Feathers Impresses State Fair Audience

Bob DeLancey and Holly Burton Work on the Float

Feathers, the Lamar Chamber of Commerce Honker’s mascot and the largest goose decoy in the world, received a third place plaque under ‘Community Entries’ in the August 27^th State Fair Parade in Pueblo.  Feathers was decorated in flowing garland and colored ribbons to match this year’s parade theme, “Festival of Colors”.

Vic Coberly Has His Hands Full

Terri Kallish, Events Coordinator for the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, remarked to the Honkers, how glad they were to see the decoy from Lamar and Prowers County back in the parade line-up after an absence of several years. That statement was confirmed by those members who made the weekend trip to Pueblo for the two and a half hour event.  Honker President, Holly Burton, and newer members said they were really surprised at how many attendees were yelling out, “Hey thanks, Lamar for coming out” or “Look, the goose is back!”  A lot of youngsters, who had never seen such a large goose before were happily amazed at its size.  That was also the case for several passers-by who either slowed down to get a closer look at Feathers, or pulled in to the motel parking lot for a quick selfie, while the Honkers were preparing for the first round of decorations on Friday evening.

At the Recent Sand and Sage Parade

A lot of entries arrive at their parade line-up downtown early on Saturday morning, as they have to be ready to go once the judges roll by on golf carts for a quick inspection of each participating float. Once that’s done, usually by around 8am, it’s ‘sit and wait’ until the parade gets moving through downtown Pueblo, usually by 10am.

If the Honkers manage to raise enough funds for a goose make-over this year, a brand new Feathers is expected to be in the 2017 state fair parade. The current covering; matting, carpet and some fading paint over a solid foam and rebar body, is starting to feel the effects of age and weathering after about 30 or so years.  So the Honkers want to give the goose an updated look for the next time she’s on display.  This year, the Honkers purchased new tires for the trailer, replacing the old ones.  “There was no way we could have towed the trailer to Pueblo on the old ones,” explained Honker Vic Coberly.  The Honkers are devising several fund-raising events to pay for the cost on the decoy’s refurbish project, but there is no deadline set to give her a new look, just whenever funds are available.  (The Pueblo Chieftain newspaper conducted an interview with the Honkers and several snapshots and a short streaming video of the decoy are on that newspaper’s website.-Editor)

By Russ Baldwin