Dalton Fall Festival Features Small-Town Fun

MIKE MOTZ

Sidney Sun-Telegraph

DALTON--For about 90 years, the Dalton Fall Festival has been a staple of the community, greeting early autumn with an array of activities, food, and fun that brings out the Dalton and Gurley communities as well as many festival-goers from around Cheyenne County. This year's festival had the good fortune of taking place during a weekend featuring beautiful weather, and if anything, it could have been a bit cooler. But no rain or cold winds were around to dampen the spirits of those who came out to celebrate small-town Nebraska living and participate in the many events and activities the festival had to offer.

The Festival started Saturday morning with a special breakfast served by the Dalton Senior Citizens at the Senior Citizens Building. Coffee, rolls, and breakfast burritos were served to give everyone the energy they would need for a full day of events. 9 a.m. was the start of the Volleyball Tournament, and at 10 a.m., the annual parade was held and Highway 385 was closed for the event. A good number of parade watchers lined the street on both the east and west sides, and as the vehicles and floats passed by, they were all sure to toss out candy for the kids, who scrambled to grab up the sugary goodies.

The winners in the parade competition Family category were:

• 1st Place-Parker Family;

• 2nd Place-Reilly Family; and

• 3rd Place-Prairie Pony Club (Elena

Rowlett).

The winners in the Non-Profit category were:

• 1st Place-Lodgepole Alumni Band;

• 2nd Place- Dalton Sons of the American Legion; and

• 3rd Place-Bayard Legion Riders.

The winners in the Commercial category were:

• 1st Place-Rushman Seeds;

• 2nd Place-Lazy U (Carrie Wiggins);

• 3rd Place-Wheat Belt.

All winners will receive a plaque and a cash prize.

The parade was followed by a Car Show where festival-goers were able to see classic autos in pristine condition, and enjoy delicious Root Beer Floats at the Community Shepherds Building. A craft show at Legion Hall and the Kids Carnival went through the afternoon. The Carnival featured Planet Bounce Inflatables, games and prizes.

Proceeds went to support the Leyton Football team.

Many enjoyed the afternoon in the beer garden watching the Cornhuskers beat Purdue with others watching the Horseshoe Tournament that happened a little earlier in the afternoon. The cornhole tournament was won by Anthony and James Rushman, and a Puzzle Contest where two-person teams competed for cash prizes saw Rhonda Goscha-Douglas and Shelly Peckham taking home top Honors.

Additionally, there were plenty of lunch options available at the park including New Hope AG Church supplying tacos, the Gurley Fire Department cooking burgers and hot dogs, the Dalton Fire Department building Sloppy Joe's, and H&L Meats providing barbecue.

The main event started late in the afternoon when a big group eagerly awaited the start of the BBQ Cookoff. Everyone had their chance to sample the area's best BBQ meats and side dishes and kept coming back for more.

The competition winners were: All-Around Winner- Tyler Miller. Judges Choice Pork award winners were: 1st Place-Tim Hausmann and Tanner Bellmyer, 2nd Place-Lee and Pat Herz, 3rd Place-Justin Walker. The People's Choice Pork award winners were: 1st Place-Justin Walker, 2nd Place-Lee Herz, 3rd Place-Tim Hausmann and Tanner Bellmyer. Best Beans winner-Justin Walker, Best Chili winner-Tyler Miller, Best Potatoes winner-Amanda Walker, and Best Dessert-Dave Vogler. Although some cooks may have edged out others, there were only winners as everyone enjoyed the care and attention each one of the competitors exercised creating these delicious treats.

The evening capped off with a Street Dance featuring Kelsey Jo & the Wildcards. Everybody enjoyed the music and dancing that went on until 10 p.m. On Sunday, the festivities started with a Community Church Service with Pastor Bud Gillespie at the Leyton High School Gym and then a breakfast was served for the community from 10:30 until noon.

Event Organizer Kayla Wells and the whole group of volunteers who put the event together did an expert job of making sure everything went off without a hitch. Wells said, "I'm not sure what number year this is for the Dalton Fall Festival, but I'm pretty sure it's over 90. We missed a few years along the way, like when we had COVID to deal with, but I'm pretty sure that we've had at least 90 festivals."

With the turnout, the great food and events, and the spirit of community in the Dalton and Gurley area, it is safe to say that the Dalton Fall Festival will continue to be a hallmark event for at least another 90 years to come.