Scott City holds 36th annual Summerfest over weekend

The 36th annual Summerfest was held in Scott City Park over the weekend. The three-day event featured a magician on opening night Thursday and beauty contests Friday. Saturday night included talent competitions, live music and culminated in a fireworks display.

The park was transformed into a carnival with rides for toddlers and older children, games of chance and a large bounce castle. The usual carnival fare like corn dogs and snow cones was available, and other vendors offered more local cuisine.

The Friday-night beauty contests had divisions for different age levels. The winners for the Tiny Mr. and Miss, 18 months to 3 years old, were Evalynn Wiley and Camden Jackson. The Little Miss winner (4- to 6-year-olds) was Sierra Langston.

The Young Miss title went to Lizzy Langston. The Miss Pre-Teen Summerfest title went to Heather Conaway. The Miss Summerfest Teen winner was Katelyn Seyer.

Saturday afternoon's activities began with a demonstration from Peak Performance Tae Kwon Do, which had 15 representatives on stage.

Blake Pardon, 5, and his brother Max, 4, began studying a month ago and were part of the demonstration team.

"Breaking the boards," they said in unison, talking about what they like best about the practice.

"We are teaching them life skills," said co-owner and instructor Rick Bashear. "Respect and discipline."

He said he insists on getting a letter from his students' teachers saying the children have completed their assignments and they have been good in school before they can test to "go up" in levels.

"I don't want to know their grades, just that they are doing what is expected of them in class," Bashear said. "I think we make a big difference."

The weather cooperated with the festival this year.

Phyllis Crump, director of Scott City Parks Department, said they had seen a huge turnout for the rides.

"They are very pleased with the attendance," Crump said.

Heartland Talent Showcase holds competitions for the Southeast Missouri, western Kentucky and Southern Illinois areas throughout the year, with a final competition held in October. On Saturday, local talent was showcased in two competitions. Entertainers from 6 to 11 and from 12 to 16 sang current favorites, show tunes and melodies from the Beach Boys, Janis Joplin and a young Elvis -- compete with hip action -- competing for cash prizes.

Eleven-year-old Claire Hamlin of Sikeston, Mo., won first place in the junior division of the talent competition by singing "Blessings."

Noah Orr, 14, of Chaffee, Mo., also performed.

"On stage," he said, "wherever it takes me, whenever I hit that stage, I'm fearless."

Danielle Childers, 16, of Cape Girardeau, won first place in the intermediate division with her rendition of "Only Prettier."

The winners in the junior talent division were: first place, Claire Hamlin; second place, Elizabeth Emmons; third place, Kylie Creech; and fourth place, Heather Conoway.

The winners for the intermediate division were first place, Danielle Childers; second place, Camerson Tyler; third place, Landon Schnurbusch; and fourth place, Amber Vandeven.

Pertinent address:

Scott City, Mo.