Summer in Rolla and the Meramec Valley Region continues to be fun-filled and action packed following Route 66 Summerfest and last weekend’s 75th Annual Lions Club Carnival, which, thanks to the great weather, and record-breaking crowds, was yet another huge success. A special thanks goes out to all the hard working members of the Rolla Lions Club, and all the organizations, businesses and individuals who donate their time, money and talent to make this one of the great festivals of the year in Rolla, and South Central Missouri.
While everyone is most likely still flying their U.S. flags, and in a patriotic spirit from the 4th of July weekend, the Fun Show was held Saturday, July 10 at Veterans Memorial Park. The event, hosted by the South Central Regional Veterans Group (SCRVG), was held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, located on Southview Drive (also appropriately named Veterans Memorial Parkway), off Hwy. 72 behind Casey’s. Admission to the event was free, but a $15 registration fee was required for anyone who enters the Fun Show competition. Classic and vintage cars and modified trucks of all makes, models and sizes will be on display, while visitors check out the chrome and leather, and take in the music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
The Fun Show is one of many events planned this year by the SCRVG as a way to raise awareness and funds for the new 11-acre Veterans Memorial Park. The SCRVG recently participated in the Route 66 Summerfest where members mingled with visitors, passed out literature and sold over $1,000 of new Veterans Memorial Park T-shirts (4-color and black and white versions available). The attractive, eye-catching T-shirts, which were designed by local artist, Bruce Wade, are on sale now for $15 and can be purchased at Rolla City Hall. Engraved memorial bricks, which will initially be placed around the Armed Forces Pentagon, will also be for sale at the Fun Show and through the SCRVG. For more information, please contact Anne McClay, Project Coordinator in the City’s Engineering Division in the Public Works Department located on the 4th Floor at Rolla City Hall (901 N. Elm Street). Anne can be reached at 426-6955.
In addition to the events listed above, $300 was also raised for Veterans Memorial Park during the Fire Truck Pull competition at Summerfest, which was coordinated by SSgt. Rick Williams with the Rolla Police Department. The winning team was Fairgrounds Chevrolet.
Proceeds from the Fire Truck Pull, the Fun Show today and the sale of Veterans Memorial Park T-shirt and engraved Veterans Memorial Park memorial bricks will go towards Phase II of Veterans Memorial Park, which will include the new Armed Forces Pentagon – a five-sided memorial that will feature three flags (U.S., Missouri State and P.OW./M.I.A.). The SCRVG is now finalizing the design and construction of the Armed Forces Pentagon, which, with the generous assistance of local businesses, volunteers and students at RTI, should be completed by Sept. 11 of this year! Another event being planned by this dynamic and energetic group of veterans and community leaders, is a BBQ, bluegrass, raffle and silent auction, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 16 at the National Guard Armory in Rolla. We will keep you updated as more details on this fun event are finalized.
As an Army veteran, and big supporter of Phelps For the Fort, I am very excited about the progress, and level of energy that the SCRVG is displaying toward building awareness, recognition and bricks and mortar projects for what I believe will be one of the most outstanding Veterans Parks in the state of Missouri. Rolla has so much momentum going with the new Rolla Arts and Entertainment District, the Benton Square Development, the finalized development agreement for the Bryant Drive Extension (Rolla West Phase II), the first building being constructed at the Missouri S&T Innovation Park (on 10th Street), all the new restaurants that are being established or re-established, and the many exciting retail expansions, that the timing couldn’t be better to be continuing with Phase II of Veterans Memorial Park.
Let's keep the momentum going all through 2010! I hope to see you at the Fun Show today!
Mayor Bill Jenks, III
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