Essex Labor Day adds bull riding to its events

While the majority of community celebrations have come and gone for the summer, the final touches are taking place for the annual Essex Labor Day celebration. This year’s theme is, “Cowboy Boots and Small Town Roots.” Essex has been holding a Labor Day celebration since 1910.

Sam and Becki Jones, longtime residents of Essex, valuable members of Essex Fire and Rescue, active supporters of the Essex community and Johnson Locker owners, will serve as 2019 Grand Marshals.

In addition to the ever-popular annual festivities, such as the parade, baby show, ice cream social, and all-school reunion, there are new events and the return of a few activities. A co-ed sand volleyball tournament, doubles horseshoe tournament, bags tournament, and small petting zoo are on the schedule, as well as a street dance featuring Tyler Folkerts & the Double Barrel Band on main street.

Prior to the street dance at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, in the demolition derby arena, the Extreme Bull Riding Tour by Double S Bull Company, LLC will take place. The Extreme Bull Riding Tour is the same as those held in Red Oak and Clarinda, owned and operated by Shad Smith of Sidney. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for those 5 and under.

The demolition derby, an old mainstay at the community event, has added several new classes, similar to the derbies in Red Oak and Bedford, in order to appeal to more participants. The derby takes place after the parade at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2. Tickets for the derby are $10 at the gate or $7 at O’Reilly Auto Parts in Shenandoah until Sept. 2.

For a complete listing of Essex Labor Day events, or to register for an event, go to essexiowa.com.