The Willow Springs Alumni gatherings May 25

The Willow Springs Alumni gatherings began a long time ago by Sadie Ruth Ferguson. There was a little cookout one evening and a banquet in the old gym the next. That went on for many years with JoAnn Bailey Russell taking the reigns for several years. Upon Joann’s death, Phyllis White volunteered to organize the events. She observed the banquet attendance dwindling and realized the alumni mostly wanted to mingle and visit with other alumni. Having an assigned table and listening to speakers did not seem to be what most really wanted. 

 

The year came when the park next to the Star Theater and parking was not going to be available Memorial weekend. It was decided to have the cookout at the EAA Hangar. That first year, there was some grumbling wanting it moved back to downtown the next year, but most all in attendance wanted it to remain at the EAA facility, located at 810 Bryan Street, Willow Springs. That year there was a Saturday evening banquet at the gymnasium also. Planning two back-to-back events only one day apart is a daunting task. There are invitations to create, printing a program, hiring a caterer, food planning, decorating and so much more. Eventually, it made more sense to just have one big event on Saturday evening where everyone was free to move around the grounds, dress casually, enjoy an evening cookout and fellowship with fellow alumni members and their families. Many brought their lawn chairs and enjoyed burgers, hotdogs and “picnic” sides, cold drinks, and homemade cookies. In 2023, the event grew to three hundred in attendance.

 

While attendance has continued to increase, the donations have fallen short. As you all are aware, the price of all goods has continued to skyrocket. Without generous donations from alumni, it will not be feasible to continue this type of event. After the event, some alumni sent donations to help and brought the shortage down to $458.00.  

 

If you would like to donate prior to the event Saturday, May 25, mail to W.S. Alumni, 127 E Main, Willow Springs, MO 65793. Donation jars will be available on at the buffet and cookie tables at the event.

 

The event will be open by 3:00 p.m. The menu will include grilled burgers and hotdogs prepared by alumnus Adam Webb.  They will be served with potato salad, coleslaw, chips, cookies, and cold drinks. If you attended in 2023, you know the food line was long. This year we will be have two lines serving four at a time to move the line along quickly. Ample parking and shuttle parking service will be offered. Remember to bring your lawn chairs.

 

To better plan the food preparation, please provide your information (Name, Spouse, Graduation Year, Address, Phone, Email Address) by calling 417-469-1400, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or by emailing WillowSpringsAlumni@gmail.com by May 17.

 

Willow Springs Alumni

Here are other alumni happenings on May 25: The Rotary Annual Pancake Breakfast will be held at the Methodist Church from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Adults are $7.00; kids $3.00. Finger foods at Bailey Chevy at 12:00 noon.

 

If you would like to donate to the Willow Springs Scholarship Club, mail to W.S. Scholarship Club, P.O. Box 484, Willow Springs, MO 65793 or Erin Brower with the Willow Springs Scholarship Club will be at the EAA facility on May 25.

 

Phyllis White and Jane Bailey, Willow Springs

W.S. Alumni