The 2004 Britt Hobo gathering officially kicked off on
Thursday August 12th at the Fire Lighting Ceremony under reigning 2003 King
Spike and Queen Mama JO. Redbird Express explained the story and led the
salute to the Four Winds.
Linda & Mary JO Hughes received recognition
for their outstanding work in support of the Hobo Community from 2003 King Spike
& Queen Mama JO.
The Hobo musicians entertained the large crowd with a
variety of songs. Hobo musicians playing in 2004 were Stoney Footwalker, Graincar Geo,
Danville Dan, Backwoods Jack,
Luther
the Jet, Road Hog USA, Larry Penn, Serenity, Sunrise, Grandpa
Dudley, Bassman Ken, Captain Dingo, Ohio Tom, Baloney Kid, Isaac & Trief,
Lonesome Dave, Taz, and Iron Horse Brad.
The Hoboes and others convened at the Evergreen Cemetery to
pay their respects to the Hoboes buried in previous years and to attend this
year's ceremonies for Derail, Spaceman John and Shotdown Wills. A VFW Color Guard
was in attendance also.
The Texas Madman presided over the ceremonies
and tribute speakers were Dante, Frog, Lakeshore Charlie, and Minneapolis
Jewel. A group hobo picture followed the cemetery services.
Mary JO's Hobo House was swamped on Friday afternoon for The
Ladies Tea. Seating was arranged for 80 ladies, however approximately 120
wild women attended this popular event. Slo Freight Ben won 1st place for the
Ugliest Hat while Alberta Stevenson of Britt won the Oldest Hat (1800's), and Lady
Sonshine won for the best Theme Hat.
Minneapolis Jewel served as MC
while the Ladies were served cookies & tea by Graincar Geo, Grandpa Dudley,
Hobo Spike, and Adman. Baloney Kid led the group in song with 'You Are My
Sunshine' and 'Rock My Soul'. Due to the large turnout, Minneapolis Jewel
said that a larger place would be selected for 2005.
Connecticut
Shorty, Mama JO, Blue Moon, Come On Pat, Bo Lump,
NY Maggie, MAD Mary, Slo Freight Ben, Nightingale, and Minneapolis Jewel
collected $1,550 during the Queen's Drive for the Museum Fund!
Duane and Joyce provided a great meal in the jungle of meat
loaf, salad, and corn on the cob. In addition, there was a huge turnout
Friday evening at the Hobo Jungle for entertainment and the crowd was also
witness for an exchange of vows. Henry Goetz and Sylvia Carter of Clear
Lake, Iowa exchanged rings, and vows, and celebrated their Hobo Union while a
train passed alongside the jungle for added good luck.
Saturday brought a flurry of activity as the Hoboes finished
decorating their floats and worked on the various campaigns for King and
Queen. While the competition was intense, the candidates remained civil
and cordial to each other. No mudslinging or dirty tricks were observed
within the hobo campaigns.
The only blemish during this Saturday morning was
Grandpa's attempt to string up Ohio Tom. It seems that Grandpa remains
upset at the beating he received in Baldwin City from Ohio Tom. This feud
has continued throughout the states of Mississippi, Kansas, and now into Iowa.
When asked to explain himself, Grandpa stated, "It's against the law for a
Michigander to associate with a Buckeye."
Ohio Tom seems to take it
all in stride, but I noticed that Tom camps in seclusion and keeps his back
against a wall.
Grandpa was assisted by his buddy, Peewaukee John in
attempting to drag Ohio Tom over to the hanging tree. It was particularly
alarming that Grandpa recruited an innocent young bystander, Anthoula Vlachos of
Ukiah, CA to participate. Talk about corrupting our youth! Anthoula
was intimidated and said she was afraid to refuse the elderly Minister. Anthoula's 
mother
along with Redbird and
Roadkill intervened and put an end to the hanging. After being
briefed on Grandpa's latest escapade, MAD Mary was observed giving the Elder
Dudley a good tongue lashing. Grandpa quietly removed his hat and took a
seat, although I don't think this will be the end of the feud.
The parade took place on a beautiful clear day and included
horses, tractors, bands, cars, fire engines, and a number of floats.
Even
Iowa Blackie was observed hitching a ride on a float. Collinwood Kid, king
of dumpster divers, had the most appropriate float. The city of Britt served
Mulligan Stew to a large crowd immediately after the parade.
The stew is prepared
by 25 Britt volunteers each year. The serious business of electing the
2004 King & Queen selection was then set into motion. After a count
& a recount
, the Hobo Judging Committee announced that
the 2004 Queen was
Sunrise and the 2004 King was Adman. Other Queen candidates were Half
Track, Lady Sonshine, and MS Charlotte. King candidates were Graincar Geo,
Captain Dingo, and Dante. After the coronation, the 2004 King & Queen
posed for numerous photographs and were congratulated by a throng of well
wishers. Hobo King Adman & Hobo Queen Sunrise took over their reign
Saturday evening at the jungle with official dubbings.
2004 National Hobo Convention - another successful year.
CLICK HERE to see MORE 2004 pictures
at Britt
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page added August 17, 2004
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