The 31st annual Billings Wheat Country Festival, organized by Chair Beth Bierig and sponsored by the Billings Chamber of Commerce, was held Saturday, October 12th on Main Street in Billings.
The crisp, cool morning began with a hearty pancake breakfast served up by the FFA Booster Club with the help of Tonkawa Masonic Lodge members Bryan Parrish and Scott Leiding. Kristin Williams kicked off the official start of the festival with a variety of gospel and country songs and her beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
The wonderful stage, provided by Diemer Construction of Tonkawa, was decorated by Gerri Cochrane Lemings and Altair Vasquez and family with straw bales, pumpkins and scarecrows using a
Fall Harvest and Western theme. D.J. Nasty Nate, Breanne Stevens, Rachel Crews, Maggie Shuemake, and Chad Harrell provided outstanding stage entertainment for all to enjoy.
Aimie Learned and Gerri Cochrane Lemings registered kids participating in the Cute Kid Revue.
Brown-Dugger Funeral Home provided sacks of goodies to each entrant.
The quilt show, organized by Regina Sharp, made its debut in the historic Bellmon Library Building. Over 100 old and modern quilts were displayed with the assistance of the Noble County Quilts of
Valor organization. Billings resident and War veteran, Willie Waggoner was presented a special Quilt of Valor during a surprise and emotionally touching presentation.
Kids had the opportunity to enjoy the Barrel Train Ride, Pumpkin Bowling, Egg toss, Sack Races, and a Gravitron ride. Other activities included the Mud Run, OBI Blood Mobile, Aqua Massage, Dr.
Renfrow Museum Rock House Tours, Pie and Cake Auction, and a wonderful Wheat Festival Parade, featuring Dale Herde, longtime resident, as Grand Marshall. Long time Billings resident Danny Ketts and son Matt of Enid, made their annual appearance in the parade driving their antique tractors as well as the Billings Police Department, and many vehicles from the Billings Volunteer Fire Department. Attendees also had over 50 vendor booths from which to view a wide variety of wares for sale, organized by Beth Bierig.
The Hay Bale Contest was filled with many doggone wonderful western themed entries. The large round bales were provided by Chris Odenwald and Tracy Silvey and prize money sponsored by
Blaser Bling of Garber. The competition was stiff and the winners selected were 1st Place – Melinda
Branson and McKayla Bohon with the Travel Trailer bale, 2nd – Fawnda Jarrett & Family with the
Outhouse bale, and 3rd – Colleen Pool & Family with Bull-riding Cowboy bale.
Beth Beirig,
