Neighbor Days serves as Benton reunion

BENTON, Mo. -- After a week of brutal heat, the weather cooled enough for people to come out and enjoy a weekend at the Benton Neighbor Days.

The festival began in 1924 by the Scott County Farm Bureau, and after taking a break from the 1940s to the 1960s, the festival began again and is stronger than ever. It's a tradition that dates back so far, a majority of fairgoers couldn't tell you how the tradition started.

Hundreds of people wove in and out of carnival rides, fair games and concession stands set up on the lawn outside the old Benton High School. Children from kindergarten to high school stood in their respective groups, playing with a toy ball they just won or quietly discussing which spinning carnival ride they want to try next.

However, this Neighbor Days brings a slightly different entertainment that isn't present at most small-town fairs. Along one of the back baseball diamonds, two large logs are set up -- one about 10 feet high and the other nearly 20. Nailed along the log are a variety of vouchers, and the goal is for children to climb the greased pole and grab the slippery pieces of paper.

The greased-pole contest has happened for years. Children ages 4 and older paced anxiously while the poles were greased.

Ryder Moreland sloshes in the mud pit used for truck races earlier Saturday at Neighbor Days in Benton, Missouri. (GLENN LANDBERG)

"I don't think the money's worth it," onlooker Faye Kirkpatrick said with a laugh.

Faye and her husband, Richard, have attended the festival since they moved to the area in 1963. Their children attended Kelly High School, and they've been a part of the history for decades.

"Oh, yeah, we've been here every year except the last two," Faye said.

Richard added: "We used to help the church sell sandwiches, and we came to see all our friends."

Although the couple was happy to enjoy a cool summer evening, they were a bit disappointed to not see any old friends. But the night was young, and they were hopeful familiar faces would show.

Terry Tims works his way up a greased pole with the hopes of claiming the $50 prize at the top Saturday at Neighbor Days in Benton, Missouri. (GLENN LANDBERG)

The newest attraction was the mutton busting event, where children in two age groups got the chance to ride a sheep for as long as possible to win a prize.

Just before 7 p.m. Saturday, Benton Chamber of Commerce members began setting up bag backboards for the second annual cornhole tournament. The game was a success last year, and has continued to grow.

"We have 50 teams; it's more than last year," chamber member Suzi Clover said. "Last year was the first time we did it, and we had 36 teams last year. ... It's a $180 prize if you win."

The bag boards lined the corner baseball diamond. Among the participants was chamber president and chairman of Neighbor Days, Barry Urhahn.

"It's like a class reunion for anybody who's ever been here," Urhahn said of the event. "You know everybody that used to live here, and even the people like me who live here, they come out and you see people that you haven't seen the whole year."

Urhahn has been with the chamber for about 20 years. He said the planning is yearlong. The crews will take down their tents today, and after Labor Day, they'll begin planning the 2015 event.

Urhahn thought this year's attendance might be down a bit because rain scared off some potential attendees Friday night. But Saturday, he said, was the perfect night for a festival; he estimated 2,000 participated in the festivities throughout the day.

The festival began at 5 p.m. Friday and went until midnight. Saturday began with a parade at 10 a.m. and, besides a rain shower in the middle of the day, the event was deemed a success. Children and adults alike were happy to participate in the festivities and give back to their small town.

"The point of Neighbor Days is to raise money for the community. We use the money for various projects throughout the year, scholarships and stuff like that," Urhahn said.

smaue@semissourian.com

388-3644

Pertinent address:

300 Chester St., Benton, Mo.