Sack races have been held for 31 years on the 4th of July

By FRANK PHILLIPS
frankphi@hotmail.com
What would the 4th of July be without sack races? Thanks to John Thomas, Clay County residents haven’t had to face a sack race-less 4th of July for decades.
For the 31st year, Thomas sponsored sack races on the 4th of July at Forest Park. Each year he supplies cash prizes as an incentive to the participants.
A total of $77 was awarded in various races this year:
• Ages 7 and younger: 1st-Taylor Phillippe, Terre Haute, 2nd-Briana Steadman, Brazil, 3rd- Callie Steadman, Brazil
• Ages 9 and younger: 1st-Grace Geswein, Carbon, 2nd-Matthew Phegley, Brazil and 3rd-Gabi Sappington, Terre Haute
• Ages 11 and younger: 1st-Kayla Harrington, Brazil, 2nd-McKenzi Kumpf, Brazil, 3rd-Madalyn Hayes, Avon, Ind.
• Ages 13 and younger: 1st-Whitney Dickison, Brazil, 2nd-Justin Tallman, Brazil, 3rd-Loren Anderson, Brazil
• Ages 15 and younger (two races): (1st race) 1st-Jordan Nelson, Brazil, 2nd-Josh Hoskins, Brazil, 3rd-Travis Thompson, Brazil; (2nd race) 1st-Jessica Tallman-Brazil, 2nd-Taylor Mikles-Brazil and 3rd-Brett Maesch-Brazil.
John’s special helpers were Nick and Jennifer French.