Seniors invited to enjoy Cotton Carnival

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Susie Caradonna couldn't stop smiling Wednesday after she finished riding the Ferris wheel at the American Legion Cotton Carnival at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo grounds.

"I liked it," said the resident of the Bertrand Nursing Facility, still smiling.

For more than 20 years, the Legion and Tinsley Amusements have opened up the carnival and some rides for a couple hours on a designated day so residents of local nursing homes and adult care centers can enjoy the annual event, said Geniece Kinder of the Sikeston American Legion Auxiliary.

"It makes us feel good, and to see the excitement on their faces -- that's what makes it for us," Kinder said. "And they remember coming here from year to year."

Kinder said these centers and their residents are invited each year to enjoy a free sandwich, drink and rides. For the first time, the SEMO Shrine Club participated Wednesday, providing free funnel cakes to the attendees.

"It was an honor to help out," said Greggory Price of Sikeston, divan/captain of the Guard for the Moolah Shriners. "We're here to help not only the Shriners Hospital for Children but also for the Sikeston community."

The club expects to attend next year's event, too, Price said.

During the two hours of the event Wednesday, the Shriners gave away hundreds of funnel cakes. Price admitted the club's volunteers were pleasantly overwhelmed by the amount of people they served.

"We stepped up to the occasion," Price said.

Kinder estimated the Sikeston American Legion's hamburger and fish sandwich trailer donated more than 500 sandwiches to those who visited the carnival during the designated time Wednesday.

"We've had a great turnout," Kinder said, noting the rain had held off for the occasion. "We have great volunteers from the Legion who come out and help on this day."

Sandy George, secretary for Tinsley's Amusements, said the High Hill, Mo., company is happy to provide rides to the residents.

"We love it," said. "The smiles on their faces is what we love."

George said Tinsley's also provides free rides to nursing home and adult care residents at the Stoddard County Fair in Dexter, Mo., which was last week.

Knights of Columbus Care Center, an adult daycare in Sikeston, brought about 15 of its clients to the carnival Wednesday. One was Tyler Sims, who was smiling after completing a ride that spun in circles. He said that ride was his favorite so far.

When asked if he liked coming to the carnival, still smiling, Sims replied: "Yes."

"Some of them don't like crowds so this is a great way for them to be able to come and enjoy the carnival," said Ann Copeland, a licensed practical nurse for Columbus Care Center. "It's excellent for them to get out and have fun."

Mary Huus, dietary manager for Bertrand Nursing Facility, agreed.

"We owe a big thank you to the Legion, Shrine Club and the [Tinsley's] Amusements," Huus said.

Bertrand Nursing Facility brought five of its residents to the carnival Wednesday.

"Our residents look forward to coming here every year. They love it," Huus said.

More events

Kinder said there is still plenty of time for the general public to enjoy this year's carnival.

Wristband nights for the rides will be from 5 p.m. to close today and from noon until 5 p.m. Saturday, Kinder said.

The Cotton Carnival parade, "A Salute to Navy SEALs," begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at Pine Street. The Miss Cotton Carnival contest will be about 30 minutes after the parade finishes Saturday.

The Miss Sikeston Pageant will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday. Pageants will be on the rodeo grounds, but in the case of rain, they will be moved to the Sikeston Elks Lodge on Dona Street.