Weekend Outlook: Goodbye pools, hello festivals

The pools close Monday, and school is back in session, so how about some pre-gaming for fall? This weekend you and your family can enjoy the final hours of Benton Neighbor Days through Saturday. On Sunday, take it easy and take in the historical sights at the Bollinger County History Museum.

Won't you be my neighbor?

Benton Neighbor Days in Benton, Missouri, has been around since 1925 -- with a hiatus for a few years -- offering carnival rides, games, exhibits and a parade. Additional events include mud racing, volleyball tournaments and a greased-pole climb -- and you're invited. The event continues through Saturday, beginning 5 p.m. today at Benton City Park.

Day 2

5 p.m. | Midway Opens and Registration begins for free prizes at the Chamber of Commerce booth

5 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Last chance to submit photo and 4-H exhibits at the Chamber of Commerce Building

6 p.m. | Tiny Mr. and Miss Neighbor Day Pageant, Little Mr. and Miss Neighbor Day Pageant and Junior Miss Neighbor Day Pageant

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | View photo and 4-H exhibits at the Chamber of Commerce Building and vote for the "Neighbor's Choice" award

7 p.m. | Greased Pole Climb near the Chamber of Commerce booth

8:15 p.m. | Miss Neighbor Day Pageant on the Midway Stage

8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. | Live entertainment by Keith Morrison near the beer stand

Day 3

10:30 a.m. | Parade

11 a.m. | Midway Opens and Registration begins for free prizes at the Chamber of Commerce booth

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | View photo and 4-H exhibits at the Chamber of Commerce Building and vote for the "Neighbor's Choice" award

Noon | Registration for Mud Races behind the old high school

Noon to 5 p.m. | Registration for the Cornhole Tournament at the Chamber of Commerce booth

2 p.m. | Mud Races behind the old high school

3 p.m. | Free Games such as nail driving, water balloon toss and egg toss near the Chamber of Commerce booth

6 p.m. | Heartland Idol at the Midway Stage and Cornhole Tournament (double elimination) on the ball field

7 p.m. | Greased Pole Climb near the Chamber of Commerce booth

8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. | Live entertainment by Keith Morrison near the beer stand

Have some fun and learn something, too

Sunday, take a trip to the Bollinger County Museum of Natural History and from noon to 4:30 p.m., discover where in Southeast Missouri dinosaurs roamed.

Exhibits include:

• Trail of Tears
• Missouri dinosaur discovery
• Tom Runnels art
• Dinosaurs/fossils
• Native American/Civil War artifacts
• North American Mammals

The children's "discover and play" houses an animated triceratops, dinosaur puzzles, fossil dig, dinosaur dig and many other activities -- including the new "fur touch table."

In the "Discovery Lab," you'll get to touch dinosaur teeth, claws, and skin while examining dinosaur bone, insects, and other specimens with a microscope.

How much: Adults $5; 17 years and under $2

jhartwig@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3632