Annual picnic slated for Saturday

GLENNONVILLE, Mo. -- The first Glennonville Picnic was held in 1908 and has continued every year since then. The early picnics were a time for politicians to come and speak to the crowd. It was day of relaxation and visiting with neighbors and friends. Of course, those that did the cooking and cleaning would probably tell you otherwise. Family and friends would travel from all places as they do today to help celebrate these annual events. For a long time, the annual picnics were held in the woods south of J Highway. This ground belonged to Ignatious "Ned" Friedman for many years and he allowed the picnics to be held there. Eventually, the parish purchased the land so that more improvements could be made for the annual picnics. As time went on and with the closing of the public schools in Glennonville, the parish purchased the old school grounds and the picnics were moved closer to town.

Just as in years past, the picnic is still one of the biggest events in the parish when family and friends return to reminisce on the old days when the heart was young--talking about the days working in the fields, swimming at the river, the dances on the weekend or ballgames--memories of our youth and memories of what Glennonville meant to each of us.

Fast forward 100 years.

History does repeat itself. Folks still gather from near and far to reminisce, renew old friendships and, especially, enjoy the famous food one immediately thinks of when the Glennonville Picnic comes to mind.

Traditionally held the last Saturday in July (this year, July 26), in recent years the event has grown to include an alumni gathering on Friday night at the Knights of Columbus Hall, located one block west of the church and school. This year's alumni reunion will begin at 7 p.m..

Saturday morning, the KC grounds open to the public with a flurry of activity throughout the day, the highlight of which is the popular Southern fried chicken and barbecue pork dinner prepared by members of St. Teresa Parish. The menu also includes potatoes, gravy, cole slaw, corn, green beans and homemade desserts. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children, 6-12 years. The meal will be served from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Another popular activity, new in recent years, is a horseshoe tournament conducted in the shade of a covered pavilion. Anyone interested in competing in the tournament should contact Stan Bader, (573) 328-4914.

Beginning at 9 a.m., the Miss Heartland pageants will be held on the east side of the picnic grounds. Following are the age groups and times for the respective pageants:

* birth-11 months -- Baby Miss -- 9 a.m.

* 12-23 months -- Toddler Miss -- 9:30 a.m.

* 2-4 years -- Petite Little Miss -- 10:15 a.m.

* 5-7 years -- Little Miss - 11 a.m.

* 8-11 years -- Pre-Teen Miss -- 10 p.m.

* 12-14 years -- Jr. Miss -- 1:45 p.m.

* 15-18 years -- Miss Heartland -- 2:30 p.m.

The above times are approximate and may vary depending on the number of contestants in each age group. It is recommended that contestants arrive at least 30 minutes early.

The entry fee for all pageants is $20.

Attire for birth-4 years will be casual wear, and attire for 5-18 years will be pageant wear.

A queen and two alternates will be selected in each of the respective age categories. The queens in the birth-11 year age divisions/categories will receive a crown, sash and trophy. The queens in the 12-18 year age divisions/categories will receive a crown, sash, trophy and $50 savings bond. The alternates in all age categories will receive a sash and trophy. The decision of the judges will be final and no score sheets will be given out, so please refrain from asking.

On site registration will take place 30 minutes prior to each age division.

Pageant forms and information are available by contacting Roxanne Weidenbenner at. (573) 776-4749. Checks must be made payable to St. Teresa Church. Entry forms may be brought to the pageant up to 10 minutes before their scheduled time. Entry forms must be signed by the parents if the contestant is under the age 18, or by the contestant if the contestant is 18 years of age.

Carnival games and other activities will ensure that the youngsters attending have a good time. Grab bags for adults and children, a lucky number game with loads of prizes, and attendance prizes awarded throughout the day will almost guarantee everyone will go home with something to remember the day. Bingo, beginning at 5 p.m. in the air-conditioned hall, also will allow some lucky players to put a little extra cash in their pockets.

At 6 p.m., a drawing will be held for cash prizes. Only 1,000 tickets are being sold at a cost of $10 each. First prize in this big cash payoff is $1,500 with $1,000 awarded for second prize, $300 for third prize, and two $100 cash awards for fourth and fifth prize. Any parishioner will have tickets available or they can be purchased the day of the picnic.

Tickets for the traditional quilt raffle, which awards six homemade quilts and 12 sets of embroidered pillowcases throughout the course of a year, also will be available inside the KC Hall. The quilts to be given away will be on display. Tickets for the quilt raffle are $5 each.

Later Saturday evening, everyone is invited to a dance inside the hall with music provided by "Faultline."

Fr. Glenn Eftink, pastor of St. Teresa Church, parents of students attending St. Teresa School, and the entire community invite everyone to join them in enjoying a day of great food, fun and fellowship.