LETTERS; MCCLURE STREET FAIR WAS A BIG SUCCESS

To the editor:

The McClure street fair last weekend was a success, despite those negative people who did not want it to happen. The Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops of McClure and their families did a fantastic job of organizing this event for the community.

From the beginning, there were those who said "It can't be done" or "Not in McClure." Well, it was done, and it far exceeded our expectations. We had a large crowd on Friday night. Many came out just to wish us well, but a lot stayed the entire evening. The pancake breakfast on Saturday got things off to a good start and was well-attended. The beauty pageant, parade and activities and games on Saturday went very well until the rain started. But that didn't dampen our spirits too much. We just moved what we could inside. From there we enjoyed some gospel music and held some more door-prize drawings and pulled the winning raffle tickets. It all closed up about 7:30 p.m. because of the rain but not before we were treated to a fire baton exhibition.

Thanks to all who supported our first attempt at a street fair, especially those who not only came both days, but stayed the entire day with us to show their support.

Very special thanks to one special lady and her husband who got it all started and kept the ball rolling, even when things didn't look too promising. They came up with the idea and spent many, many hours of hard work to make this event what it was. This person is Renata Johnson of the Girl Scout troop and Pete Johnson of the Boy Scout troop in McClure. Renata and Pete, we appreciate all your hard work and the sacrifices you and your family made to make this possible. It would not have been possible without you.

Again, thank you to those in the community and surrounding area who supported our first meager efforts at this sort of thing. Also thanks to those businesses in the area that donated items or money to this very worthy cause. You should be proud that you have helped some little girl or boy to join Scouting, go to Scout camp or purchase a uniform or book for Scouting.

And to those residents and businesses in McClure that did not support it, shame on you. We all need to support our young people in things like this, especially when it is a noble thing like the Scouts, an organization that promotes family, community and God. If we support more things like this, maybe we will never have to face a tragedy like the school shootings in some of the other small cities and towns .Think about it next time you ask yourself what would cause a young person to kill for no apparent reason. Then next year maybe you'll join us. Today, you are investing in a Scout. Tomorrow, that Scout might be your doctor or lawyer or president. In case you are wondering: Yes, we do plan to have a street fair again next year. At least that is our plan right now. We hope that everyone will take part in the planning We don't know what profit we made yet, as all the expenses have not been totaled. Even if we only break even, we will know that we did something good for our Scouts and our community. We showed them that we care.

DEBBIE SEALS, Charter RepresentativeCub Scout Troop 45McClure, Ill.