Kiowa hosts 38th Annual Pioneer Days, flea market and food truck show

“All my rowdy friends have settled down,” Kiowa cowboy John Miller said in his slow drawl with a big grin. It was his rowdy friends that were part of the first surprise roping and bull dogging event his wife Bev planned for him to celebrate his 40th birthday. The event evolved into Kiowa's Pioneer Days with lots of community involvement that's endured through 2023.

Get ready for some old-fashioned fun in Kiowa this Saturday, April 22. The weather forecast looks inviting with a high temperature of 63 degrees and zero chance of rain. That's great for the parade and steer wrestling, but it's more devastating news for this part of the country that's in a drought. Miller said he's ordering three inches of rain for that day despite the festivities.

The day starts with a hearty breakfast at the Masonic Lodge from 6 to 10 a.m. Don't miss all the delectables at the Historical Society Bake Sale at the museum on Main Street. From 10a.m. to 2 p.m. you'll find a flea market and food trucks (Tacos Choparro and Yum Truck 56) and lots of vendors lining the downtown sidewalks.

The big Pioneer Days Parade starts at 10:30. Known for the cattle drive down Main Street, the parade always has some surprises. “Through the years we've had world champion cowboys drive steers down Main Street like Mickey Gee and Joel Edmundson,” Miller said.

Immediately following is the skit at the corner of 7th and Main Street. Donna Williams researched and wrote the skit entitled “Hard Beginnings” that is a factual celebration for 150 years of Kiowa. Last year they had some technical issues and think that is resolved. Donna said this is her last year to organize the skit. She's passing the torch down to the younger generation.

The steer wrestling begins at 1 p.m. at Miller's Arena on the southeast edge of Kiowa. Entry is three for $250 with added prize money. The Barber County Shrine has concessions at the arena. The public is is invited to come out and watch.

Miller said at the steer wrestling Kody and Katt Scheck are a big help, with Kody as the flagger and Katt as the rodeo secretary. He thanks Garrett Lohmann for being in charge of the steers and a fundraiser; and Daniel Lambert and his wife who head the arena crew. Miller said his old cowboy friend Bill Bailey from Medicine Lodge has been here every year to help with the barrier.

The day concludes with a dance at The Plum Thickett. Miller, also known as the guitar strummin' singin' cowboy, will be joined by local Doug Swonger and possibly his buddy Pake McEntire (Reba's brother). Miller said Kiowa Mayor Bill Watson agreed to sing a Roger Miller favorite.

Tom Wells Parade Marshall

Miller asked Kiowa man Tom Wells to be parade marshal this year. Many know Wells as a painter in Kiowa. In fact Miller and Wells met when Wells came to town in 1980 to paint equipment at Kiowa Service, a John Deere dealership. “We worked together many years,” Miller said.

What many in town may not know about their city councilmember Wells is that he was raised in England, the oldest of six children. He explained his dad was from Pennsylvania and his mom was from England. They met in World War II. Wells was born in New Jersey and then the family moved back to England where he was raised.

His first job was as a butcher in England. The family came to America in 1965 and lived at Niagara Falls. He got drafted in 1968 and served in the Army and was in food service at Ft. Riley, Kansas. In 1971 Wells' son Thomas was born and he quit being a meat cutter and painted full time. He also has a daughter, Kristen. He painted oil rigs, wind farms and lots more. At John Deere, Wells painted tractors and combines. He eventually went to work for Humphrey Implement.

“Ironically, I'm in their old building,” Wells said. An independent painter since 1971, Wells opened his business, Wells Paint Service, in the Humphrey building in 2012. He met his wife Stacy in Kiowa.

Of being parade marshal,Wells said, “I'm honored John asked me. I take a low profile – this is unlike me.”