Rain and mostly overcast skies didn’t dampen spirits in Ellsworth Saturday, and the annual celebration of the town’s history — Cowtown Days — proved successful once again.

Twenty minutes before parade time, a steady, light rain turned into a heavy downpour. Parade coordinator Melinda Cunningham took it all in stride as those gathered for the parade sought shelter under an awning or umbrella.

“If it rains a little bit, we’re all just gong to keep on truckin’,” she said.“But if there is lightning, we will cancel it because we certainly don’t want anyone to get hurt. We’ll just postpone it until it is safe to proceed.”

Cunningham said there were close to 70 entries in this year’s parade, which is five shy of 2018.

“We appreciate everyone who celebrates Ellsworth’s rich Cowtown history, both during the festival and throughout the year,” she said. “Many good people have worked hard over the years to preserve our roots. We should also be grateful for all those protecting this quality of life we enjoy and for those who look for opportunities for Ellsworth’s continued prosperity in the future.”

The rain didn’t stop spectators. At parade time, there were between 400 to 500 people lining the street, the temperature was 76 degrees and the sun could be seen through the clouds.

“It looks like it’s going to happen,” Cunningham said to Kenny Castor, parade announcer.

“It’s going to happen,” Castor responded.

One of the diehard parade-goers was Meredith Vargo of Kanopolis.

“I think we’re probably looking at a street full of optimists,” she said. “It takes more than a little rain to dampen our spirits.”

Emily Thomasson of Ellsworth said she is drawn to Cowtown Days by a sense of community and the chance to be with family and friends.

“And seeing my kids in the parade also,” she added.

After making their way down the parade route and back to the reviewing stand in a horse-drawn surrey, Kermit and Darlene Rush, the 2019 Cowtown Parade grand marshals, voiced their excitement, which was no less because of the rain.

“I knew it (the rain) was going to happen this morning, but I’m glad it quit now,” Kermit said.

The couple was joined by their daughters, Beth Wagner and Tracy Wacker. The Rushes said they were honored to be grand marshals of their favorite event of the celebration.

Cowtown Days also received compliments from others.

“It’s a great town and a great event,” said musician Scott Helmer, as he dried out his equipment in preparation for his Saturday afternoon performance on the Cowtown Plaza.“Small town USA is the best place to be.”

Helmer, who performed at last year’s Cowtown Days, said he tours all over America from coast to coast and does about 100 shows a year.

“I’m from the Midwest, so it’s always great to come back and see what the heart of America is.”

Helmer said his Friday night performance was delayed 30 minutes by rain.

“It’s not most conducive for the rock ‘n roll show and the electronics, but we’re going to get through it and have a good time,” he said.

Helmer said he’d like to come back to Ellsworth next year.

“If they want me back, I’m here,” he said.

Veronica Kyler of Kanopolis was another spectator who said she wasn’t going to let a little rain keep her from enjoying Cowtown Days.

“It’s kind of exciting — and this is a nice parade this year,” she said. “We thought about staying home, but the kids got me out here.”

Kyler said her favorite part of the annual Cowtown Days is the re-enactment of the “Shooting of Sheriff Whitney.”

“Everybody likes that,” she said. “It kind of brings back the old Cowtown Days flavor. When you see the horses and the cowboy stuff, that’s kind of neat.”

Alice Robson of Ellsworth said this year’s Cowtown Days celebration was totally different.

“It’s been fun to have it cool and rainy,” she said.“The crowd is having a good time.”

“The weather turned out perfect and it’s nice and cool — one of the coolest days we’ve had, so it’s been a wonderful event,” said Kathy Carreon of Ellsworth.

Carreon said her favorite part of Cowtown Days is watching the children enjoy themselves.

“And I love that Ellsworth High School Band,” she added.“They’re just getting better every year.”

As she waited for the Shooting of Sheriff Whitney to begin, Lori Most of Ellsworth said it was her favorite part. In fact, she noted history was the main reason she attends each year.

Taylor Long of Gypsum and Chelsey Most of Ellsworth found this year’s Cowtown Days celebration “enjoyable.”

Long, who was attending his first Cowtown Days celebration, said he wasn’t sure it was going to happen given the rain.

Most and Long said their favorite part of the celebration was the El-Kan Western Riders Rodeo, which they attended Friday night.

“It was fun,” Most said.

Just as the “Soiled Doves” performed their last dance routine at the close of the “Shooting of Sheriff Whitney,” a sudden — yet brief — downpour interrupted activities.

Down at Cowtown Plaza, Dru Richard, treasurer for the National Drovers Hall of Fame, said the organization’s annual beer garden sold roughly the same amount — and perhaps a little bit more — than last year.

“Saturday afternoon was a good afternoon for us,” Richard said.

Ellsworth Police Chief Emil Halfhill said Cowtown Days was uneventful from a law enforcement perspective.

“It was very, very quiet,” he said. “Which is what we want.”

Halfhill said a child became briefly separated from his parents Saturday at the rodeo, but that was quickly resolved.

Cowtown parade results announced

The results of the 2019 Cowtown Days Parade were as follows:

• Non-profit — Ellsworth County Historical Society military wagon, first; American Legion Riders, second; Kanopolis Fire Department, third.

• Commercial — Oak Creek Chiropractic, first; Kirkham Michael, second; Ellsworth Golf Course, third.

• Youth — Ellsworth Bearcat Marching Band, first; Ellsworth Tumble, Dance Cheer, second; Ellsworth FFA, third.

• People’s Choice – Buggy carrying Abe Lincoln, Pat and Sandra Ponton, first; Harvest Bible Church, second; Reba Necked, third.