Broseley Homecoming draws visitors from near and far

BROSELEY — Friends and neighbors from far and wide gathered at Broseley on Saturday to celebrate homecoming and honor Broseley Citizen of the Year Betty Whitehead, 86, who was named citizen of the year by the Modern Woodmen.

The day started with breakfast at the Broseley Senior Center, along with strolling and visiting with vendors. Many of them not only had unique wares, but visions and goals.

Vendor Shelby Hobbs, who designs and makes bracelets, explained part of her proceeds will be used to purchase Christmas gifts for children. Hobbs, who plans to study business and marketing at Three Rivers College, had a sign on her booth, which said “Thank you for shopping small.”

AnnaBeth Mondy, 5 1/2, proudly displays her new sock hat and a pumpkin her dad, Jessie, bought for her at the annual Broseley Homecoming Saturday.DAR/Barbara Ann Horton

Frances Cross of Campbell handed out free advice to people who stopped at her booth featuring knitting and crocheting items. Terra Crumb’s booth featured a variety of handmade items, including her own artwork.

Cross said she keeps busy with her four children ranging from ages 4 to 12 years old. She’s set up prior to football games, but this was her first time to try her hand selling at any festival.

Isaac Thurman spent his time during the COVID-19 break at Twin Rivers growing pumpkins, gourds and mums. He discussed how cross pollination impacts the plants grown near each other.

Bryleigh Peacock, 3, of Broseley enjoyed the parade as well as the candy thrown her way.DAR/Barbara Ann Horton

Across the yard at Lilly’s Wildflower Honey stand, the Hillis family knows about cross pollination. The family started with two hives and how have 100.

Missouri Delta Hospice’s booth had a variety of wreaths and gifts with a raffle to raise money for patients’ expenses.

Twin Rivers Church had a booth where anyone wishing for one could receive a special prayer.

Broseley Citizen of the Year Betty Whitehead, 86, waves while riding on the Jeff’s Place float at the homecoming parade. She was named citizen of the year by the Modern Woodmen.DAR/Barbara Ann Horton

Across the street at Jeff’s Place, Sue Worley shared her petting zoo featuring miniature goats, like 8-month-old Rocky, and rabbits, Whitey and Blacky.

Worley’s yard was decorated for the Halloween with some items dating back 40-plus years.

Howard Duffy was in charge of the parade featuring floats, antique and collectible vehicles ranging from a 1948 Ford truck, a 1965 Shelby Cobra, a 1980’s Covette, a 1963 Thunderbird and a tractor.

After the parade, festival goers could continue visiting, shopping or eating fish from Hyde Away Catfish Inn being sold outside Jeff’s Place.

TJ’s Corner Store was the site for horseshoes and cornhole tournaments.

Three bands with ties to the area offered different styles of music, ranging from country, southern rock and rock ‘n’ roll.

They were Glen T. Thurman, Swamp Whiskey Band and Cynderblok. Karaoke with Greg Yates was at Jeff’s Place.