Alva Review-Courier -

In the wee hours Monday morning when you are sleeping, volunteers in black aprons will be up getting ham and beans cooking in oversized black caldrons so they'll be ready to serve the traditional meal free to the crowd in Progress Park at noon.

Welcome to Kiowa's Labor Day celebration. It's a place where you can rest from your labors for the weekend. Many Kiowa residents do anything but rest on this busy weekend.

Some who have not rested for weeks are members of Kiowa's Historical Society. That group has transformed the former RSI Building at 6th and Main into the Kiowa School Museum. You must see the displays of vintage collectibles from Kiowa High School and also from South Barber High School they've assembled. It's really an amazing collection that most ages will enjoy perusing.

Although all the displays are not yet finished, there's a school room with an American flag, a hospital room, a business room, etc. There are large maps of the U.S, the world and an Indian Territory map.

A talented wood crafter and retired industrial arts teacher at South Barber, Mike McGinley is making a case to display panel pictures. The museum is transforming into a show place.

The new school museum will be open Saturday from at least 2 to 4 p.m. Then it will be open Sunday after the All-School Reunion Banquet at the community building. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner served at 6:30. See the museum after that. Entertainment at the banquet is South Barber graduate Dan Gillig's men's group "Joyful Music."

Run or Walk in the Labor Day 5K

If you are a runner or a walker, don't miss participating in Kiowa's 36th Annual 5K Race and Fun Run. If you are not already registered, you may do so Monday morning from 6:30 to 8. Race headquarters are at Kiowa's Community Building. The First State Bank crew is there to assist you as race sponsors.

While Kent McBrayer is founder of the race, he is phasing himself out. He said the race is in the capable hands of Melissa Rector and Melissa Simpson.

Car Show, Softball, Volleyball

Saturday the Duck Soup Invitational Softball Tournament starts at 9 a.m. On Sunday sand volleyball begins at 10 a.m. in the park. The Car Show always features some beauties. It's Sunday in Progress Park from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Labor Day Park Activities

See the Kiowa Chamber of Commerce ad in this Newsgram for all the details of activities in Kiowa's Progress Park.

There's lots of food and the traditional Bingo and Calk Walk. Children will like the inflatables and there are games galore.