Picnic in New Hamburg all about fun, family

NEW HAMBURG, Mo. -- Six turtles sat inside a circle on the Kelso School baseball diamond Saturday afternoon moments before the start of their final race.

Once the referee shouted go, the owners released their turtles, who were cheered on by about 50 spectators.

A turtle named Lightning narrowly won the championship, which was part of the two-day New Hamburg Picnic.

Owner Blake Mosby, 3, of Benton, Mo., would say it was "fun."

His father, Justin, said the memories made at the picnic, such as his son's turtle winning the race, are priceless.

"It's all about enjoying spending time together with your family and friends in this close-knit community," Mosby said.

In addition to the turtle race, the event had a talent competition, children's tractor pull, music, petting zoo, children's games, washer tournament, a raffle and a picnic meal attended by 900 people. The menu included kettle-cooked beef, fried chicken, homegrown tomatoes, corn, green beans and desserts. Proceeds from the picnic benefit St. Lawrence Catholic Church.

Meal chairwoman Dorothy Heuring, who has been attending the event for more than 60 years, said people from as far away as Florida and Virginia return each year to New Hamburg.

"We have some who make the trip back here each year because they know they'll not only be able to enjoy the amazing food we serve year after year but they are able to come back to a town that holds so many warm memories," Heuring said.

Cheryl Essner of Kelso, Mo., said the picnic reminded her of a high school reunion.

"I'm able to see people each year at this that I haven't seen in years," said Essner while waiting in line at the picnic with her sons Camden, 5, and Carson, 3. "And the weather couldn't have been any more perfect."

Jay Spurgeon of New Hamburg agreed.

"This is all about good food and family fun," Spurgeon said. "It's about bringing everyone in the community together for a couple of exciting days."

Jewel Moore said the event has continued to grow since she first began volunteering at the picnic 42 years ago, with one of the most popular recent additions being curly fries, which was the best-selling food item at this year's picnic. But regardless of how many new attractions will be added, Moore said, organizers will strive to never lose focus on the picnic's main goal.

"When you think about what a community should be, two things that come to mind are family and faith," Moore said. "And that's what we hope people who attended the picnic brought away."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent address:

New Hamburg, MO