Southwest City Commercial Club Hosts Old Timers' Day Parade

Photo Submitted Southwest City Commercial Club is again hosting its annual Old Timers' Day parade. The event is sponsored by the SWC Commercial Club and area businesses.
Photo Submitted Southwest City Commercial Club is again hosting its annual Old Timers' Day parade. The event is sponsored by the SWC Commercial Club and area businesses.

The Southwest City Commercial Club began Old Timers' Day in May 1978. The event began following the retirement of John Poynor, a longtime area resident who had owned and operated the Phillips 66 Service Station from 1927 to 1977. In 1978, the Commercial Club voted to hold a parade in honor of John and Bess Poynor for their 50 years of service to Southwest City. The Poynors became the first Mr. and Mrs. "Old Timers."

Due to the success of that day, the Commercial Club has held a parade each year to honor members of the community. Those honored have included business owners, area farmers, community leaders and volunteers. Each has represented someone special who contributed to the Southwest City area over the years.

Southwest City Commercial Club is again hosting its annual Old Timers' Day parade at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5. The event is sponsored by the SWC Commercial Club and area businesses and invite all businesses, churches, youth groups, civic clubs, school groups and riding clubs to participate in this year's parade.

The parade will include floats, marching units, autos and many other categories. Plaques will be awarded to first-place winners in each of the parade divisions.

Those who wish to enter the parade are asked to check in with Misty by the American Legion building (across from the school) to pick up a lineup number. Everyone should be in their lineup position by noon. The parade begins promptly at 12:30 p.m.

Contact parade chairman Misty Reece at 417-762-3497 for additional information or entry forms. Registration deadline is Thursday, April 26.

Community on 04/19/2018