Saturday’s Pioche Labor Dayz Festivities

Saturday, Aug. 31, was 119th Annual Labor Day festivities’ peak. The day’s schedule featured numerous activities at Pioche Town Park including a masonic breakfast at 7 a.m. and free swimming for children at the town pool. Car show participants arrived early to secure prime spots, while Lincoln County High School (LCHS) cheerleaders hosted bounce houses and inflatables, and the LCHS football team operated a dunk tank. Families spent the afternoon enjoying the money scramble and chicken chucking and participating in the golf and cornhole tournaments. 

Activities around town also featured a trap shoot, barrel races, cake walk, and hay scramble. Many families spent the afternoon enjoying the various vendor booths and food stalls throughout the park. The old school house hosted their annual chalk art stations and families stopped by throughout the day to participate in the art contest.

Forty-seven players signed up for the double elimination horseshoe event. Curtis Prestwich of Pioche took first place in Class A, and Lawrence Workman of Henderson won in Class B. Larry Workman of Henderson won Class C. Winners took home cash prizes and trophies in each class.

The town hall was bustling with visitors exploring the craft fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors flooded in looking to get a head start on holiday gifts and goodies. Booths featuring homemade and handcrafted goods lined the walls with items ranging from printed shirts, keychains, ornaments, crochet animals, jewelry and art pieces. The Caliente Farmers Market joined in the festivities with tables featuring baked, freeze dried, and homegrown goods.

As the sun went down, Main Street Pioche was bustling with celebration. Music could be heard from one end of the street to the other as the evening events approached. Crowds formed for the street dance and to lay claim to their viewing spot for the Renegade Races and night parade. During the Renegade Races toy Jeeps sped down the hill with racers in various themed and unthemed dress. Though there were several crash landings, no major injuries were reported. Each racer was able to make their way back to starting position, though not each of them managed to keep their cars whole.

During the night parade cheers could be heard as trucks, trailers and ATVs covered in glow sticks, LEDs and other lighting sources made their way down the hill. The American Man float featuring a fiddler playing the Rocky theme was a crowd favorite. The brightly lit float earned cheers as the red, white and blue boxer and robe wearing musician passionately strummed out the song.