65th annual event set for Saturday in Wheaton City Park
BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
Rides, food, vendors, live entertainment and duck race are just a few of the smorgasbord of activities set to entertain thousands of people at the Wheaton City Park on Saturday.
The Wheaton Volunteer Fire Department is hosting the 65th Annual Wheaton BBQ from 11 a.m. to dusk, kicking off with the Wheaton Street Machines Show & Shine Car Event, as well as the Spud McCracken Memorial horseshoe Tournament, and closing with the duck race and karaoke.
Lindy Lombard, Wheaton VFD chief, said the event is a staple in the community that brings not only those from the city or Wheaton graduates, but many around the county and state searching for a fun cap to the summer.
“This year, there is a class reunion scheduled at the same time, and everyone knows it’s the last Saturday in August every year, so they plan for it,” he said. “It’s something we want to keep going and always look forward to.”
Lombard could be considered one of the most connected to the event, having never missed one in its 65-year history — technically.
“My dad was the fire chief, and I was in my mom’s belly for the very first one,” he said. “It started as a free fish fry on Main Street, and like anything else that is free, people came out of the woodwork, so they switched to the chicken meals. The Wheaton Community Club ran it for a while, and the fire department took it over about 20 years ago.”
Lombard said the event offers something for everyone, whether it’s food, shopping or entertainment.
Food service begins at 11:30 a.m., with the department offering a barbecue half-chicken with a baked potato, baked beans, bread and milk or coffee for $7 for adults and $4 for children. Homemade pulled pork sandwiches and baked beans are also for sale for $6.
“We well 1,500 chicken halves, and we keep the price low to offer a good deal and to sell out, like we have in the past few years,” Lombard said. “We’ll also do 300500 pulled pork sandwiches.”
For dessert, the Wheaton United Methodist Church Women will be selling pies, and an ice cream truck will be on site.
As for entertainment, Garrick Fausett will take the stage in the park at noon, free children’s rides open at 1 p.m. and run through 8 p.m., the Hog Eye Holler Band will play at 2 p.m., followed by the Clayton Ray Trio at 3:30 p.m., the 221 Band at 5 p.m., and the Vybes Band at 6:30 p.m.
The Duck Race in the park will begin at 8 p.m., with a $500 first prize, $250 for second, $125 for third, $75 for fourth and $50 for fifth.
“There will also be a 65th anniversary surprise after the duck race, with those who are present getting a chance to win,” Lombard said.
Other attractions at the BBQ include and Arts and Crafts Show with a sold out area of more than 40 vendors inside and outside the fire department building, a silent auction with more than 40 items donated by sponsors, a petting zoo offered by the Wheaton FFA and monster truck rides on Jason and Melissa Bonnow’s Wheels of Freedom.
“We’d like to thank all of our sponsors for making the free rides happen every year, and for donating so many items for the silent auction,” Lombard said.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Wheaton Rural Fire Department, a separate entity of the Wheaton VFD. Lombard said funds help the rural department on an as-needed basis.
For more information, people may visit the Wheaton Fire Protection District page on Facebook.
