How is it that a town of less than 900 inhabitants, annually draws thousands of visitors to its streets? Why do people from all over the country flock to a rural community, nestled off the beaten path mid-way between Memphis and St. Louis? What makes the second full-week of August so significant that many calendars are marked a year in advance and the date guarded vigilantly? What sparks the community spirit that binds citizens in a common cause year-after-year-after-year? And probably the most pressing question of all: A goat burger?
The Puxico Homecoming commemorates its 72nd year of festivities this month, Aug. 14-18. (See page A8 for a full schedule)
It is not coincidental that the word Homecoming is the title of this annual gathering.
"In 1946, WWII was ending and our boys were coming home," says Puxico VFW charter member George Sifford. "Young boys -- 18, 19, 20 years old were coming back, and Puxico was ready to celebrate."
The gathering did not begin in 1946, however.
"Way back, even before the Depression, the town had an annual picnic. People met in the park at the top of the hill. Everyone brought food and there were buggy pulls, horse races and carnival rides," Sifford explains. "It was sponsored by the merchants and was a way to get people into town to spend their nickels and pennies."
During the Depression, the Puxico Booster Club promoted the gathering.
"One of the most popular competitions was the Husband Calling Contest," Sifford added. "Many people square danced, too, which is still one of our best-attended events."
"In the early days of the Homecoming," remembers VFW member Rudy Williams, "the men who ran it were those we considered pillars of the community -- teachers, businessmen and civic leaders -- those who had an interest and took care of our town."
Eventually, the task of organizing and overseeing the event was taken over by Puxico Memorial VFW Post 7822. They, along with their Auxiliary, continue to sponsor the Puxico VFW Homecoming.
"It takes many hands to make it happen, though," Williams adds. "The city of Puxico, churches, the schools, civic organizations and countless volunteers all work together to produce a successful Homecoming."
According to Williams, class reunions began as an off-shoot of Homecoming, and those contribute to the continuing success of the event.
"In addition to the reunions, there are class floats in the parade, and an alumni meeting on Friday night honors the class that is celebrating its 50-year graduation anniversary. People mark their calendars and plan their vacations around Homecoming date, which is the same every year," Williams said.
There are several other aspects that make the event successful, Williams observed.
"I believe the most important is that we don't allow alcohol," he said. "Another is that Homecoming is a family-friendly environment. People can bring their kids and feel safe while they are here. We don't tolerate bad behavior."
Former Post Commander Doug Siler says VFW members are a visible presence during Homecoming week.
"We wear our caps and mingle throughout the crowd to monitor behavior," Siler explained, adding they are not only watching patrons' conduct. "We hold the carnival workers to the same standards of behavior that we expect from those who are attending, and if we hear them talking in a way that is not acceptable, we will put a stop to it."
Besides rides, the parade, contests, entertainment and class reunions, two words that are synonymous with Puxico Homecoming are goat burger. The image of a goat has become a well-known symbol of Homecoming, and the likeness of a bandana-wearing goat is featured on this year's Homecoming T-shirt. The golf tournament held during Homecoming week, and sponsored by the Auxiliary, is called the Goatburger Classic, and a race event is Puxico Goat Run.
"During the Depression, goat was a common food in this area," explains Sifford. "The meat was easy to get and it was cheap. That is probably why goat was served in those early days."
This year the organization has 1,000 pounds of goat meat ordered for the 5-day event.
"When we began we started with three goats, which Earl Looney slaughtered and dressed," Sifford said.
As times and attitudes changed, eventually the health department became involved, and goats were taken to Poplar Bluff to be processed, added Williams.
With over 5,000 people expected on the final night alone, there is little doubt this will be another sell-out year for the popular barbecue sandwiches.
"Community support is vital to the overall success of Homecoming," said VFW member Lynn Mattingly. "Our post and Auxiliary depend on so many other people to help make our Homecoming successful year-after-year."
The Puxico VFW Homecoming is the main fundraiser for the VFW.
"After expenses, we give back to the community. Our money funds scholarships, helps burn-out victims, supports Boy Scouts, and is used in other projects that recirculate the money back into our area," Mattingly said.
To thank the volunteers and organizations who work tirelessly in the weeks leading up to and throughout Homecoming week, the VFW holds a fish fry each September to show their appreciation. This year the fish fry is scheduled for Sept. 14.
While many small towns have been unable to sustain their community festivals, Puxico Homecoming has not only sustained, but continues to flourish.
"I think commitment is the key," Sifford observes thoughtfully. "We have a long-established event that we are committed to maintain, and our community is committed to support us in our efforts."