121st National Hobo Convention returns after year hiatus

The 121st National Hobo Convention and the coinciding Hobo Days festival in Britt are set to take place this weekend; it’s been a long two years since an official gathering has taken place in Britt.

The following are some of the highlights of festivities that will take place this weekend:

The official beginning of the convention will take place on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Hobo Jungle with the Official Fire Lighting and Four Winds Ceremony, followed by entertainment.

The Little Miss Britt pageant will also take place on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the City Park Gazebo.  

On Wednesday, Aug. 11, there will be hobo activities for children at the hobo jungle from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and a Golf Cart Parade will take place on Main Ave at 6:30 p.m.

Friday will begin at 9 a.m. with the Hobo Memorial Service at Evergreen Cemetery which takes place every year.

At 11:30 a.m., the Hobo Art Gallery next to the Old Bank building will unveil the 2019 King and Queen portraits of Slim Tim and Flux.

Slim Tim and Flux will be at the Queen’s Garden next to Mary Jo’s Hobo House for a photo op at 6 p.m. that day.

At 7:30 p.m., the Church of Cash, a Johnny Cash tribute artist, will perform at Veteran’s Park.

On Saturday, the annual parade will be led by Grand Marshall Henry Gremmer at 10 a.m.

Gremmer, age 101, is a World War II veteran who drove Jeep for the 7th Infantry Division in the Pacific War.

Soon to be 102 in November, Britt’s eldest living vet still lives at home.

After the parade is finished, Mulligan Stew will be served at City Park.

The 2021 Hobo King and Queen Coronation will take place in the same location at 1 p.m.

At 7 p.m., Elvis tribute artist Art Kistler and the EP Boulevard Band will perform at Veteran’s Park.

On Sunday, the Classic Car, Truck, Motorcycle and Tractor Show on Main Street will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.