Oran preparing for annual Fourth of July picnic

ORAN, Mo. -- Over the years, the Oran Knights of Columbus have made every effort to keep their annual Fourth of July picnic as family-oriented as possible just like it was when it began in 1908.

"We try to have the same quality of picnic that the church had on the old pavilion grounds," said Lawrence "Lefty" Seyer, who has been involved in several aspects of the event over the years.

"A lot of people look at the Fourth of July for a time of getting together with their families," agreed Janet Randolph of Oran. "And a lot of people come in for just that."

Those who come to the picnic not only get to socialize with old friends and family members among the games and entertainment, but also in their work stations.

For instance, Violet Glastetter Randolph's mother began working in the ice cream stand there 70 years ago, when she was 16. She and her husband, Lester, have worked every year, including some years they served as chairs.

"We feel very fortunate to work it and are looking forward to working again this year," she said. And they've made it a family tradition.

Randolph began working as soon as she was old enough to count change. Then she and her husband, Richard, also chaired the stand for several years.

"And the grandchildren have learned that it s their job to work in the ice cream stand every year," said Glastetter.

A lot of the stands, such as the ice cream stand, date through the years.

"The fish pond, for example, goes back as far as I can remember," said Seyer. "And I am 80 years old."

Another game that exemplifies the picnic's roots is the bingo game. "You don't play for cash, but the old-time way when you can win a prize and carry it around and show it off," he said. "It adds to the family atmosphere."

He noted there are no carnival games there. "And we've avoided it on purpose," he said. "It takes too much money out of the town, and we've been very successful with the style picnic we've had for these almost 100 years."

During World War II, the picnic was canceled three years.

Randolph said the picnic would change quite a bit if a carnival came in. "It wouldn't be the same," she said. "It would just take away from everything being done by the KC members and their families."

Besides the fun and socializing, another big draw to the picnic is the food. Other than the outdoor concessions, a family and buffet-style dinner is served, with roast beef, fried chicken, dressing, ham and all the trimmings, plus dessert.

"The line can always be seen down the road," said Randolph. "It's an outstanding meal. And you get all that home-cooking for $7," pointed out Seyer. "Where can you beat that?"

He noted that this year, there will not be a break between servings -- the meal will be served from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. "With the changing shifts, we can manage to have seven hours straight that people can come to eat," he said.

Entertainment is provided outside throughout the afternoon from Oran's own Classy Chassy Country band. "That's a big drawing card, I think," said Seyer.

"I look forward to it very much, because there are a lot of times that you don't have the opportunity to go out and see other people," said Randolph.

And of course, no picnic is complete without fireworks. A show is scheduled for 10 p.m.

"But, there are no fireworks allowed on the ground," Seyer said -- which is a safety concern. "We watch that very closely."

With the Fourth falling on a weekend this year, those involved expect a nice-sized turnout. And for those who have never come before are encouraged to try it out.

"If they have never experienced a small, hometown community picnic, then they really don't know what they're missing," said Seyer.