Columnist enjoys honor of being Grand Marshal

One of the happiest days of my senior years was the day Patty Peterson told me the Old Settlers Festival Committee had chosen me to be the Grand Marshall for the 2010 parade that was held on Sept. 11. Jerry Coonrod was my driver in his big shiny Convertible! It was barely raining when he picked me up after Lilly Coonrod had put my special sparkling tiara on my head -- a gift from Ava Mae Adams. The weather was dry by the time the parade started west on Race Street.

Behind the convertible were 14 members of my Shead family in the red cart with a sign reading SHEAD FAMILY. Some rode inside while adults walked as Larry Shead pulled the cart with his lawn mower. All were dressed in white shirts with red kerchiefs to match the Marshall's colors.

Winners from the Ugly Truck contest in the parade were: first place Austin Sprague; second place, Gary Peterson, third place, Brandon Allen; fourth place, Brandon Jackson. There were 50 or more vehicles, people and animals in the long great parade. A thank you to the Girard School Band who played and marched.

At the ball park the Friday evening before, winners of the Ice Cream Freeze Out were first place, Janelle Bunny; second place, Wayne Parrish; third place tied Greg Sisney and Jim Bussone. It all sold for $l.00 per dish.

A great dinner with all kinds of beans with corn bread was served free to all who lined up in community center, compliments of Open Door Mission.

Many names were drawn for free gifts from patrons in the nearby towns.

A full house played many games of bingo with fine gifts awarded as prizes. Our Gang of AHS assisted in number calling.

The Eagle Med Helicopter came to the ball park but had an emergency call, so many people were able to see it only in flight.

The cake and pop walk was a popular game for all ages.

A Via Christi of Pittsburg attendant took weight readings and gave water bottles and hand lotion to those visiting his table. Hot dogs and hamburgers were sold by the Arcadia Fire Department in the fire station.

Music by many was enjoyed the rest of the evening. The Arcadia Community Center was filled throughout the day.

A big thank-you goes to a fine committee of folks from all three churches. Namely, Oskaloosa Free Will Baptist, Open Door Mission and Christian Church, both of Arcadia.

Sunday the festival came to a close after services in Powell Park, the dinner that lasted the rest of the day in the community center. A thank you to those who gave so willingly for a successful activity in Arcadia. Signed, Mary Virginia Shead

It has been announced that the Gideons will be speaking in Arcadia Christian Church on Sunday, Sept. 26, 10:30 a.m. A special offering will be taken.

Portie Hughes, formerly of Arcadia has returned to her home in McPherson, Kan., after flying to California with family to attend the wedding of her grandson, Jonathan Blodgett.

Recently pictured in the Weekend Herald Tribune was Jo Fowler Ferraro, formerly of Arcadia, with her relatives, Vicki Turner, Jodee Mashek and Victoria Ireland. This makes four generations of a family who all belong to PEO in Nevada, Mo.

Jeff Locke of Arma, who is running as a Republican for State Representative 2nd District, was in Arcadia on Sunday, the last day of the Arcadia Festival. He is a professor of art at the Fort Scott Community College.