Neighbor Days feature food, fun and friends

BENTON -- Shaking someone's hand and saying "Howdy, neighbor," to them at the Benton Neighbor Days this weekend could win people some extra dough.

"Usually we'll give somebody who is pretty recognizable to the town a card," explained Barry Urhahn, president of the Benton Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the annual event. "If you come up to them and say 'howdy neighbor' and shake their hand, they'll give you that card and you can come to the Chamber stand and get $5."

That's just one way for people to interact at the Labor Day weekend event. Games, entertainment, carnival rides and food will be available, too, on the weekend when many come back to visit friends and family.

Although the Chamber, which is more civic-minded than focused on attracting businesses, coordinates the event, it's a big team effort, with churches, school and other community groups setting up stands as well to make some money.

The Catholic Church's stand is often known for its barbecue, the Methodist Church for its fish, Urhahn said. And the American Legion Auxiliary's funnel cakes are also hot items.

"The line is pretty long a lot of times," said Mildred LeGrand, a charter member. "That's our fundraiser for the year, and we do real well."

Funds made from the funnel cakes and fried Snickers are used to send area teens to Girls State, give to the Christmas funds at the VA nursing homes in Cape Girardeau and Poplar Bluff, and donate to other charitable causes, said group president Donna Thompson.

"Last year we made over 1,000 funnel cakes," she continued. And most "sure enjoy" the Snickers which are fried in the same batter.

One of LeGrand's granddaughters has been asking her for awhile when she'll get to have one of the funnel cakes again. "She knows that we have the best funnel cakes," laughed LeGrand. "Or so she says."

But she isn't the only one to think that. "We have a lot of customers that say 'I have to take this one home to Mom," Thompson said.

In addition to the food and socializing with people they haven't seen in awhile, people come out for other things, too.

"The parade is a big thing," Urhahn said.

Exhibits including vegetables, farm plants, canned goods and crafts are set up in the old high school. People enjoy browsing through the items, and those who enter them are up for some prizes -- including cash -- when they are judged, Urhahn noted.

Another fun, long-standing tradition is the greased pole climbing, Urhahn said. "As you go up, you grab tickets for different amounts of money," he said. "That's something I remember from when I was a kid."

Also featured are the lawnmower races, which debuted last year. "They went well," Urhahn said. "I was very pleased."

Urhahn, who is in the midst of corn harvest during the day and setting up at night, said things will be pretty busy until Monday. "I'm running in about 900 directions," he said. "It's hectic."

Friday

> 5 p.m. Midway opens

> 6:30 p.m. Tiny Mr. and Miss, Little Mr. and Miss and Junior Miss Neighbor Day pageants. Miss Neighbor Day to follow at approximately 8:30

> 9 p.m. Nite Shift band begins entertainment

Saturday

> 10:30 a.m. Parade

> 11 a.m. Midway opens

> 11:30 a.m. Antique car show

> Noon Antique tractor show

> 1 p.m. Kid's games (sack races, water balloon toss, bubble gum blowing, pie eating contests, etc. ) begin. Adults can join in the fun as well.

> 6 p.m. Greased pole climbing contest

> 6:30 p.m. Talent show begins

> 9 p.m. Slight Return band begins entertainment

> 9 p.m. Lawn mower races