Plains crowns new king of limbo

The king of low has been dethroned and there's a new limbo champion of Plains.

After nearly 45 minutes and dozens of passes under the limbo stick, 20-year-old Justin Yoder demonstrated his dexterity and balance to take the crown from Jubal Ryan, 22, also of Plains, at the annual contest at the E.L. Johnson Memorial Park Saturday evening.

Around 80 people lined up for the limbo contest at the pool park. All started in the same line for the first four passes under the stick. The contestants were then broken into groups by height. This was the first year that organizers gave contestants two tries.

It was also a recaptured crown for 9-year-old Maddy Sturdivant of Plains, who nabbed the limbo title in the kids division. The kids went through fairly quickly, finishing well before the other group. Sturdivant won two years ago and finished second in 2022.

At 6-foot, 4-inch, Aiden Silva was clearly the tallest contestant in the adult class and remained alive until the stick went to 3 feet, 6 inches. The line thinned quickly as it dropped to three feet. At 24 inches high, it came down to three - Yoder, Ryan and Kora Hensrude of Hot Springs, who had never attempted a limbo competition.

Hensrude, 13, showed her stuff, clearing the bar with little difficulty, but at 23 inches high, all three failed. The stick, held by Dan Ryan and his son, Newman, was raised a half an inch. Hensrude nearly did it, but her head brushed the stick and was first to go. Yoder made it. Ryan removed his shoes, something that helped his nephew. The elder Ryan approached the stick three times, but knew he couldn't do it and abdicated.

The prize for the adults was $200 cash. Yoder, standing at 5 feet, 6 inches tall, said he hadn't planned to participate in the contest, but was talked into it by Jubal and Newman. Sturdivant took home $20 in cash, a $10 gift certificate for Montana High Espresso and a large candy bar.

The Ryan family has hosted the event for 17 years, and put in 10-20% of the cost. "We just wanted people to come and enjoy it and remember life is worth living," said Newman Ryan, the event's main coordinator. The event includes a potluck and dancing.

"We're creating an atmosphere where we want everyone to come out and enjoy themselves," he said.