Labor Day 2008: another success

Crowned Monday night as Miss Rector 2008 was Rector High School senior Sarah Hester (third from left), daughter of Scott and Sherry Hester. First alternate in the popular contest was Tylee Tracer (third from right), daughter of Timmy Tracer and Teresa Tracer. Others in the court were: second alternate Whitney Conley (second from left), daughter of Nancy Holcomb and Kole Conley; third alternate Bethany Sisneros (second from right), daughter of Kyle and Judy Frazier and Thomas Sisneros, and fourth alternate Tiffany Kirklin (far left), daughter of Scott and Cherie Kirklin. At far right is Miss Congeniality Joabou Mitchell, chosen for the honor by the other contestants. This year's Miss Rector pageant featured 13 Rector beauties. The contest was directed by Jade Mount. (Democrat photo/Nancy Kemp) [Click to enlarge]

Beginning with a parade that observers said was one of the most outstanding in recent memory, and continuing on until the Miss Rector Pageant at the conclusion of the day, the event was an unqualified success.

Teresa Roofe, secretary-treasurer of the Woodland Heights Cemetery Commission, said the total revenue was right at $65,000, which was down slightly from last year. She attributed the timing of the event on the first day of September, as well as the overall state of the economy, as factors in a slightly lower revenue total.

But Roofe and other event organizers were very pleased with the picnic.

"I thought it was wonderful," Roofe said. "We were busy all day and I didn't hear a single negative comment about anything. The crowd was good all day, and I was just very pleased with everything."

All proceeds from the Labor Day Picnic go toward the maintenance of beautiful Woodland Heights Cemetery.

One of the highlights of the parade was the Navy Band Mid-South from Millington, Tenn., which marched down Main Street at the start of the parade performing "Anchors Aweigh" to the delight of the large crowd.

"We were really pleased to be able to secure the band," said Mayor Ron Kemp. "We are working hard to have a strong military band in the parade each year. I want to thank Congressman Marion Berry and his office for their role in helping secure this band."

Kemp said the band's director indicated there is a good chance the group will be able to return next year.

"I just loved the band," Roofe said. "They really added a lot to the parade."

Also performing in the parade was the Rector High School band, under the direction of Craig Wadley. The band sported new marching uniforms for the occasion.

Beautiful floats were in abundance in the parade with the RHS Class of 1958 taking first place with their Blackcat theme in gold-and-black.

Once again, the famous (infamous?) Jones Family found its way to the parade, much to the delight of the large crowd along Main Street and Highway 49.

Roofe served as the parade Grand Marshal in recognition of her long-term commitment to community service.

A large crowd gathered at Memorial Park to hear welcoming remarks by Mayor Kemp and then comments by several political leaders on stage. Congressman Berry was one of those in attendance, as he is every year at the Labor Day Picnic. Also speaking were State Sen. Robert Thompson, State Rep. Mike Patterson and Clay County Judge Gary Howell.

Pageants were the order of the day in the early part of the festival, along with the serving of the traditional hamburger and barbecue sandwiches by the countless volunteers who make the event successful. A large crowd also enjoyed the luncheon meal served at the Rector Community Center.

Entertainment continued throughout the day with a talent show, Call to Stand, Over the Hill, the Dooley Family and Rector native Michael Smith as the Hillbilly Cat.

Jade Mount served as mistress of ceremonies for the Miss Rector Pageant, won by Sarah Hester, the daughter of Scott and Sherry Hester.

The evening concluded with the drawing for $1,000, won by April Nutt of Rector.

The Labor Day Picnic has evolved into a full weekend of activities in the community.

It started this year with a restropective exhibition of the art of Rector native Paul Frets, which drew large crowds over three days, and the Rector Saddle Club Rodeo, held Friday and Saturday nights.

Also new to the weekend this year was the Rector High School Sports Hall of Fame luncheon, which drew a large crowd Saturday at the school cafeteria. The initial honoree was Jess Bucy, highly-successful basketball coach at RHS, who then went on to continue his coaching career at Harding University.

A popular part of the weekend is the RHS alumni gathering, held at the community center. It brings friends and family together in a time of fun and fellowship.

A special part of the event this year was the auctioning of the Moses Knight portrait, painted by Paul Frets. The auction was an unqualified success as the portrait was purchased for $10,500 by Molly Redyke of Tulsa, Okla. The purchase was in memory of her mother, Sue (Crews) Doshier, who died in an October 2007 plane crash, as well as her great-grandparents, Donald and Doma McCluney. Redyke, the granddaughter of Rector natives Jim and Mary (McCluney) Crews, is a ninth generation descendant of the Knight family.

The proceeds from the auction will go to the Rector Helping Hands Foundation, which provides assistance to students in the local school district.

All in all it was a Labor Day Picnic to remember, and it is all made possible by the volunteers who work so hard every year.

"Rector has always stepped up to make this happen," Roofe said. "I can't say enough about all the people who helped in so many ways. Rector is just a wonderful place."

Roofe said the cemetery commission conducted the event this year without a chair-couple, adding that the spirit of volunteerism made it possible to still hold a great event. She said there are several prospects for the position next year and she anticipates being able to fill the position for 2009-10.