MCCLURE'S FIRST STREET FAIR SET FOR AUG. 6 AND 7

MCCLURE, Ill. -- In hopes of bringing families together to have fun and raise money, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in McClure and East Cape Girardeau, Ill., are planning a Street Fair Aug. 6 and 7.

Events will be held on the two streets and grassy area near the McClure fire station.

Renate Johnson, who is helping organize the fair, said, "In the area where I'm from, a little community, we had lots of community fairs. We had silly contests and a lot of fun and everyone got involved.

"To the best of our knowledge, McClure has never had any kind of community fair. So we decided to do something here for the kids."

Johnson is a Girl Scout leader. Her husband is a Cubmaster.

All proceeds from the events will benefit the local Scout troops.

"We have children who don't get to participate in lot of the activities, who don't have books or uniforms because they don't have enough money," Johnson said. "Sometimes our troop as whole doesn't get to participate in events because we can't afford it."

The goal is to set aside some money for each troop to use in the coming year.

Parents of the Scouts are organizing the event. Children will help out during the street fair.

Among highlights will be four performances Saturday by Nicole McNew from Taylor Springs, Ill. McNew has performed her baton twirling exhibition at Disneyland and on Carnival Cruise Lines. She will offer impromptu lessons for children in attendance. Her grand finale will be after dusk with fire batons.

During the day, food vendors will offer fish, hot dogs, snow cones, hamburgers and other dishes.

On Saturday, churches from the area will be performing gospel music.

Head Start representatives will be on hand to provide information about the pre-school program. Child abuse prevention information will also be provided.

Throughout the two days, a variety of silly contests will be held for things like longest ponytail or best mustache. Ribbons will be awarded.

Door prizes donated by area merchants will be given away every hour throughout the event.

Track events like sack races, mother-daughter relays, and father-son relays will be held.

In addition, several events are seeking participants.

-- A beauty pageant will be held Friday 11 a.m. near the fire station. Five categories from newborn to high school seniors may compete. Everyone who enters will receive an engraved plaque and a gift certificate. First, second and third place winners will get cash awards and a trophy. Girls in junior high and high school divisions should attend Shawnee Schools. The baby and grade school categories are open to students of Shawnee South Elementary or relatives of people living in the McClure-East Cape area. The categories for the youngest competitors are open to boys and girls. All participants will ride in the parade Saturday.

-- Friday night, karaoke singing and a dance are planned.

-- A flea market will be held from 6 a.m. to dusk Saturday. Booth space is available at $5 per space.

-- A parade wil be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday starting at Shawnee South Elementary School and traveling the Grapevine Trail to the railroad. Grand Marshall is McClure's oldest resident, Oscar Brown, who is 94. The theme for this first parade is Hometown Pride. Local businesses, churches and organizations may participate with floats, walking units, bands or cars. All area Scouts are invited to participate.

-- A strictly-for-fun talent show will be held Saturday afternoon. The event is open to anyone with a talent -- singing, comedy, acting or others. All acts should be family-appropriate.

-- An all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast will be served Saturday morning at the fire station. Cost is $3 donation.

"We are hoping to get the community out and involved, and let them see that parents care about the kids," Johnson said. "We may get a few more kids involved in Scouts."