Shakin’ in the Shell has been a huge community event for many years, and this year, there will be an even sweeter touch.
Kellie Davis, Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce director, said she had the idea to have students design the T-shirt for this year.
“I had the idea in January, so it was kind of late getting started,” she said. “I was talking to Tracy Kapanke, a Shakin’ in the Shell chairperson, and I remembered at my daughter’s grade school, the students would design T-shirts for local events. As we talked, we decided to do it.”
Davis said the design of the T-shirt should be something that represents Shell Knob and the memories made there.
“It was open to all Shell Knob elementary students,” she said. “We had about 50 entries and dwindled it down to 10, then to five to vote on.
“Voting is open until Aug. 1, and it is open to anyone who wants to vote, even if they don’t live in Shell Knob.”
The T-shirt will still have the original font used with the little guitar to go along with the new design.
“We want to know what fits Shell Knob the best,” Davis said. “Next year, we will start at the beginning of the school year so that students have more time to work on them throughout the year.”
Davis said the winner will be announced on the first day of school.
“I wanted the children to get involved with this event,” she said. “It is your time to shine, to make your mark on Shell Knob. I want them to make something that reminds them of Shell Knob so when they grow up, they always have a tie here.”
The winner will be completely chosen by the voters, there will not be any other decider.
“We want to keep kids happy where they are living,” Davis said. “Even if they grow up and leave, they might come back because they have history in this area. I love to keep the nostalgia alive.”
Davis also has the idea to let students decorate local businesses for the holidays.
“I think we will do one grade per business, and the older kids can do a couple of businesses if needed,” she said. “The business will provide the decorations and the students will put them up. I am thinking we will do Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
