SCOTT CITY PREPARES FOR MID-SUMMER FESTIVAL

SCOTT CITY -- Some new events will highlight the 22nd Annual Scott City Mid-Summer Festival June 19-20 at the Scott City Community Park.

For the first time, people who go to the festival will experience a magic show, a Karaoke contest and the sounds of Classy Chassy Country and Jon Paul and the Band.

"We've got a lot of new things this year," said Phyliss Spinks, Scott City Park Director. "We're trying to build the stage up so we can get people out to support the (fund raising) booths."

The first new event, a two-member band from Oran, called Classy Chassy Country, will start the events off June 19 at 6 p.m. Spinks said the band plays a variety of music, though mainly country.

The music will be followed by the Little Mr. and Miss Railroad contest at 7 p.m.

Another new event follows at 8 p.m. when Wiz Wingo presents his "Magic and Illusion Show."

Friday's events conclude with Jon Paul and the Band from Broseley. Spinks said the group is a positive rock band that area merchants helped bring to the festival for the first time. A computer light show and fog machine will accompany the '70s, '80s and '90s music the band plays.

Throughout the two-day festival, which is sponsored by the Scott City Park Board, display booths featuring arts and crafts, games and food stands will be featured.

A parade will be held June 20, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Scott City IGA parking lot. The parade route continues down Main Street and into the park.

A horseshoe pitching contest will follow at 1 p.m. Registration for the contest begins at noon. The swimming pool also will be open from noon to 5 p.m.

Saturday's evening events begin at 5 p.m. with the Junior Youth Talent Show and at 6:30 p.m. with the Youth Talent Show.

"We had a good response to the talent show since we were sanctioned last year," said Spinks. "We hope to have a good response this year as well."

Entry forms for the talent shows are available at the City Hall or by calling the Park Office at (573) 264-3411.

The talent show will be followed by the Miss Summer Teen contest sponsored by the Scott City's Women's Club.

A Karaoke contest will make its debut this year at the Mid-Summer Festival. The contest will be divided into two age groups, and cash prizes will be awarded.

The festival will conclude with a fireworks display at 10 p.m.

Spinks is looking for a good turnout this year. "It's a city event everyone looks forward to," she said. "It's like a family reunion."