As a blistering hot summer comes to a close, area residents are ready to celebrate the coming of cooler temperatures in the best possible way; with their friends and neighbors at the time-honored Williamsville/Black River Fire Department Labor Day Picnic in Williamsville. The 35th annual event will be held Friday, Aug. 30, and Saturday, Aug. 31, at the city picnic grounds next to the school on Highway A.
Sponsored by the Williamsville Lions Club, the annual two-day event is famous far and wide for talented entertainment, delicious food and fun activities, according to organizers.
They promise mouthwatering barbecue plates and sandwiches, tasty Hyde’s American fried catfish, hot dogs, hamburgers, deep-fried potatoes and shaved ice will bring country cooking at its best to all-comers.
Fish will be available between 5-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings, and between 11 a.m. and p.m. Saturday. Bingo, arts and crafts and other such diversions will entertain the adults, while a bounce house, water slide and other games are sure to amuse the kids, organizers said.
Free prize drawings are held every hour on the hour. Serving begins at 5 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday.
This year’s event will feature a special addition, weather permitting - the Randolph County Rangers of Cowboy Fast Draw Association.
Attendees will be able to meet champion fast draw shooters and those aged 12 and up can try their hand at shooting using real Colt 45 pistols. Ages 12-18 require signed parental consent.
Special equipment will detect the speed at which a shooter can draw, cock the hammer and shoot the target.
“No matter who you are, this is just plain fun,” said Angela Smith, longtime Williamsville resident. “Our family got to shoot with the Rangers and everyone really enjoyed it. Even though I’d never shot before I had a ball. I especially enjoyed trying to beat my husband’s time, but I don’t think I ever did.
“The Randolph County Rangers help you understand how the targets work and the whole activity is so much fun. Diamondback Billy and Snake Charmer (Mr. and Mrs. James Alphin) are known all over the country for their fast shootin’.”
Stage entertainment from all around the region will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, with BreAnna Conner and Alyssa from Piedmont, followed at 5:45 p.m. by Heartland Girls from Ellsinore. At 6:30 p.m., Bryan Kirkman from Williamsville will take the stage and at 7 p.m. Morgan Kirkman of Williamsville will follow. The Country Fire Cloggers of Ellsinore will perform at 7:45 p.m. and Brandon Bates from Poplar Bluff will begin the close-out entertainment for the evening at 9 p.m.
Saturday’s events will begin with the Labor Day Parade at 10 a.m., which promises to be bigger and better than ever, organizers said. It will include attractions such as the Poplar Bluff Shriners Motor Club, Smokey Bear, the Greenville R-II Marching Bears, Ranger Willie and Bobber the Water Safety Dog, horses, mules, wagons, floats, bicycles, antique cars, clowns and more. Spectators are advised to bring a sack to pick up all the tossed candy during this authentic hometown experience.
At 11 a.m. Saturday, Little Creek Gospel from Marquand will kick off the stage entertainment, followed at noon by Whitney Plunkett Limanen of Williamsville. At 12:30 p.m., sisters, Brook Cathey and Brandi Shearrer of Williamsville will perform, and at 1 p.m. Iron Mountain Station from Poplar Bluff takes the stage. Brandon Bates of Poplar Bluff is on at 2:30 p.m., followed by Buzzard Run of Naylor at 4 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., McKenzie Miller of Piedmont will sing, followed at 6 p.m. by Louis Boyer of Williamsville. Brad Odell & Lost Country from Greenville will perform at 7 p.m. and open square dancing will begin at 9 p.m.
As has become tradition, the picnic will feature emcees, Will Dougherty III, and Gaylon Stevens will graciously provide the sound system.
All proceeds will benefit the local fire departments and other worthwhile civic projects. Organizers say to bring along a lawn chair, visit with friends and neighbors, and enjoy the entertainment but remember that no alcohol or drugs are allowed on the premises.
For more information, contact event Chairman, Gene Bilbrey at 573-998-2434.