30 November 2009
Lawrence, KS – In 1983 John Palmquist couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw the broken down carriage
in the ditch on his farm. “All of the iron work was there but the wood had completely rotted away,”
stated Palmquist, a former cabinetmaker from Stanton, Iowa. John and his wife Charlotte purchased
the land the surrey was found on in 1978. “We think the surrey was left there by the decedents of the
first owners of the farm, probably in the 1940s,” Palmquist continued. The surrey is an 1895 vintage and
a very high style rig of its time.
Retired from farming, John took on the job of restoring the surrey to its former splendor. Working in
his shop, he used wood produced by his own sawmill. He hired an Amish community in Ohio to built
new wheels to fit the original hubs and bearings. Another Amish group in Jamesport Missouri covered
the fenders with patent leather, upholstery and patent leather dashboard to John’s exacting standards.
Jennifer Hansen, a close friend from Clarinda, Iowa and owner of the team of horses that pulls the
surrey, also participated in the restoration project. The entire project took six months and cost the
Palmquists about $3,000. “We are looking forward to bringing our rig to the Lawrence Parade this year.
It will be wonderful opportunity to show off this beautiful surrey,” stated John.
Hitch Wagon from Inauguration Parade
In the spring of 2008 Werner Wagon Works, owned by Don and Connie Werner, of Horton, Kansas,
was contracted by McCrossan Boys Ranch of Sioux Falls South Dakota to build a “show hitch wagon”,
a 12 foot long by 65” wide horse-drawn wagon, built for show or commercial use. Late in 2008, the ranch
was selected from over 1200 entries to participate in President Obama’s Inauguration Parade, with a
group of boys riding in the hitch wagon, drawn by a team of 6 Belgian horses.
The McCrossan Ranch for Boys was founded in 1948 to create a home where at risk boys could find
“new hope for a better life.” The hitch wagon is a critical part of that mission, according to Ranch
spokesperson Troy Geis. “Our hitch wagon program is a big part of not only how we market what we do
with young people, but is an integral part of our therapeutic program as well. We are looking forward to
bringing the boys and the new hitch wagon to downtown Lawrence. We’ve heard so much about the
parade, and it will be a wonderful learning experience for the boys,” continued Geis.
The Lawrence Christmas Parade takes place on December 5th parade at 11 a.m. and travels down
Massachusetts Avenue south from 7th Street to 12th Street.
Major Sponsors are the Wells Fargo Advisors and the City of Lawrence. Gold Sponsors include the
Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, the Kern Group, Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau, Willis
Insurance, The World Company, Kennedy Glass, Eldridge Hotel, Buffalo Bobs, Zarco 66 and Bradley
Farms.
6 November 2009
Hank Booth Interviews Connie Werner on KLWN, 1320 AM
on According to the Record show on the road at the Eldridge
5 November 2009
OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS PARADE TO FEATURE
AMES EIGHT-HORSE HITCH
One of the nation's premier horse-drawn holiday parades will be featuring its
newest and grandest entry: The Ames Percheron Farm eight-horse hitch.
The farm is a division of Ames Construction, Inc. of Burnsville, Minnesota.
The family-owned and operated, heavy construction company continues a family
tradition with Percheron horses dating back 130 years.
Acting as ambassadors for Ames Construction, the Ames Percheron Farm’s
eight-horse hitch represents the work ethic and integrity that the family continues
to promote. Ames Construction operations include airports, roads, bridge
building, heavy civil mining as well as residential and golf communities.
The Ames hitch of dapple gray geldings can be seen making appearances
throughout the United States and Canada at parades, shows and exhibitions.
Travis Shaw is the manager and trainer, assisted by Randy Riemer and
Tim Sparrow.
“This eight horse hitch will be the largest hitch ever in our 17 year history!”
says Philip Bradley, parade chair. “We are excited that we are able to
host this spectacular hitch in Lawrence for the children of all ages attending
the parade.” “We cherish all our local and regional entries, over 70 so far,
and know they enjoy seeing this large national show rig as much as
we will!” Bradley continued.
This year's Old Fashioned Christmas Parade is on Saturday, December 5,
starting at 11am. Admission is free. The parade runs along Massachusetts
Street from, 7th to 13th, in downtown Lawrence. Santa Claus will be
the parade's grand finale.
11 October 2009
Organizers Call on Community to Support 16-Year Tradition
Click Here
8 October 2009
Organizers of Annual Christmas Parade Call for Community Volunteers
Click Here
5 December 2008
LJWorld.com Photo Gallery: 2008 Lawrence Christmas Parade
Click Here
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