Marmaduke Independence day celebration returns with a bang

The return of the annual Marmaduke Picnic was a success, as hundreds turned out for the events this past Friday and Saturday at the city park.

Though the temperature was high, the spirits of those in attendance soared to even greater heights, as the Independence Day celebration returned to Marmaduke for the first time since the town was devastated by a tornado in 2006.

"I thought the day went well," organizer Lori Long said. "We had a good crowd and everyone looked like they were having a good time."

Several beauty pageants took place during the day.

Chelsea Parks was crowned Miss Liberty Bell 2009. She is the daughter of Joe Parks and Pam Douglas. Tristin Clayton, the daughter of Jim and Tammy Clayton, was named first alternate. Second alternate was Kelsey Reagans, the daughter of Kelvin and Regina Reagans.

Alex Richey, the daughter of Steve and Ginger Richey, was crowned Junior Miss Liberty Bell. First alternate was Hannah Long, the daughter of Chuck and Lori Long. Jamie Clayton, the daughter of Jim and Tammy Clayton, was named second alternate.

Jordan Mays was named Pre-teen Miss Liberty Bell. She is the daughter of Jonathan and Ashley Mays and Jennifer and Shannon Anthony. First alternate was Rachel Taylor, the daughter of Chuck and Lisa Taylor. Erin Newell, the daughter of Allen and Melissa Newell, was chosen as second alternate.

Autumn Dover was crowned Petite Miss Liberty Bell. She is the daughter of Lee and Sarah Dover. First alternate was Heidi Robinson, the daughter of Shane and Nikki Robinson. Maggie Mays, the daughter of Jonathan and Ashley Mays and Jennifer and Shannon Anthony, was second alternate.

Information was limited for the Toddler Miss and Mr. Liberty Bell pageants. Sophie Hill, the daughter of Corbin and Shannon Hill, was crowned Toddler Miss Liberty Bell. Eli Dover, the son of Lee and Sarah Dover, is Toddler Mr. Liberty Bell. Persons with additional information and photos for these pageants are asked to contact the Democrat at 595-3549.

Hunter Steven Morrisett was crowned Tiny Mr. Liberty Bell. He is the son of Bradley and Felicia Morrisett. First alternate was Garren Michael Carter, the son of Michael and Crystal Carter. Second alternate was Jayden Bodie Dwight Drope, the son of Dale and Tonya Drope.

Tiny Miss Liberty Bell is Brooke McKenzie Owen. She is the daughter of Josh and Holly Owen. Emma Rhealynn Tinnin, the daughter of Wendy and Matt Tinnin, was first alternate. Second alternate was Chloe Faith McCurry, the daughter of Cody and Tiffany McCurry. Persons with photos of the Tiny Miss and Mr. Liberty Bell winners are also asked to contact the Democrat.

Baby Mr. Liberty Bell is Benton Farmer. He is the son of Bobby and Amber Farmer. First alternate was Ryker Morton, the son of Craig and Kristin Morton. Blake Sipes, the son of Letitia Sipes and Richard Whitaker, was named second alternate.

Jordan Nailling was named Baby Miss Liberty Bell. She is the daughter of Billy and Marla Nailling. First alternate was Mikayla Arnette, the daughter of Jeremy and Amber Arnette. Lenni Starr Rogers, the daughter of Josh and Brandi Rogers, was named second alternate.

Steve Richey found himself in the enviable position of winning the $500 giveaway near the conclusion of the picnic.

The festivities also included a number of performances by talented local groups and individuals, as well as delicious food and, most importantly, the fellowship felt throughout the community as the people of Marmaduke made an important stride in putting the devastating past behind them.

"I think it meant a lot to the entire town to have it again," Long said of the event's return. "I appreciate everyone who helped out and made it possible. It was a lot of work, but it was all worth it. I thought everyone did a fantastic job in pulling together and making it a success."