Three-day Scott City Summerfest draws hundreds

Alvin and Linda McFall of Scott City and members of their family sat at one of the many picnic tables at the city's community park, enjoying the tastes, sights and sounds of Summerfest.

"We've got the grandkids out here," Alvin said. "They like the rides."

Parks Department director Phyllis Crump estimated Saturday afternoon that total attendance for the three-day event would top 1,200, with the biggest crowds coming Saturday evening for the talent contest and the fireworks display.

"It's hard to even find a place in the park to park your car and watch the fireworks," Crump said.

Three of the McFalls were enjoying a barbecue sandwich while waiting for granddaughter Shaylyn Davis to perform at the Summerfest talent competition. It was the first time for the Scott City High School sophomore to sing at Summerfest, which concluded with a Saturday night fireworks display.

The traditional midsummer carnival at Scott City Park has been bringing locals together for food, entertainment and fun annually since 1977. Alvin McFall said he's been a regular since the inaugural Summerfest.

Drew Littlepage was born the year before the first Summerfest and has been coming as long as he can remember. This year he attended with his new bride, Stacey, and her parents from Poplar Bluff.

Littlepage said he recalls Summerfest as an opportunity to get together with his school classmates.

"It was the first time in the summer I got to talk with them since school was out," he said.

The 34th Summerfest introduced a new wrinkle to the traditional format of the festival with the addition of Family Night on Thursday night. Local gospel music artists headlined the entertainment that night.

Summerfest may not be the only event to draw big crowds to the Scott City Community Park if plans for an annual music festival are successful.

Parks Department treasurer Gale Bohannon said organizers are targeting August for the first music festival, which would be a fundraiser for a proposed park amphitheater that would play host to not only music events but also outdoor plays.

Businessman Paul Schock, who owns Schock's Pub in Scott City, said that a little over $2,000 has been raised toward the projected cost of $35,000 or more for the amphitheater. That total includes money raised from Friday's 50-50 raffle.

"We're working together with the city to find grants and other outside sources of revenue," Schock said.

Pertinent address:

Scott City, MO