Another May Day in the books

GARFIELD - Families and community members gathered along California Street as an announcer declared who was walking through the Saturday, May 18, May Day annual parade.

The second day of the festivities started out with the kids parade, locals could be seen riding down the street on four wheelers and walking with colorful costumes.

Following the kids, were Whitman County Garfield Fire District 3 fire trucks. One engine shot a stream of water out over the street. Ambulances from Whitman County Hospital District 2, Garfield-Farmington-Belmont-Elberton, followed behind.

Local business Garfield Meats, with owners Robbie and Annie Riedinger, made their way with a giant float with kids Harper Buckles, Easton Riedinger, Ella Riedinger and Ember Riedinger dressed up as farm animals. Garfield Meats manager Jonathan Stiles tossed candy into the crowd.

Grand Marshall Pat Pfaff made an appearance distributing candy to a crowd of children, who ran to grab handfuls.

Several elected officials running for office came through the parade, followed by the Garfield-Palouse marching band, and the Vikotics team with their robot.

After the parade community members explored the vendors and enjoyed one another's company.

For Kayla's Kandies, LLC, it was the new business's first event that they had done. "It's a lot of fun, so far," said Kayla Martin, 29, of Palouse, "People have been really welcoming."

The library had a display of books for sale with Garfield Library Branch Manager, Sara Anderson managing the booth.

Board members of the non-profit association Garfield-Palouse Athletic Club (GPAC), Vanessa Moore and Holly Hall sold baked goods and gear sporting the Vikings logo to support local kindergarten through eighth grade sports.

"It's a good community event for the local organizations to support each other," said Moore of May Day.

Ruck for the Fallen had a booth again this year. "Garfield always treats us amazing. It's a hero loving community," Ruck organizer Marletta Sisak said, adding that they will be in Garfield in the fall for their annual ruck.

Sisak encourages everyone to go check out the Ruck for the Fallen Facebook page and show up to the fall event.

Garfield's Spice Lady, Betty Walden, has been selling her spices to the Garfield community for four years. "Flavor is the spice of life," she said, adding that everybody is supportive and loves her stuff.

Kids could be seen touring the Whitman County Hospital District 2 ambulance. Local EMS explained the different parts, as across the way a massive line of people stood to get food from the Lion's Club truck.

Games took place by the Garfield Christian Fellowship Church with a bucket and sandbag toss, and a game to spin to win candy.

The day of camaraderie and family fun wrapped up around 2 p.m.