Pinehurst celebrates freedom
PINEHURST — Blue skies, smiles and American flags could be seen all weekend sprinkled throughout the streets of Pinehurst for the 52nd annual Pinehurst Days.
The Pinehurst/Kingston Lions organized the family-friendly weekend event, hosting old and new traditions for everyone to enjoy.
The festivities kicked off Friday evening with an eclectic array of vendors, a delicious BBQ Steak Dinner at the P/K lions building, and a movie on the lawn for families to enjoy at Real Life Ministries Silver Valley. Community members huddled together outside, enjoying free hot dogs and popcorn while enjoying the movie “Home on the Range.”
“It really was a great turnout, and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time,” said Bruce Rumpel, a member of the P/K Lions who has helped organize the event for years.
Saturday had a little bit of everything, beginning with a delectable breakfast at the P/K Lions club and an epic parade that lasted around 30 minutes. The parade featured floats, old cars, children riding their bikes, and participants throwing candy and free merch out to the crowd.
Saturday also held the annual BBQ Cook-Off and Golf Scramble at the Pinehurst Golf Course.
The ever-popular Comancheros Car Show was celebrated during Pinehurst Days as well, with many experienced and expert classic car owners showing off their stunning custom builds with fans young and old.
“We had at least 70 sponsors this year which gave out prizes, along with the ‘Best in Show’ award, and more. It was a great turnout and a great time,” said one of the car show organizers, Dave Maxwell.
As locals perused the vendor wares and adolescents practiced at the BMX Park, the popular Silver Valley band, Sverwood, rocked the crowd before everyone made their way to the dike road for the annual burnouts.
This year the crowd was massive, with many in attendance needing to stand, despite the added bleacher seating. Country music blared as rubber met the road with cars squealing and screeching down the stretch, some popping tires as they went. The burnouts were announced by Janelle Chacon and Brandon Church and were made possible thanks to Nick and Miranda Elam, and various others who volunteered their time.
“It was the best turnout for the burnouts yet,” said Miranda to the News-Press. “It was a great weekend.”
The winners for the burnouts received a variety of cash prizes, car washes and detail certificates, and more.
"Everyone who participated in the burnouts won something. Such a wonderful turnout for the whole weekend. It's so great to have something in Pinehurst all weekend," said Kattie Ross, who volunteered with the burnouts, "And it's only going to get bigger and better from here."
The following are winners from the various Pinehurst Days events. Not all results were reported to the New-Press before press time. The results will be updated in the online edition as they are received.
50/50 Gun Raffle Winners
American Flag 9 mm — Danielle Kindel
223 Diamond Back AR-15 — Tony Weschel
BURNOUT WINNERS:
First Place/Crowd Favorite: Chad Weeks
Two "first popped" tires:
Chad Weeks
Jimmy Kuykendall
Nicest Ride: Kyle Calabretta
Worst Ride: Alexander McCurdy
Most Creative: Nick Garcia
Longest Ride: Rodney Cochrane
BMX RACE WINNERS 2022:
3 and 4 years old
First Place: Paxton Louthan
Second Place: Radley Haynes
Third Place: Marcus Ross
5 years old
First Place: Kade Yergler
Second Place: Tyrus Louthan
Third Place: Waylon Jolley
6 and 7 years old
First Place: Ryden Haynes
Second Place: Oliver Beck
Third Place: Hudson Mitchell
8 years old
First Place: Gannon Farmin
Second Place: Jackson Flores
Third Place: Hunter Heebink
9 years old
First Place: Gavin Clapper
Second Place: Brodie Elam
11, 12, and 13 years old
First Place: Gracen Haynes
Second Place: Kashton Haynes
