City of Arbyrd concerned with lack of participation for its upcoming Watermelon Festival

ARBYRD, Mo. -- It's that time of year again! The City of Arbyrd is gearing up for its Annual Watermelon Festival.

Friday, July 11, 2008, has been selected as the day for this year's watermelon festival. Although the city is fumbling a bit with its line-up of entertainment this year, it has decided, the show will go on.

"As of right now, we will just be having a parade, followed by a meet and greet session in the park, where candidates who have filed for office, and are running in the August election, will get a chance to speak to residents of the City of Arbyrd," Gibson said.

"After the politicians speak, we will have a concert there at the bandstand in the park," he said. "But as of right now, that's all we have for this year's festival."

Gibson said people just aren't as enthusiastic as they have been in the past. "We have to have people who want to get involved in order to make our festival a success," he said. "Our problem this year is that we don't have enough who want to get involved and help or volunteer."

Gibson said if anyone is interested in joining the City of Arbyrd by participating in its annual Watermelon Festival or parade, call the city hall at (573) 654-3834.

"We welcome all bikers, antique car owners, tractors, police departments, fire, EMS and church groups, or anyone who wishes to be involved," Gibson said. "We also want to welcome any vendors who want to set up at the park during the concert."

Gibson said if there are enough bands, vendors or groups who want to participate in the event, it may continue into Saturday, depending on the number of contacts between now and then.

Other business addressed by the council included approving the resignation of officer Tom Vallee. Vallee submitted a letter to the City of Arbyrd thanking it for its cooperation and help during his time of employment and that he regrets he will be resigning as of Wednesday, June 24, 2008.

City Marshall Mitch Skelton advised the council that the city has only six individuals who have yet to purchase a city sticker.

"The six who have not purchased a city sticker will be issued a citation and will be summoned to court," Skelton said. "That will take care of all of our city stickers," he said.

Skelton advised the council that he had completed the License to Carry class. "I went ahead and paid for the class," Skelton said. "I didn't know if it was my responsibility or the city's," he said, "so I went ahead and paid for it myself."

After a brief discussion, the council agreed to reimburse Skelton for the cost of the class. "I think we should pay for the class," Councilman Brent Pierce said, as the remaining councilmen chimed in, agreeing with Pierce.

Before adjourning, City Clerk Erma Branum read a report submitted to the city on behalf of its grant writer Mitzi Dell. The letter included updates on where the city stands with some its applications, as well as a list of those grants that have already been closed out.

The next regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 17, 2008, at the Arbyrd city hall.