?But with Joy, Wend Your Way? was this year’s Pioneer Day celebration theme. The annual event in Panaca drew friends and family from far and wide with a purpose to visit, have a good time, and provided a perfect opportunity to hold family reunions.

The day started with a boom at 6 a.m. with the dynamite wake up call, followed by the ceremonial flag raising and a good, hearty breakfast to provide fuel for the fun activities ahead.

In the heat of the day, the kids’ races and all-time favorite greased pig contest occurred.

This year’s parade was deemed one of the best ever. The Grand Marshall was long time resident Margaret Jones. The Jones? family float titled, ?Wending Her Way with Joy for 93 years? also won the Follows Best Theme award.

Other winners were as follows:

Best Family Entry: Don & VaNae Cumming Family
Most Original: Cub Scout Troop 514
Best Group Entry: Panaca Primary Float, “The Joy of Primary”
Best Individual Entry: Jordan Povis & Cousin Lexi
Classiest Vehicle: Everett Logan in his 1931 Model A
Grand Prize Winner: Mathews Family
Best Horse Entry: Joy Wadsworth, Lincoln County 2010 Rodeo Princess
Best Band/Music Group: Lincoln County Summer Band
Judge’s Choice: Nevada State Parks, “The Civilian Conservation Corps, the Pioneers of the State Parks”
Judge’s Choice: Abigail and Mom, “Horsing Around” with cart and pony
1st Place: Tyler Heaton Family, “With Some Joy Wash All Day”
2nd Place: Panaca Fitness Center, “Wending Your Way with Joy is Easier if You’re Physically Fit”
Most Outrageous: Freedom 4-Wheelers, Mom’s Revenge
Loudest/Noisiest Entry: Lincoln County Search & Rescue.

The evening was capped off with a barbeque with chicken, ribs, beef and all the trimmings. While eating, guests were treated with music and talent.

Comments were heard how well the event was planned and everyone had a good time and enjoyed the day?s activities. One of this years parade organizers, Malissa Zierow, commented, ?This was a truly wonderful small town parade! We would like to thank all those who participated, as well as a special thank you to the following for donating our prizes:? McCrosky’s Shell, Dolan & Edwards Insurance, Meadow Valley Pharmacy, Meadow Valley Car Wash, Pine Tree Inn & Bakery, Mathews Farm, Panaca Market, Klomp’s Family Dentistry, Panaca Fitness Center, and XL Auto. Your support and generosity are appreciated!?

With tired parents and even more tired kids with candy-filled pockets and full stomachs and the nostalgia and feeling of a job well done, the community is hardly containing the excitement for next year’s celebration.