Pups, praise and pomp and circumstance to kick off Bushwhacker Days events

Herald-Tribune

Nevada, Mo. -- Plans are being finalized for the kickoff of the 43rd Annual Bushwhacker Days celebration. Wednesday evening, June 13, will be the start of a fun-filled, family-oriented, four-day event on and around the Vernon County Courthouse Square.

The festivities will begin at 6 p.m., with a series of events. The Bushwhacker cookout crew will be serving up lots of fresh, hot-off-the-grill favorites for fairgoers' enjoyment. Festival goers won't have to look far for dessert as Elaine's Ice Cream Social volunteers will be dishing up rounded bowls of frozen delight on the south Courthouse lawn.

Meanwhile, the Wonderful Animals Giving Support's annual Bushwhacker Dog Show, organized by Carol Parmenter will be under way.

Canines of all shapes and sizes will be competing in various categories for prizes, recognition and barking rights. Categories will include shortest and longest legs, shortest animal and tallest animal, shortest and longest nose, shortest and longest tail, shortest and longest ears, smallest and biggest feet, highest pitch bark, lowest pitch bark, longest hair, ugliest dog, curliest tail, pet with the best wiggle, best dressed owner and animal team, pet with the most unusual eyes, owner/pet look-alike contest and pet with the best kiss. Pets must have a copy of a current license or vaccinations. The show will be on the east side of the Square, 5:30-7:30 p.m., with registration from 4:30-5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Carol Parmenter at (417) 448-2560 or Gwen Snead at (417) 667-2074.

The pomp and circumstance of Bushwhacker Days will also be held on June 13. Under the direction of Patty Pruitt, ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m., with the singing of our national anthem by Wes Morton. This will be followed immediately by the Nevada Mayor and Vernon County Commission's Dedi-cation proclamation.

Vic Hinds, with assistance from other local veterans, will once again present a flag dedication and retirement ceremony. All of the opening ceremonies will be held on the stage located on the south side of the Courthouse Square.

From 6:30 to 10 p.m., Bushwhacker-goers can hear music provided by various local groups with the 2007 Songfest of Celebration.

Those scheduled to sing for the Songfest include Scuba Pentecostal Assembly, Pente-costal Assembly Choir, Strong Tower Quartet, First Baptist Church Praise Team, Cowboy Connection Band and Faith Christian Praise Team.