The City of Mapleton was buzzing with activity over the weekend. Saturday started off with the Annual City of Mapleton Auction and Draft Horse Pull, which were held in the Roy A. Shields Mapleton Community Arena.
The auction, which consisted of numerous items donated by area merchants, helped to raise funds for the newly-constructed arena and also reimbursed the horse pullers for their participation in the draft horse pull. The auction was under the direction of Marty Reed Auction Service, Mound City.
"The auction was a bigger success than in previous years, and everyone enjoyed the evening's activities," said Mapleton Mayor Mike Hueston. "The evening wouldn't have been possible without the donations from area merchants, the buyers, the eight horse pull teams and the community's support."
The draft horse pull consisted of eight teams of draft horses, each with their own driver, competing to pull the heaviest amount of weight on a sled the furthest distance. The total amount of weight on the sled at the end of the event was approximately 6000 pounds over the teams beginning weight. Winners were: first place, Terry Ellis, Iola; second place, Howard Ford, Archie, Mo.; and third place, Merle Beckman, Mound City. Other participants included: Grant Robinson, Galesburg; Kendall Hutton, Welda; Becky Deihl, McCune; Gary Hall, Redfield; and Lloyd Wiley, Fort Scott.
Concessions during Saturday's activities at the arena were operated by the City of Mapleton and community volunteers. Proceeds from the concessions were to benefit the annual Mapleton Fourth of July event. Members of the Mapleton Saddle Club offered their services by helping clean up after the event.
Prior to the evening's activities the Mapleton Community of Christ Church held their annual Fall Festival with a potluck meal and a Bazaar with numerous items to purchase. Mapleton Red Hat Society members also had several activities during the weekend.
"The entire weekend was a tremendous success," said Hueston. "And I hope that everyone will return to Mapleton for the events again next year."
For more information on upcoming events in the City of Mapleton, visit the Mapleton's city website at www.jansl.com/mapleton.
