Mayor honored as parade Grand Marshal

Rector Mayor Ron Kemp

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He was selected for the honor by the Woodland Heights Cemetery Commission.

"I want to thank the cemetery commission for honoring me with this," Kemp said. "I think it's a really nice honor. I also appreciate them asking me to have my three granddaughters ride with me. They're very excited about being part of the parade."

Kemp will lead the parade through town, arriving at Memorial Park, the site of the annual picnic. The park is a centerpiece for the city and something the mayor has worked hard to improve and maintain during his time in office.

"I'm proud of a lot of the improvements made at the park over the years," he said. "Everything from paving the streets and creating the walking trail to installing new lights, developing the playground and, of course, the new restrooms built a couple of years ago, which have helped make our park what it is today."

The community center also is a big attraction during the celebration, hosting numerous class and family reunions and the Labor Day Picnic luncheon. Kemp served as chairman for the committee which worked to create the center.

Kemp is quick to point out that improvements at Memorial Park have been a group effort. The cemetery commission has worked hard to maintain and improve the park's stage and many stands.

"I can't say enough about the work done by the cemetery commission and our parks and recreation commission," Kemp said. "They have been instrumental in improving the overall conditions of the park. I definitely think it's one of the nicest city parks you'll find in a town this size anywhere."

While many other smalltown events seem to have slowed a bit in recent years, Kemp is quick to point out the Rector Labor Day Picnic remains strong, attracting thousands of former residents and other visitors each year.

"I believe we've been able to continue to have such success with the picnic in large part due to the efforts of the people in our community. We've been able to maintain our volunteers over the years. That's what makes it successful."

The desire to be involved in community efforts, as well as the strong connection felt by many former residents, has been of great benefit to the city, and in turn, those who make their home in Rector.

"Really, the Labor Day Picnic has grown into more of a Labor Day Weekend," Kemp said. "There are more activities like the Helping Hands auction, the Rector High School Hall of Fame ceremony and all the reunions. There are so many things that everyone looks forward to that happen around Labor Day."

Kemp thinks the popularity of the many events with former residents is a key component to their continued success, as well as part of the basis for additional activities and programs.

"I think it's something that makes Rector unique. People coming back as often as they do helps keep a lot of those former residents interested and vested in the community. I think you can see that through things like the Helping Hands Foundation and the veterans memorial. There are so many people that have kept an allegiance to the community, and that's kept them coming back."

The 2010 Labor Day Picnic will be the 34th Kemp and his wife, Nancy, have celebrated with the community since moving to Rector following their purchase of the Democrat from the Crow family in 1977. In those years, the couple has left their stamp on the event, providing extensive coverage in the paper, as well as lending a hand through volunteering.

"Like the Crows before us, we're proud to record the tradition of the Labor Day Picnic for the newspaper. We both enjoy looking back at the photos of past picnics. Nancy's been a big part of that and deserves credit for all that she's done."

Over the last few years, Kemp said he has been "recruited" by Butch French to work in one of the food stands. He said he has enjoyed this and plans to continue doing so in the future.

The connection between the picnic and Woodland Heights Cemetery is vital since the event is the main fundraiser for the cemetery. Because Woodland Heights holds a connection for so many people in the area, the upkeep of the cemetery has remained an area of pride for both the cemetery commission and the city.

"There's no question we have the best cemetery anywhere for a town this size," Kemp said. "The roads in the cemetery have all been paved, and that's been a great improvement. Everyone involved with the cemetery has done a great job in making it what it is today."

Though Kemp will not seek re-election, he plans to remain active in the community. He currently is serving as president of the Rector Lions Club, is heavily involved in the Rector Area Chamber of Commerce and is working as part of the committee to create the veterans memorial.