McDONALD COUNTY — For more years than he can remember, Pineville Assistant Fire Chief and City Marshal David Beshears knows what he will be doing come the end of August.
Beshears and his fellow firefighters serve as hosts of the city’s annual Jesse James Days. This year’s celebration began Wednesday and continues through Saturday night.
“This serves as our chief fundraiser,” Beshears said. “This is how we make the money to pay for our trucks and buy equipment.”
Highlights of the event are the parade and the chicken dinner, cooked each year by mostly the same group of dedicated volunteers, including Mark Armstrong, John LePage, Scott Dennis and anyone else they can shame into helping.
This year’s parade is set for 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, on the square followed by the chicken dinner at 6 p.m. at the new Pineville Community Center
Live music is performed each night. Thursday night will feature the Diversity Band from Joplin; Friday night will be Johnny Dale and Along for the Ride; and Sarah Dunn and Sundown will performSaturday night.
The carnival is again provided by Fun Time Shows. Armbands are available nightly for $18.
Friday night’s highlight will be the crowning of winners at the Jesse James Pageant.
Saturday there will be silent and live auctions. The silent auction will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Included in that auction are all types of baskets and gift certificates. The live auction will start at about 8 p.m. Items included are a fire safe, lap top computer, TV, iPod, Seal-a-Meal, toaster oven, blender, mountain bike, bread maker, crock pot, pool and many more.
Concessions will be available each night at the Fireman’s Cook Shack.
The fi remen will also host a Frisbee throw at 7 p.m. each night, with great prizes for the kids.
Beshears said a new feature this year is the large tent you can’t miss that is set up on the lot that was formerly home to Don’s IGA.
“Ed Ables donated the tent to keep people out of the sun,” Beshears said. “There are bleachers and picnic tables and people can bring their own lawn chairs.”
Beshears said he hopes the cooler temperatures we have had recently brings out big crowds.
“We want to invite everyone outthis year,” Beshears. “But, remember, no dogs on the square, please.” Upcoming Events
The McDonald County Angel Tree Project will host its first annual 5K in Noel Sept. 8. The group’s second annual ‘Duck Race’ will be held the same day.
The McDonald County Chamber of Commerce will host the Smoke on the Water barbecue contest Oct. 6 inAnderson. The Southwest City Fall Festival will be held the same day.
The chamber is back in action Oct. 27 with Oktoberfest on the Pineville square. The celebration will be held in conjunction with the city’s third annual 5K.
November will see WinterFest in Anderson hosted by the Anderson Better Club with a variety of holiday activities throughout the rest of year all across the county.
News, Pages 1 on 08/23/2012