The Qulin community will celebrate its 26th annual homecoming Friday and Saturday, with a weekend full of activities for friends and family.
Events start with a beauty pageant at 6 p.m. Friday at the Qulin middle school.
A breakfast and fundraiser for the Qulin Senior Citizen Center will kick off Saturday, from 7-9 a.m.
The center regularly makes about 100 meals a day for some of eastern Butler County's most fragile and needy residents.
Staff are preparing to move into a new facility in November, following a series of construction delays.
Money raised from the breakfast of homemade biscuits, sausage gravy, sliced ham and other good food will help pay for a new food warming table, said administrator Suzie Leutert. Modern Woodman of America has committed to matching the first $500 raised, said Leutert, who hopes to be in the new location by Thanksgiving.
The center will also have a float in the parade, as well as a booth with food and children's games at the Qulin Lions Club Park.
The homecoming opening ceremonies will start at 9:30 a.m. at the park, with a prayer by Bro. Jim Cornman of Qulin First Baptist Church, followed by the national anthem performed by the Twin Rivers High School choir.
Students from the Broseley preschool will lead the pledge of allegiance, said event organizer Justin Parks. Adam Brown will close the ceremonies with an anvil shoot, before the children's parade begins.
Tasteful Creations has sponsored prizes for first through third place, Parks said.
The grand parade will begin at 9:45 a.m. at the park, with cash prizes for first and second. The parade will travel through town before returning to the park.
A cake wars competition, pumpkin decorating contest and corn hole tournament will be held again this year, with a new children's baking contest for youth 12 and under.
Registration will be from 9-10 a.m.
Entertainment will begin at 10:30 a.m. The annual Qulin Cemetery cake auction starts at 11 a.m., and the Lions Club will were serve an all-you-can-eat lunch of fish and chicken for $10. Lunch also begins at 11 a.m.
The Lions Club will hold a raffle drawing at 1 p.m. for an Old Henry Boy shotgun.
Throughout the day, there will be craft booths and children's activities, including bounce houses, games and barrel train rides.
A drawing will be held at 2 p.m. for $250 in gas from Qulin Munch-N-Pump. Tickets can be purchased at the station, the Qulin Southern Bank location, Qulin City Hall and from committee members.
Anyone with classic cars is also encouraged to attend, said Parks.
For information on events or activities, contact:
Justin Parks, 573-328-4488, general information/parade
Shelly Guess, 573-776-1111, corn hole tournament
Dana Batten, 573-328-4488, cake wars/kids baking contest/food booths
Karon Campbell, 573-429-1111, cake wars/kids baking contest/kids parade/craft Bbooths
Beauty pageant, 573-718-0192, or email qulinpageant@yahoo.com
Prices for breakfast are $5 for adults and $3 for children.
Booth space is still available. Food booths are restricted to non profit organizations.