LUSK – The sounds of laughter and the smells of food vendors echoed down Second Street toward Main as people strolled around the parking lot and the small park next to the town store. In other words, typical carnival sights and sounds. What was not typical was the fact that all proceeds went to a non-profit organization and local heroes and helpers were being honored. The annual EMS Carnival is a combination of community appreciation and the opportunity for the county to show their support for the local ambulance service and all the volunteers who do for the county.
Numerous vendors, fun booths and contests were held on Saturday, August 27th for the enjoyment and fun of all who attended. $25 covered an all-day pass to the carnival for the house, booths and ample activities.
Krista Gulley, Duke Lashmett, Jeanine Carpenter, Amber Buchanan, John Eddy and Barb Finley were all honored for their contributions and support of emergency services in Niobrara County.
The carnival students had a shot at drenching the new Sheriff, Randy Starkey in the pit tank along with Police Chief Bo Krein.
Corn hole tournament winners were Alex Miller and Adam Dickson with Chris Haws and Randy in second and Jerry Miller and Trey Eichenberg in third.
Saturday’s auction of numerous donated items brought in $6,965. Raffle winners were Tom Wasserburger for the quilt, Kinsey Keller on the soap basket, Jeptha Willoughby on the wine basket and the custom gnome will go home with Kodi Smith.
Lusk Emergency Medical Services is staffed by volunteer EMTs who are responsible for their own training and education costs. The carnival is held to help defray these costs, as well as purchase equipment for the service and improve opportunities for EMTs. After the live auction at 5 p.m., attendees danced the night away to Nate Smith and the Caddywhompus Band.
