2021 Corn Show Parade Grand Marshalls – Calvin and Peg Bohnert

By Kerma Crouse

The 2021 Corn Show Parade Grand Marshalls are about as "Jewell" as the Jewell Corn Show. Calvin Bohnert grew up on a farm just outside the city limits on the west side of Jewell. The same farm where he and his wife, Peg Griffeth Bohnert, now live. He went to Jewell Elementary School and graduated from Jewell High School, USD 279 with the Class of 1968.

Peg's family moved to Jewell in time for her fifth-grade year. She finished elementary school in Jewell and like Calvin graduated from Jewell High School, but with the Class of 1970.

After high school Calvin went to North Central Kansas Technical College (then called the North Central Kansas Vocational Technical School) taking a course in agricultural mechanics. He never really left the farm and after tech college, he was at home on the farm. Peg went to Emporia State College, graduating in 1974. Her degree was in elementary education with an emphasis in special education. Later, she earned her master of science degree in special education from Fort Hays State University.

After a year of teaching in Gaylord, Kansas, Peg returned to Jewell and began working in Jewell County schools as a special education instructor. She worked four years in Beloit, USD 273 after the schools in Jewell closed. In 2012 she retired after 38 years in education.

Peg may be retired but she is busy. Active on the Palmer Museum Board, she also belongs to the Jewell Chamber of Commerce. J-Janes and Trinity UMC's Women of Grace are also ways she participates in the community of Jewell. Peg also helped research skits for the 2021 Corn Show Sesquicentennial Program.

Calvin actively participates in two annual Jewell County events. Jewell County Plow Day in July and Jewell County Corn Picking Days in November. These events both play into his passion for old farm tractors and old machinery. Peg noted "obsession" might be more accurate than passion.

Both Calvin and Peg are involved with the "Candy Cannon." The cannon shoots bouncy balls, candy and stuffed animals to excited children at parades and events in the surrounding counties. They do have help with the "Candy Cannon" – several grandchildren have the hang of operating it too!

The Bohnerts were married in March of 1979 and have three children: Josh (Lori) Bohnert of Jewell, Marla (Jeff) Koops of Downs, and Tracy (Jared) Sulsar of Hunter. Importantly, they also have 14 grandchildren. As Peg said "All are close enough we can see them a lot!"

After serving as the grand marshalls during the parade, you will find Calvin busy demonstrating hand corn shellers and corn grinders just north of Maag Park. Peg will have already put in time setting up the Banana Bikes for J-Janes but will be around with some or several grandchildren at the games in the park. When you see Peg or Calvin, thank and congratulate them!