Near perfect weather for Basin’s Lilac Days

Over and over attendees at Lilac Days last weekend exclaimed how lovely the weather was. The moderate temps and sunny skies made for a great outdoor event.
Viki Davis was crowned the 2024 Lilac Queen.  
Some of the things written about her on nomination forms:
“She has her hand in about every project going…with a smile and a willing heart.”
“From mental health organizations to weddings. She is always willing and so very helpful.”
“She volunteers for many things.”
According to her daughters, Davis was very involved when it came to their school functions. She was also active in a woman’s club and hosted many dinner parties for her husband. The family moved from Wapiti in the early 1980s.
Eight beautiful babies vied for this year’s Lilac Baby. Lydia Kumor won craziest hair. Arlyn Thomas was awarded biggest smile. The award for most talkative went to Lily Bidleman. Lenox Simoneau had the toothiest grin. Most bashful was Ezri Thomas. The biggest eyes medal went to Alicen Burr. Kayden Gesch was the biggest snuggler. Funniest faces and Lilac Baby was won by Phoebe Brewer, daughter of Ellen Brewer and Jared Eaton. Proud grandparents in attendance were Roxanne and Bob Brewer.  Phoebe’s favorite thing to do is jump like a frog. Her older brother is Oliver.  
Vincent Kohen took home the prize for the biggest fish at the town’s free fishing day.  Councilman Brent Godfrey and
Stuart DesRosier handed out free fishing poles to the kids.  The poles were donated by North Platte Walleye Unlimited of Casper.
Many kids showed up for the Basin Police Department bike rodeo. Chief Kyle McClure thanked Medley Farm, Brandi’s Candies, TCT, Mountain Mechanic and Big Horn Co-op for sponsoring.  
The Friday night Man in Tan concert had many concert-goers dancing in their seats. Some even stood up and danced in the grass. The Man has already committed to give the Lilac Day Friday concert in 2025. Cody Regional Health and Basin Arts Center sponsored the concert.
No one signed up for the Lilac Princess contest, so the crowd was treated to a lyrical dance by Wyoming Mini Elegant Miss Queen Jordyn. She is the daughter of Lola and Mathew Stamstad. Jordyn and last year’s Lilac Princess. Claire Stulc helped hand out the baby contest medals.
No one left Lilac Days hungry or thirsty.  Between the Basin First Baptist free breakfast, Wing It food truck and Haley’s Concessions, food and drink were a plenty.
The car show was the biggest yet since it was added to Lilac Days. No prizes were awarded. Drivers hung out and revved their cars’ engines for hours.
The Big Horn County Fire District 2 firetruck was a big hit with the kids, as were the Club Dauntless cornhole boards and The SHACK sumo wrestling suits.
The Basin Rec cornhole tournament was won by Amber and Shawn Christopherson. The Gottsche 5K run/walk had 19 runners/walkers. First place went to Conner Hoyt, second to Timothy Brown and third to Cole Wisehart.
Like last year, Bret Savage provided music and comedy on Saturday during the event.
Former Lilac Queen Jennifer Miller said she was impressed by the turnout and the variety of things to do, remarking “There was everything but the kitchen sink.”
Chamber VP Susan Wynn said it is one of her favorite events as the community comes together and the sponsors/local businesses can always be counted on.  
Lilac Days sponsors were Big Horn REA, Security State Bank, TCT, Big Horn Co-op, and Queen Bee Gardens.