Little girls with curls sported feathers in their hair and hats, while little boys clomped on stage with their little cowboy boots, black cowboy hats and tiny fake guns.
The air was hot and the tension was high, but the rain held off Thursday night to showcase -- front and center -- the best of the best at the children's pageant.
Winners of the Jesse James Day pageants are on Page 4B, with general photos from the community event are on Page 5B.
Jesse James Days had rolled into town.
The annual festival kicked off the night of Aug. 9 with live entertainment, good food, carnival rides and more.
Pineville hosts the festival each year in commemoration of the 1938 Jesse James movie that was shot utilizing the Pineville Square.
The event is the largest fundraiser for the Pineville Fire Department.
On Thursday night at suppertime, a big crowd gathered to see their children, grandchildren and friends show their stuff before the judges at the Jesse James pageant. Smiles were all around as children, some with help from parents, showed their enthusiasm as they vied for top honors.
Meanwhile, a steady line of customers awaited their fresh hamburgers, pulled pork nachos or better yet, a fresh funnel cake. Volunteers at the Cook Shack served up a variety of delicious and reasonably priced food, and McDonald County neighbors flocked to purchase some good grub.
By the Cook Shack, others were selling grilled corn and potential customers could see the corn right there on the grill.
Down the street on the Pineville Square, folks of all ages took advantage of visiting with their neighbors, looking at vendor booths, purchasing a large snowcone, or playing bingo.
Several vendor booths were set up, where Tara Smith of Moonlight Creations was one of several to showcase her wares. She, along with friend Seth Cline, were hoping customers would appreciate her handcrafted bracelets and necklaces, which were wire-wrapped Trees of Life with natural stones. Other vendors and businesses were set up to feature their services.
Nearby, a large crowd had gathered to try their hand at bingo, which was hosted by the Pineville/Jane Summer Ball Program.
Children ran to the carnival rides, enjoying a big slide and a kiddie roller coaster, among other available fun.
Sisters Evee and Ashlee Wheeler were all smiles coming down the big slide. When they reached the bottom, they were asked what they thought of the ride.
"It's fun!" Evee said, and Ashlee echoed that sentiment. Then, they quickly ran to go down the slide again.
On this particular night, the group Redwolf provided live entertainment and the rain held off for folks to enjoy some good music.
Events also included a lunch offered by the Pineville firefighters on Friday, a walk/run and bike ride Saturday morning, a parade Saturday night, a pie auction and a chicken dinner, among other activities scheduled.
Proceeds from the walk/run and bike ride benefited the Pineville Fire Department and McDonald County 4 Kids.
Though the initial forecast called for a chance of rain every day, the weather was good for Jesse James Days.
On Saturday night, Rachel Richards became the proud new owner of a 2004 Ford Mustang 40th Anniversary Edition. Tickets were sold for the car. The drawing was held Saturday night at 9.
General News on 08/17/2017