Schell City Fall Festival coming up -- Sept. 11 & 12

Special to the Daily Mail

While the official theme of this year's Schell City Fall Festival is "Autumn in Schell City," it could easily be "Something for Everyone" when one looks at the variety of events held throughout the weekend.

Bidding on the wide variety of items in the silent auction begins early in the morning of Friday, Sept. 11, and runs all day. Local artwork, donated items, furniture, and just about anything one can imagine usually fills the tables in the community building.

Festival activities officially begin at 6 p.m., with the opening ceremony, announcements, and the crowning of royalty at 7 p.m. Throw in music by Blue Mound Sound, interactive entertainment such as the "Not-So-Newlywed Game," plenty of food, and fun and you've got a night to remember, capped off by the street dance with Big Star Karaoke.

Saturday, the 12th begins early. The 4-H booth usually is serving up biscuits and gravy with the other food booths opening later in the morning.

There's plenty going on with the Coed 4-on-4 Volley Ball Tournament, the Quilt and Afghan Show, the Horseshoe Tournament, the Children's Pedal Pull, the Cutie Contest, and the Car and Tractor Show all demanding your attention.

If you just want to sit in a lawn chair and take it all in, that's all right too.

At 1 p.m., the Mo-Kan Squares will strut their stuff, followed closely by music by Kay Simmons, then Osage River Bluegrass.

At 3 p.m., it's parade time with one of the largest small town parades in southwestern Missouri. With no charge to enter and prizes for the best and most unique entry, you're sure to see something or someone you just don't see every day.

Following the parade, at 5 p.m., the Schell City Fire Department holds its annual smorgasbord, which is the one major fundraiser for the department each year. Fried fish, turkey, and pulled pork headline this annual event. It's all you can eat, as long as the food lasts.

Evening activities include the Golf Ball Challenge, the Hairy Leg Contest, raffle drawings, the Talent Show, then to cap off the evening, Shotgun & Lace will treat you to some of the best music and fiddle playing you've heard in years. This local group has appeared in many venues throughout the Midwest and hails from right here in Schell City.

The evening will then be capped off by the traditional fireworks display, courtesy of Schell City Community Betterment and Wilbur's Fireworks.

It's worth noting that the Schell City Fall Festival is sponsored and organized by Schell City Community Betterment and proceeds from the festival are donated throughout the year to a wide variety of good causes.

Past recipients of monies from festival proceeds are the Northeast Vernon County Schools, both the Schell City and Walker Rural Fire Departments, community facilities in Schell City, Santa Claus at Christmas time, and other causes as needed.

So take a break from your fast paced schedule and join us in Schell City on the weekend of Sept. 11-12 for some old fashioned fun at the Schell City Fall Festival.