We have got to become outraged at what it going on in our country and community! I have a very important issue to talk about today, it’s so called legal Synthetic substances that mimic marijuana, cocaine and other illegal drugs that are making users seriously ill, causing seizures and hallucinations and even killing some people. The stores that sell them are making serious money in their pockets at the expense of our kids.

This morning while on my way to work dispatch advised there was a man in a vehicle parked on a parking lot that had just taken synthetic substance. The man was panicking and having problems breathing. I was first on the scene and contacted the male as he was in the driver’s seat of his car. He stated he had just shot up with a synthetic drug called “pump it” and he felt like he was having a heart attack and he could not walk, he was very afraid. We got him medical treatment and as of the writing of this he is still there. He had several syringes and synthetic drugs in his car.

Yesterday I worked the road with the street crimes unit and a few road officers, we made about thirty traffic stops in a two hour period. On about twenty of the traffic stops with found synthetic drugs. I made it a point to talk to the people about the synthetics drugs, one person just bought $120.00 worth and the others any place from $40.00 to $100.00. One person had it hidden in his butt crack. Here is an overview of what they had to say. “ I thought it was ok to use since it’s legal”, “ To be honest with you they need to outlaw this stuff, it’s bad I have had friends get messed up on it”, “it’s a good high, it’s legal and won’t make me fail a drug test”, I asked would you want your kids to use it. “Hell no”. About half the people we stopped were from other counties coming here to buy it. These drugs are dangerous; we have been having way too many problems with these drugs hurting people. I could tell you too many stories about local cases where kids have been taken to E.R. for treatment and case’s where kids had to get psychiatric treatment because of these poisons being sold.

Reports of misuse are widespread. In Kentucky, authorities say a young woman driving on a highway after using bath salts became convinced her 2-year-old was a demon. She allegedly stopped the car and dropped the child on his head. He survived and was taken from his mother's custody. A Hawaii man pleaded guilty to attacking his girlfriend and trying to throw her off an 11th-floor balcony while high on "Spice. A man who hallucinated after taking bath salts used a hunting knife to slit his face and stomach. The products are often packaged as incense or bath salts and can be obtained for around $30.00 at many Sex Shops, Liquor Stores and gas stations. There only true purpose is to be sold as drugs to get high, but these companies are one step ahead of our laws and it’s all about them making money. They will always say that no that’s not why we are selling them, but they are lying. As more people experiment with them, the results are becoming evident at hospitals where users are show up with problems like labored breathing, rapid heartbeats, extreme paranoia and delusions. The symptoms can persist for days. Chemicals have been implicated in nine deaths "Many of the users describe extreme paranoia," said Dr. Mark Ryan, director of the Louisiana Poison Center. "The recurring theme is monsters, demons and aliens. A lot of them had suicidal thoughts."

The chemicals are suspected in at least nine U.S. deaths since last year, The young man got high last June on a marijuana look-alike product called "K2" and complained to a friend "that he felt like he was in hell," his father said. Though the teen had never suffered from depression, he went home, found a shotgun and killed himself.

The recent surge in activity has not gone unnoticed by authorities. The Drug Enforcement Administration recently used emergency powers to outlaw five chemicals found in synthetic pot, placing them in the same category as heroin and cocaine. But manufacturers are quick to adapt, often cranking out new formulas that are only a single molecule apart from the illegal ones.

The new type of synthetic drugs started only a few years ago, in Europe. The products were typically made in China, India and other Asian nations and soon arrived in Britain and Germany, Products include ‘Purple Wave,' ‘Bliss’. In the United States, fake marijuana was last year's big seller, marketed under brands such as "K2" or "Spice." This year, the trend is "bath salts" with names like "Purple Wave" and "Bliss."Besides being cheap and easily obtained, they do not show up in common drug tests.

Synthetic marijuana typically involves dried plant material sprayed with one of several chemical compounds; the compounds were never tested on humans. It's packaged to look like pot, and users typically smoke it, but experts say the high is more comparable to cocaine or LSD.

The bath salts are not water-softening products at all but crystalized chemicals that are snorted, swallowed, smoked or shut up. They contain two powerful stimulants: which mimic cocaine, LSD and methamphetamine.

In some patients, symptoms can last for days. "One described it as like being on cocaine, but 10 times worse," according to the Carolinas Poison Center in Charlotte, N.C. Users assume that the products are safe because they are available in stores, even though they are typically labeled "not for human consumption." These products are in an unregulated, unlicensed industry no one knows the strength of the ingredients. You don't know what you're taking.

In addition to the DEA's recently adopted ban, a federal law allows for prosecution of "analogue" drugs that mimic the effects of illegal substances. But authorities acknowledge the challenge of stopping the drugs' spread. DEA experts are evaluating as many as 50 new synthetics. The possibilities are endless, There's probably hundreds of formulations out there. Some states ban substances at least 20 states have banned chemicals found in fake marijuana. At least nine states have banned substances found in bath salts, and 25 have laws in the works.

We are fighting an uphill battle. These chemists are pretty sophisticated and creative and are going to stay one step ahead of us. We are having meetings and trying to get the laws changed and hope soon we will be able to shut the places down that are selling these poisonous products. Please educate your family and friends on these products. Also you can call or write your Government officials that can be found on the internet. Thank you. Chief Kearse

Chief Mark Kearse

City of Rolla Weekend E-Updates (May 25, 2012)

Memorial Day

Services set for

May 28 at Veterans

Memorial Park

The public is invited to pay tribute to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans at the Memorial Day Services on Monday, May 28 beginning at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park (located on Southview Drive).

The guest speaker will be Sergeant First Class Cary R. Davis from Fort Leonard Wood.

Organizations are encouraged to participate with the services by presenting a memorial wreath during the program. Anyone interested in participating should contact the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce at 364-3577 or stevie@rollachamber.org. Seating will be limited so if you need seating for this event, please bring a backup chair.

Relax and cool off

at SplashZone

all summer long

Due to the nice weather and Rolla Public Schools letting out early, SplashZone, Rolla’s outdoor water park, opened for the summer on Tuesday, May 22 from 12-noon to 6 p.m.

 “The SplashZone staff has worked hard to get the facility open a week early this year,” said Mitch Lewis, Aquatics Manager, City of Rolla Parks and Recreation Department. “If we continue to have nice weather, SplashZone will open the first week from Tuesday, May 22 through Friday, May 25 from 12-noon to 6 p.m.”

Located in beautiful Ber Juan Park at 14th and Holloway Streets, this fun-filled water park includes a leisure pool with beach-like entrance, interactive play structure, lazy river, the “world’s largest” vortex, and two giant water slides.

Admission to SplashZone is $4.50 for individuals age four and above. For children age three and under, there is no charge. Value passes are $75 for 20 visits.

SplashZone will remain open throughout the summer months Monday through Friday (noon-7) and Saturday and Sunday (noon-6 p.m.). SplashZone will be open on Memorial Day, May 28 from 12-noon to 5 p.m. Closing day at SplashZone will be on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3.

For more information for special events, private rentals, swimming lessons and other information, please call SplashZone at 364-8222 or 341-2FUN.

Rolla City Hall to close

May 28 for

Memorial Day Holiday

Rolla City Hall will be closed Monday, May 28 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. The Centre, Rolla’s Health and Recreation Complex, will be open Memorial Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. SplashZone, Rolla’s outdoor water park, will be open from 12-noon to 5 p.m.

The City’s Environmental Services Department will also be closed on Monday, May 28 in observance of Memorial Day. Monday’s trash will be picked up on Tuesday, and Tuesday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday. There will be no special pick ups on Wednesday.

For more information, please call 426-6948 or visit the City’s Website at www.rollacity.org.

RPD to participate

in Click It or Ticket

May 21 – June 3

The Rolla Police Department will be joining with statewide law enforcement May 21 – June 3 for an aggressive “Click It or Ticket” mobilization to crack down on Missouri’s seat belt violations.

Seven out of 10 people killed in Missouri traffic crashes are unbuckled. And even with the advancements in automobile safety and education on the important of seat belt use, Missouri’s seat belt use has remained relatively unchanged in the last six years and consistently below the national average.

Missouri has 79 percent seat belt use, which is well below the national average of 85 percent. Teens and pick-up truck drivers are among those least likely to buckle up at 67 and 66 percent.

“Every day someone dies in a crash in Missouri because they weren’t buckled up,” said Sgt. Tim Mayfield. “We will be pulling out all the stops to ensure motorists are buckling up.”

Seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.

Buckle Up and Arrive Alive. For information on Missouri seatbelt usage, visit www.saveMOlives.com.

RPD conducting sobriety

checkpoints in May

The Rolla Police Department will be cracking down on impaired drivers by conducting one to two sobriety checkpoints during the month of May 2012.

Law enforcement efforts will be increased in an endeavor to reduce the deaths and serious injuries caused by impaired drivers.

Those caught drinking and driving could lose their license, money and freedom.

Route 66 Summerfest

set for June 1-3 in

Downtown Rolla

The 17th Annual “Route 66 Summerfest” will be held Friday, June 1 through Sunday, June 3 in downtown Rolla.

The action starts on Friday morning, June 1 as portions of downtown are closed as food vendors and musicians set up for the evenings’ festivities.  At 4 p.m. hundreds of classic cars, custom cars and motorcycles gather at the St. James Visitor Center before “cruising” along old Route 66 from St. James to Rolla’s Downtown Festival Park. At the same time, back in downtown Rolla, the annual Association of United States Army (AUSA) evening meal for AUSA members (tickets: $8) and anyone else who supports the military will be held. Enjoy the 399th Army Jazz Band while you select food and drink from various vendors in the festival lots across from Rolla City Hall on 9^th Street.

At 6 p.m. the Friends of Tennis Summerfest Tennis Tournament (Men’s & Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles) begins at the Ber Juan Tennis Complex (and continues on Sunday, June 3 at 1 p.m.) On Friday evening bring your lawn chair for the Miss Route 66 crowning ceremony at 7 p.m. at the Rolla Downtown Bandshell, and plan to stay for an outdoor ‘Movie Under the Stars’ (Dolphin Tale) and all the FREE popcorn you can eat. The giant sandbox for kids, and skateboard track will also be open.

Summerfest festivities continue on Saturday morning, June 2 at 7:30 a.m. at Oak Meadow Country Club, 10700 Country Road 3110, Rolla, Mo. with the Tour-de-Phelps leisurely bike ride to St. James and back (12-mile loop). The Route 66 Motorcycle Classic begins at 8 a.m. on 8th Street and the classic car show on Pine Street.

At 9 a.m. enjoy arts and crafts, food vendors, kids activities (face painting), Army National Guard Climbing Wall, giant sandbox/segway rides, and skateboard games by Party Pro.

At 10 a.m. the Criterium Bicycle Race begins as well as the Hot Foot Pursuit 5k/10k walk/run at the Rolla Downtown Band Shell (proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Missouri), followed by the kids tricycle and bicycle races at 11:15 a.m. The Downhill Derby and Rolling Thunder Parade begin at 12:30 p.m. followed by the burnout contest at 6 p.m.

At 8 p.m. you won’t want to miss a FREE outdoor street dance/concert at the Downtown Bandshell featuring Rolla’s own Pseudo Blues (with Special guest Kait Weston). On Sunday, June 3 the Hellbender Bicycle Road Race begins at 10 a.m. and the continuation of the Summerfest Tennis Tournament begins at 1 p.m. at the Ber Juan Tennis Complex.

For a complete list of Summerfest activities and events, and registration forms for sporting events, please visit www.route66summerfest.com. For a complete listing of more events and festivities planned in the Rolla and Phelps County area, please visit www.rollacity.org/events.

Have a nice weekend and a safe week. See you at Summerfest!

Hot Foot Pursuit

5K/10K Walk/Run

set for June 2

The Region 6 Hot Foot Pursuit 5K and 10K Walk/Run, an event to benefit Special Olympics Missouri, will be held on Saturday, June 2. The race will begin at 10 a.m. at the Rolla downtown bandshell located at 9^th and Oak Streets next to the Frisco Caboose.

Registration forms are available online at http://www.split-secondtiming.com  (click on Upcoming Events tab for forms). Admission is $20 for the 5K Walk, $25 for the 5K, and $3-0 for the 10K. On-Line registration closes on May 25 at 11:45 a.m. Race day registration is $25 for the 5K Walk, $30 for the 5K, and $35 for the 10K. Registration forms can be turned into Split Second Timing, 1411 Ramsey Place Road, Rolla, Missouri, 65401.

Proceeds from this event will benefit Special Olympics Missouri. For more information, please call (573) 429-2272.

Rolla City Council

Mtg., June 4

The next Rolla City Council meeting will be held on Monday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall, 901 N. Elm Street.

Rolla City Council meetings are ordinarily held the first and third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. except when there is a conflict with an observed holiday.
To review a copy of the City Council agendas or the full agenda packet, please visit http://rollacity.org/admin/agenda.shtml#agenda. For more information, please contact Rolla City Administration at 426-6948.

Free Recreation opportunities

on Mark Twain National Forest

June 8-10

Mark Twain National Forest will offer two days of free day use and two free nights of camping at seven campgrounds the weekend of Friday, June 8 through Sunday, June 10, 2012.

Free camping is being offered in unreserved campsites both Friday and Saturday nights, and free day use is being offered at unreserved sites Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10, 2012.

The free weekend is being offered in conjunction with National
Get Outdoors Day and Missouri’s Free Fishing days, which are celebrated on Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June.

The free use is available in these campgrounds and associated recreation areas: Cobb Ridge, Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV area, Christian County; Greer Crossing on Eleven Point River, Oregon County; Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV area, Christian County; Greer Crossing on Eleven Point River, Oregon County; Lane Spring, Phelps County; Loggers Lake, Shannon County; Markham Springs, Wayne County; North Fork along the North Fork of the White River in Ozark County, and Watercress on the Current River in Carter County.

National Get Outdoors Day is an annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun and participation in outdoor activities.

Missouri’s Free Fishing Days were established as a way to encourage people to try fishing so they can find out, or rediscover, the enjoyment associated with fishing.

“Offering free camping and day use is a way to show our appreciation and encourage people to enjoy the outdoors and to connect to the land, which improves the health and quality of both personal and community life,” said Mark Twain National Forest Supervisor David Whittekiend. “We hope to inspire individuals and community groups to take part in activities that promote healthy living and mental well being, instill excitement for the outdoors, or to just plain get out and enjoy being on a trail or in the forest. Fishing allows you to relax, brings about peace of mind and helps you to reconnect with the natural world. When parents bring their children, they start building a generation of conservationists who will protect our resources in future decades, something vital to the future of national forests.”

Mark Twain National Forest is the largest public land manager in Missouri with 1.5 million acres in 29 counties in southern and central Missouri. Mark Twain National Forest’s mission is to continue to restore Missouri’s great outdoors and maintain a healthy, working forest.

For more information about Mark Twain National Forest, please visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/mtnf or http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mtnf/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5369766.  

Rolla Downtown

Farmer’s Market

open every Tuesday

The Rolla Downtown Farmer’s Market is open and operating under the new shade structure in the lower parking lot of Rolla City Hall from 7 a.m. until 12-noon each Tuesday throughout the growing season.

The Farmer’s Market is coordinated by Roy Fiscus and Wilma Bingham, and spots are available for vendors to sell their items, but they must be locally grown or made products/produce (Phelps County).

No flea market, yard sale type items will be permitted. All spots are first come, first served. The cost to host a booth is $2 per day, which is given to the organizers the day the vendors are there.

For additional information, please contact Roy Fiscus at 341-8045 or Wilma Bingham at 364-5544.

Paving of Forum Dr.

from 18^th to

Old St. James Rd.

continues

The City of Rolla Public Works Department is underway with the reconstruction for the eventual paving of Forum Drive from 18th Street to Old St. James Road. The project should be completed sometime this summer.

The first phase of the project includes extensive milling (removing several inches of asphalt), and then excavating materials. After removing the materials, gravel will be placed on the road surface, and the road will be paved with five inches of asphalt.

Detour signs are posted in the construction area, indicating lane closures and alternate routes. During this time the City appreciates the assistance and cooperation of the public.

For more information, please call the Public Works Department at 364-8659 or visit www.rollacity.org.

Environmental Services Important Dates

 (clip & save coupon)

May 28, 2012 - Memorial Day:  Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

July 4, 2012 - Independence Day:  Schedule will not change.

Sept. 3, 2012 - Labor Day:  Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

Oct. 6, 2012 - Citywide Fall Clean Up: Saturday - Citywide clean up day (residential only).

Nov. 22, 2012 – Thanksgiving Day:  Thursday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

Dec. 25, 2012 – Christmas Day:  Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.

.

Holidays NOT affecting trash or recycling collection:

            Oct. 8, 2012 – Columbus Day

            Nov. 12, 2012 – Veteran’s Day

Nov. 23, 2012 – Day after Thanksgiving

Rolla Channel 16

live streaming

24/7 on the Web

If you happen to miss the airing of a Rolla City Council meeting, Planning & Zoning meeting, Rolla Public School Board meeting or Board of Public Works meeting, you can now watch them live on the Rolla Channel 16 Website at http://rollachannel16.com.

Rolla Channel 16, Rolla’s premiere Education and Government channel, is also now live streaming (24/7) at http://rollachannel16.com. RC16 is live streaming all Rolla City Council meetings, Rolla Planning & Zoning Commission meetings, Rolla Public Schools board meetings, Rolla High School Review and “City Minutes” hosted by the City of Rolla’s Communications Office.

Other syndicated content on RC16 such as Missouri Outdoors, Army Newswatch, and Capitol Dialogue will also live stream on RC16 at http://rollachannel16.com.

For more information regarding programming or DVD duplication of Rolla City Council meetings, Rolla Planning & Zoning meetings, and Rolla Public Schools board meetings, etc., please contact Gabe Mankin, Digital Media Operations Manager, at (573) 426-3377 or at Gabe.Mankin@fidelitycommunications.com.

Be sure to watch Rolla Channel 16 – Education, Government and Community for you!

Upcoming Events

MAY 2012

May 22 – Opening Day at SplashZone (noon-6 p.m.); call 364-8222 for more info

May 28 – Memorial Day Services (10 a.m.); Veterans Memorial Park, Southview Drive

May 28 – City Hall closed for Memorial Day Holiday

May 28 – Environmental Services closed for Memorial Day Holiday; Monday’s trash picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash picked up Wednesday (364-6693)

JUNE 2012

June 1-3 – 17^th Annual Route 66 Summerfest, downtown Rolla (for info, visit: www.route66summerfest.com) 

June 2 – Hot Foot Pursuit (5K/10K); 10 a.m., Rolla Downtown Bandshell, proceeds to benefit Special Olympics Missouri; more info at www.split-secondtiming.com

June 4 – City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

June 7 – Board of Adjustment Mtg. (5:30 p.m.)

June 18 – City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

JULY 2012

July 2 – City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

July 4 – City Hall closed for Independence Day holiday

July 4-7 – Lions Club Carnival, Lions Club Park, Hwy. 63 South

July 14 – Cruise In (5-8 p.m.); JC Penney Parking Lot, Southside Shoppers World

July 16 – City Council Mtg. (6:30 p.m.)

Scott A. Grahl

Communications Director

City of Rolla, Missouri

(573) 426-6943

Follow us on Facebook

& Twitter at www.rollacity.org

Free Recreation opportunities on Mark Twain National Forest June 8-10

Mark Twain National Forest will offer two days of free day use and two free nights of camping at seven campgrounds the weekend of Friday, June 8 through Sunday, June 10, 2012.

Free camping is being offered in unreserved campsites both Friday and Saturday nights, and free day use is being offered at unreserved sites Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10, 2012.

The free weekend is being offered in conjunction with National Get Outdoors Day and Missouri’s Free Fishing days, which are celebrated on Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June.

The free use is available in these campgrounds and associated recreation areas: Cobb Ridge, Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV area, Christian County; Greer Crossing on Eleven Point River, Oregon County; Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV area, Christian County; Greer Crossing on Eleven Point River, Oregon County; Lane Spring, Phelps County; Loggers Lake, Shannon County; Markham Springs, Wayne County; North Fork along the North Fork of the White River in Ozark County, and Watercress on the Current River in Carter County.

National Get Outdoors Day is an annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun and participation in outdoor activities.

Missouri’s Free Fishing Days were established as a way to encourage people to try fishing so they can find out, or rediscover, the enjoyment associated with fishing.

“Offering free camping and day use is a way to show our appreciation and encourage people to enjoy the outdoors and to connect to the land, which improves the health and quality of both personal and community life,” said Mark Twain National Forest Supervisor David Whittekiend. “We hope to inspire individuals and community groups to take part in activities that promote healthy living and mental well being, instill excitement for the outdoors, or to just plain get out and enjoy being on a trail or in the forest. Fishing allows you to relax, brings about peace of mind and helps you to reconnect with the natural world. When parents bring their children, they start building a generation of conservationists who will protect our resources in future decades, something vital to the future of national forests.”

Mark Twain National Forest is the largest public land manager in Missouri with 1.5 million acres in 29 counties in southern and central Missouri. Mark Twain National Forest’s mission is to continue to restore Missouri’s great outdoors and maintain a healthy, working forest.

For more information about Mark Twain National Forest, please visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/mtnf or http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mtnf/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5369766.    

Summerfest, SplashZone and summer fun

The last day of school for over 4,000 students who attend Rolla Public Schools was yesterday, May 18, and with warmer temperatures, and summer vacation just around the bend, it’s almost time for the 17th annual Route 66 Summerfest and opening day of SplashZone, Rolla’s outdoor water park.

SplashZone, located in Ber Juan Park off 14th Street, will be opening soon, and the Parks and Recreation Department will notify the public shortly regarding the announcement of opening day.  SplashZone will remain open throughout the summer months Monday through Friday (noon-7) and Saturday and Sunday (noon-6 p.m.). At $4.50 per person, it is a great vacation bargain for folks in South Central Missouri. Closing day at SplashZone will be on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3 (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.). For more information for special events, private rentals, swimming lessons and other information, please call SplashZone at 364-8222 or 341-2FUN.

The summer hours at The Centre, Rolla’s 63,000-square-foot health and recreation complex, (located at 1200 N. Holloway Street), are also in effect. Hours at The Centre are now Monday through Friday (5:30 a.m.– 9 p.m..); Saturday (8 a.m.–5 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.).

With the Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, I would like to remind everyone that Rolla City Hall and the Environmental Services Department will be closed on Monday, May 28.  Monday’s trash will be picked up on Tuesday and Tuesday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday, and there will be no special pick ups on Wednesday. The Centre will be open Memorial Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and SplashZone will be open from 12-noon to 5 p.m.

Also on Memorial Day, May 28, The Rolla Chamber will be hosting a Memorial Day service beginning at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, located on Southview Drive off Hwy. 72. The service is open to the public, and provides a great opportunity to pay tribute and homage to the millions of brave men and woman who, throughout the years, have protected our nation in time of war and peace.

One of Rolla’s most popular and widely attended events is just two weeks away as well. The 17^th Annual “Route 66 Summerfest” will be held Friday, June 1 through Sunday, June 3 in downtown Rolla. Summerfest originally started as an effort to promote downtown Rolla, but it has evolved into an area wide celebration for all ages to promote old U.S. Route 66 and the beginning of summer. The action starts on Friday morning, June 1 as portions of downtown are closed as food vendors and musicians set up for the evenings’ festivities.  At 4 p.m. hundreds of classic cars, custom cars and motorcycles gather at the St. James Visitor Center before “cruising” along old Route 66 from St. James to Rolla’s Downtown Festival Park. At the same time, back in downtown Rolla, the annual Association of United States Army (AUSA) evening meal for AUSA members (tickets: $8) and anyone else who supports the military will be held. Enjoy the 399^th Army Jazz Band while you select food and drink from various vendors in the festival lots across from Rolla City Hall on 9^th Street.

At 6 p.m. the Friends of Tennis Summerfest Tennis Tournament (Men’s & Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles) begins at the Ber Juan Tennis Complex (and continues on Sunday, June 3 at 1 p.m.) On Friday evening bring your lawn chair for the Miss Route 66 crowning ceremony at 7 p.m. at the Rolla Downtown Bandshell, and plan to stay for an outdoor ‘Movie Under the Stars’ (Dolphin Tale) and all the FREE popcorn you can eat. The giant sandbox for kids, and skateboard track will also be open.

Summerfest festivities continue on Saturday morning, June 2 at 7:30 a.m. at the downtown bandshell with the Tour-de-Phelps leisurely bike ride to St. James and back. The Route 66 Motorcycle Classic begins at 8 a.m. on 8^th Street and the classic car show on Pine Street. At 9 a.m. enjoy arts and crafts, food vendors, kids activities (face painting), Army National Guard Climbing Wall, giant sandbox/segway rides, and skateboard games by Party Pro. At 10 a.m. the Criterium Bicycle Race begins as well as the Hot Foot Pursuit 5k/10k walk/run at the Rolla Downtown Band Shell (proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Missouri), followed by the kids tricycle and bicycle races at 11:15 a.m. The Downhill Derby and Rolling Thunder Parade begin at 12:30 p.m. followed by the burnout contest at 6 p.m. At 8 p.m. you won’t want to miss a FREE outdoor street dance/concert at the Downtown Bandshell featuring Rolla’s own Pseudo Blues (with Special guest Kait Weston). On Sunday, June 3 the Hellbender Bicycle Road Race begins at 10 a.m. and the continuation of the Summerfest Tennis Tournament begins at 1 p.m. at the Ber Juan Tennis Complex.

For a complete list of Summerfest activities and events, and registration forms for sporting events, please visit www.route66summerfest.com. For a complete listing of more events and festivities planned in the Rolla and Phelps County area, please visit www.rollacity.org/events.

Have a nice weekend and a safe week. See you at Summerfest!