Ever wonder how many volunteers are needed to make this week’s activities actually become a reality? Believe me, it takes s much an actual count is virtually impossible.
A long time ago, this subject was the topic of discussion in a meeting, and one of those involved shared this definition of what a volunteer came to be. “There are two kinds, those that are happy to give of their resources and time to provide assistance whenever asked to do so or without being asked. Then there are those who are much like cereal; they just like to sit in a bowl and soak up the milk.”
Obviously, there aren’t many of the latter involved in the events coming to town this week in Cassville.
The Show
One of the longest-running events in recent years is The Show, an original production directed by Greg Beck, has a cast of musicians, singers, some comedy and general entertainment. Only restrictions of COVID gatherings for a year kept these performers off their stage.
Scheduled Oct. 20-22 and 23 in the FEMA Building on the R-4 campus, the first two performances are evening events, the third an afternoon performance. Noted there is no program for Friday night, so not to interfere with Wildcat football.
This program has been in rehearsal for months, with those people involved giving their time to provide the community a program and to practice what they enjoy.
Chili cook-off
Filling three sides of the square will be a major Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event, The Chili and Salsa Cook-Off.
A large number of businesses and organizations will be in their stands creating one or the other, or both, hoping to catch the tastebuds of the judges toward championship recognition.
These entries will be joined by those presenting their wares, crafts, services and information.
The First Baptist Church is now hosting the free pancake breakfast event that morning and music and events will be presented at the southwest corner of the square. Special attractions will be set up on West Street.
Chili or salsa fans can sample the cooking efforts in the afternoon and be their own judge of who has concocted the best in their method of ingredients and cooking process.
Groups perform
In the performance area, a number of local groups of all ages, will be presenting their talents in both morning and afternoon performances.
In addition to these attractions, those milling around stands on both sides of the street can possibly find a homemade item that is available in many of the novelty displays.
Information and some handout items are included in many of the stands.
There is always a carnival atmosphere that day, provided by the eats and refreshments sold by a number of vendors in the streets.
There are a few events in Cassville all brought to you mainly through the efforts of those volunteers, who either want to show their craft, talent or musical pastime for a couple of days in the early fall.
And don’t forget if you have some time to spare, the Flaming Fall Review will at least be in the first stages.
Ever play Ante-Over?
A pastime event that didn’t take many to play in years gone by was Ante-Over. Normally played over a two-story home the purpose was to have a team on each side of the structure.
Any type of ball could be used as long as it could be tossed over the peak of the roof from side to side. When successfully thrown, Ante-Over was shouted. If the ball failed to reach the other side, Pigtail was the call, and another throw was attempted If the ball reached the opposite side and was caught, it gained one point for that team. It was also their time to throw the ball to the opposite side, where a point could be won by the other side with a catch.
A game of Ante-Over usually lasted for 10 points.
Popular on West
This was a very popular game on West Street, usually played at our house at Fourth and West.
Participants could have been the Perfect twins, Larry Blythe, Gene Brewer or Carl Dopp, all residents of the street.
After two or three games, the group would sometimes retire to a trapeze that was located at the side of our house in an attempt to perform a new mount or dismount There were some falls, however, never a broken bone, perhaps a small cut or bruise might have been iodined.
Those were the days.
Bob Mitchell is the former editor and publisher of the Cassville Democrat.
He is a 2017 inductee to both the Missouri Press Association Hall of Fame and Missouri Southern State University’s Regional Media Hall of Fame.
