Community events abound first day of autumn

Mayor Bill Jenks, III

It is only appropriate that along with the first day of autumn, which is today, Saturday, Sept. 22, the Rolla area is jam-packed with a 5-K Run/Walk, an Electronics and Appliance Collection, a classic car Cruise-In and P.O.W./M.I.A. ceremony, an Open House at the Rolla Public Library and Fort Leonard Wood Appreciation Day.

One of the best aspects of living in a college and cultural town such as Rolla in the scenic Ozark highlands, is there is never a shortage of things to do, especially during the fall, where every weekend from now until Thanksgiving is filled with festivals, events, celebrations and happenings.

The City of Rolla Fire & Rescue will conduct a “National Seat Check Saturday” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Department Headquarters, (located at 1490 E. Tenth Street, Rolla). Certified child passenger safety technicians will be on hand to check car seats for proper installation and advise parents and caregivers how to choose the right car seats and install them properly in their vehicles. The event, which is part of the City of Rolla Fire & Rescue’s participation in Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 16-22), is free to the public. There are a limited number of free child safety seats available to those who meet guidelines. The car seat event is being held in conjunction with the 4th Annual Healthy Baby Extravaganza, which is being held at Greentree Christian Church (located at 800 Greentree Road). The Healthy Baby Extravaganza is a fun, educational day for parents with young children or who are expecting a baby or recently had a baby. There will be workshops, vendor booths, product samples, and door prizes. In addition, the Rolla Police Department, Phelps County Regional Medical Center Ambulance and the Missouri State Highway Patrol will be there to offer safety tips to parents on keeping their kids safe. 

Beginning at 12-noon today, plan to attend the P.O.W. – M.I.A. Ceremony and Cruise-In at Veterans Memorial Park (located on Southview Dr. off Hwy. 72 in Rolla). The event kicks off at noon with a Classic Car/Motorcycle Cruise-In organized by the Rolla Cruise-In Committee and Cave State Cruisers. The P.O.W.-M.I.A. Ceremony, presented by Chapter #49 of the D.A.V., begins at 1 p.m. Music will be provided by Phelps County Bluegrass for Veterans at 2 p.m. at the new pavilion. Concessions will be provided by Rolla Road Riders Motorcycle Club. Other events and activities are also being planned, so bring your chairs or pillows for comfort and enjoy the festivities. Also later in the afternoon the public is invited to attend an Open House at the Rolla Public Library (900 Pine Street) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  In addition to free library tours and book signings by several authors, there will be free hotdogs and popcorn, crafts for kids, and door prizes. This event is free and open to the entire community.

Earlier this week it was also my pleasure to proclaim today, Sept. 22 “Fort Leonard Wood Appreciation Day” in Rolla. The proclamation will be read this afternoon during half-time ceremonies at the Missouri S&T Football game where hundreds of active duty personnel at FLW will be recognized for their service to our country.

Enjoy the local festivities as you enjoy the first day of autumn!  And have a safe week!