ATV races start up Parnell Town Festival

East Nodaway County was buzzing last weekend with the Parnell Town Festival.

Residents celebrated 125 years since the founding of Parnell, and the weekend-long festival was kicked off with ATV races at the horse arena.

The first-annual races saw 148 entrees in 21 different classes, from youngsters to adults.

The competitors brought out their best ATV's, including four- and three-wheelers, along with dirt bikes.

High temperatures and limited shade did not deter a large crowd from gathering to watch the event. Many huddled under pop-up canopies in an attempt to stay out of the heat.

As thermometers soared to more than 100 degrees, ATV engines roared up and down the track for the race.

Bobby Heideman, Bedford, and his son Dylan came down for their first ever race. Dylan recently got a new four-wheeler and race gear.

"Well, we saw the flyer in a gas station and thought it would be fun," Heideman said. "He [Dylan] loves it, he's been excited for weeks."

Not just youngsters took part in the racing, adults with more souped-up toys took to the dirt track as well.

Cory Roberts, Hopkins, has been racing for years. Roberts is a member of Club 180, an ATV racing organization that originated in Ridgeway.

The club volunteered to help with the event, especially in the organization of classes and general race rules.

"The [Parnell] Fire Department wanted to have the races, and asked us if we wanted to help out," Roberts said. "Of course we wanted to race, it's nice to have an event so close to home."

The grounds surrounding the arena were filled with people that came out to witness the event, which Roberts said was a bigger number than he is used to seeing at races.

"This is a really good turnout, there's a lot of people here," Roberts said. "It's just something fun to do on a Saturday."

Though everyone wants to win, a large spirit of sportsmanship was abundant among the racers.

"I don't get competitive, I don't care about winning," Roberts said. "We really treat it as something fun to do. My son really likes to watch."

Following the races on Saturday, there was a dance performance by students at the Shimmy and Shake Dance Studio, a flea market, a pet show, a baby show and a chuckwagon supper. Saturday's festivities ended with a fireworks show presented by the Parnell Volunteer Fire Department.

Sunday saw a car show, church services, BBQ's and homemade ice cream.

After the parade, several musicians entertained the crowds during a washer tournament and Bingo.

The festival ended with a Duck Race on the Platte River and a Fire Brigade at Parnell's fire house.