They huffed. They hefted. And they made history in the process.
Over 20 people from Kansas and Missouri took part in the first-ever Howe Hoist at the Historic Richard Howe Farmstead on Sunday. Among them was Seth Cordell of Lyons, who has been involved in strongman competitions for several years now.
Also participating was Esmie Tseng of De Soto. She says this is quite a bit different from the powerlifting she’s gotten involved with the past several years.
Contestants had a chance to lift stones of 100, 200, 225, 250 or 300 pounds onto a 3.5-foot pedestal or plinth.
The event was a partnership between Good Muscle, Good Way Gardens, Lyon County History Center and Visit Emporia. History Center Director Greg Jordan says it’s an event that is steeped in area history.
Visit Emporia Director LeLan Dains says he’s proud of the event.
Dains has already started developing plans for next year — and several years afterward — essentially patterning a Howe Games after the world-famous Highland Games from Scotland that include the caber toss, hammer toss and tug-of-war among other activities.
*Click here for KVOE’s YouTube channel, including YouTube Short videos of the Howe Hoist.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News