McGennis Youth Center Barbecue set for Sept. 27

The 40th Annual McGennis Youth Center Barbecue is set for Sunday, Sept. 27. Good food, good music and good times are the order of the day on that Sunday with activities for all ages.

Something new this year will be the Anderson Family Train, appearing at the event and giving rides around the Center, which appeared prominently at the Rich Hill Fourth of July Parade, dubbed the Park Ave. Fun Line. A family project, the train consists of the engine and five cars. The train was a favorite of parade judges and a real crowd-pleaser. Rides on the train at this year's barbecue will start shortly after noon and run for about an hour.

Children's games will start at 12:30 p.m., with many of the classic country picnic events included.

Attention will turn to the serving line at 1 p.m. Again this year Neil Steiner of Flaming Lantern will be preparing beef and pork, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, bread, ice tea and lemonade. Everyone who wishes to lend a hand to the center is invited to bring along a cake for the dessert table. Any extra cakes will be auctioned off.

Dan Devine, Moundville, Mo., and friends will provide music through the dinner hour. Dan is a former caretaker at the center.

At about 2 p.m., a unique variety of crafts and collectible items will go on the auction block. Larry Hacker will be handling the auctioneering duties. The crafts auction has become known for its quality items, ranging from antiques to delicious baked goods.

Among items already donated are a beautiful walnut footlocker made by the boys and staff at the Rich Hill Youth Development Center; an original painting by a local artist donated by Metz Bank; items from Bob Schlyer including a sterling silver Journey jewelry set (earrings and necklace with cubic zirconia), antique rocking chair with curved back, spindles and woven seat, a small silk fall flower arrangement, blue iridescent perfume bottle, several angel wing begonias, cactus gardens, succulent gardens, individual plants and succulents, and unopened penny rolls, new Lincoln cents, one each P and D mints "Log Cabin" and "Formative Years" and "Professional Life," six rolls total; and from Linda and Rick Jagels a three-piece outdoor dining table accessory set and a ceramic pitcher.

For more information about the auction or to donate an item, call Katie Bell-Abend at (417) 395-2275 (days) or (417) 395-4888 (evenings). The generosity of those who donate and those who bid has made the auction a major revenue source for the Youth Center.

In case of rain this year, the barbecue and suction will be moved to the Rich Hill gym at the old high school. In effort to help make this event affordable to families, the center has altered the ticket prices. The admission for the barbecue remains $8 for adults with children under the age of 10 free with parents. Tickets are for the meal and are not required for the auction. From Rich Hill, the center is located 5 miles west on A Highway, then 4 miles south on WW Highway.