By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

In a town the size of Lehigh, population 175, it takes a lot of effort from a few people to put on a community event.

At the annual Memorial Day Antique Engine Show, more than 300 meals were served and at least 40 antique tractors and several antique cars were on display.

The day was extremely windy and quite warm, but many people with ties to the community returned to visit with family and friends. Mayor David Terrell, his son Jason, and Ashley Sheraton organized the 1:30 p.m. parade.

“I think we had a few more tractors than normal this year,” Terrell said. “I appreciate everyone who came and participated.”

Motorcyclists from Canton led the parade as flag bearers.

Bryce York of Kansas City displayed at least 20 tractors, something he does every year. The tractors are stored in Lehigh. Goessel Tractor Club members drove 14 tractors from Goessel to Lehigh for the event.

Joyce Kessler, 74, and Norma Jean Wasemiller, 80, both of rural Lehigh, were in charge of the noon meal. Wasemiller prepared and served the meat along with her daughter, Sandy. Kessler prepared baked beans, bought supplies and other food items, and made more than 350 New Years cookies to serve at the event.

Several local women made pies. Other servers were Sharon Schutte, Kessler’s three sisters — Arlene Schale, Carol Geabhart, and Karen York — and Kessler’s granddaughter, Melanie Reed.

After expenses were covered, the city of Lehigh received $150 from meal receipts.

Kessler said she has been involved with the annual meal for years, off-and-on, since her children were in the now defunct Willing Workers 4-H Club in the mid-1970s and ’80s.

Kessler is not sure if she wants to continue being in charge of the meal. But, like many other volunteers in small communities, she said, “If they ask, I may do it again.”