, Pat a close second and Diane also taking home 3rd place.
After the pumpkin contest, as attendees enjoyed delicious soup and cider, judges took a look at the beautiful sidewalk art. Dixie Walker, Landree Jameson and Nellie Gaukel took home honors for their colorful and unique sidewalk squares.
Local businesses provide gift certificates as awards. Legends, Sub- way, BLoomers, Same As It Once Was, Lusk ROCS, Tuff as Nails and Allbrights True Value played hosts and sponsors. ROCS is also responsible for the planters up and down mainstreet as well as several other events and opportunities for com- munity members and businesses. Their next major event will be the annual chili contest, Santa and Christmas parade.
