APPLE CREEK HEE HAW SHOW SATURDAY

APPLE CREEK -- The annual Hee Haw Show at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Apple Creek started as a fund raiser to build a new school.

Eighteen years later, the show remains a fund raiser for St. Joseph's Catholic Parish School.

The variety show also has become a tradition in this small community between Perryville and Cape Girardeau.

The show will be presented March 21, 22, 28 and 29 at Apple Creek Hall.

Times are 7:30 p.m. March 21, 6:30 p.m. March 22, 7:30 p.m. March 28, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on March 29.

The show started as a fund raiser to build a new school at Apple Creek because the old school had been destroyed in a fire. That first year, a 20 minute skit was performed based on the Hee Haw television show.

A new tradition was built along with the new school, and Saturday will show the 18th annual performance.

Local performers play the roles of familiar cast members from the television version, including Cousin Minnie, Grandpa, Junior and Mr. Gordie. The performers all live in the Apple Creek area.

Bonnie Clements will yodel to "Cattle Call." Rose Welker will sing a Mexican song, "I Love My Rancho Grande." and Leo Meyer will perform the hymn "Heaven's Grocery Store."

Ray Sauer, who plays Archie and emcees the show, and Richard Baer, who plays Elrod, will poke fun at politics when Elrod wants to become President. The Rev. Terry Borgerding, pastor of St. Joseph's parish, is involved in an unsolved mystery

"The secret ingredient behind the success is that it's like a large family all working together to reach a common goal," said Sauer.

To reach the hall, take I-55 to the Biehle exit, south on Highway B one mile and left on Highway F four miles. Admission is $5 for adults, $1.50 for children and free for children under 3 years.