Who doesn’t love getting their face painted? This youngster was becoming a Jack-O-Lantern during the annual Columbus Day Festival. Photo by Neva Hiatt.

It was not uncommon for blacksmiths to accompany the army into battle as they made parts for guns, knives, swords, and other metal items for soldiers and encampments. During the recent re-enactment in Baxter Springs of Quantrill’s raid on Fort Blair Jim Friend, of Grove, Oklahoma brought his portable blacksmith shop to the battle site.

Bringing a colorful bunch of visitors to the Columbus Days celebration Monroe and Janet Neihart of Neihart Tours came to Columbus attired in balloon regatta dress. The Braddyville, Iowa tour spent the week-end in town. Monica Delmont, Chamber of Commerce Director, spent some time visiting with the couple. Courtesy photo.

A Conway, Arkansas couple renewed their wedding vows in the shovel of Big Brutus during the recent Big Iron Overland Rally. Chris and Amy Marlar exchanged vows with son Bryer Marlar and daughter Bethany Marlar attending the wedding in addition to the Big Iron crowd and Ryan “Rhino” Lieberman of the Big Iron staff performed the ceremony. Courtesy photo.