Arcadia celebrates Old Settlers' festival with a parade

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

On Sept. 8, Arcadia celebrated Arcadia's Old Settlers' Festival with a parade that started at 10 a.m. from the ballpark and ended at Main and Nelson streets. Much credit for the parade goes to Ernestine Berkey, who worked hard in arranging the 20-plus vehicles, large and small with many spectators enjoying it all.

Carole Garrison was chosen to be the Grand Marshall for 2012, who rode high as Jerry Coonrod drove her in his convertible into downtown. Her pastor, Charles Cable, accompanied them as they waved to the crowd.

During the extended dinner hour, cooks representing the Open Door Church served beans, cornbread and dessert to the 300 people who enjoyed it all.

Folks signed up for the drawings held that afternoon. Willa and Charles Cable directed the Cake Walk and many cakes were won that morning. The afternoon was a busy time for the young people who had games in the park.

After a good night's rest, church was held in Powell Park with 40 present with two pastors speaking, Chris Bearden from Oskaloosa Baptist Church, and Roy Widmar, Arcadia. Special music was by Janelle Bunny, Liberal, Mo. Deryle Rotramel, Liberal, provided the sound system. It was a fine weekend to remember.

Our Gang Potluck dinner will be held the fourth Saturday in September in Arcadia Community Center, 6:30.

About 3:45 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7, a storm hit Fort Scott and left much damage. Fort Scott Community College suffered damage with parts of roofs being blown off, cars damaged, light poles and buildings at the ballfields were damaged as well.

Inside the city, many trees were blown over onto buildings. Electrical power was not restored until Saturday night. Westar worked hard on restoring power to the town and outlying areas of the county. Arcadia lights were off part of that Friday evening.

Trent Gingery and Raven Skillman were special guests in Arcadia Christian on Sunday morning and enjoyed the chicken dinner at the noon hour. Ernestine and Forrest Berkey were also dinner guests that Sunday noon. Sunday afternoon, Pastor Charles Cable visited Mary V. Shead in her home and took her a homegrown cantaloupe as a special treat.

Arcadia folks were pleased to read that two former ladies who once attended Arcadia High School were chosen to compete for Little Balkans Senior Queen Contest, held in Meadow Brook Mall the first week in September. Mae Watt and King Candidate Delbert Millard represented Fort Scott Manor. Marie Rodich with King Clifford Arthur represented Frontenac Sunset Manor. Marie Rodich became the Little Balkans Senior Queen.