Festival behind the scenes

May in Adair County means Stilwell Strawberry Festival time. The Kiwanis members are taking care of last minute details as the City Street Department works to make Stilwell sparkling for visitors. The club members detailed task list covers two pages, with everything from permits for street closings to Strawberry Day at the Capitol. About 15 volunteers names are listed on several categories.

The list ranges from parade entries and line up, parade and champion strawberry judges, auctioneers for the berries, official photographer, and contacting marching bands, to signs for a quiet zone and a privacy tent for baby changing and nursing. They make arrangements for the carnival, car and motorcycle show, horseshoes, 5K Run, Corn Hole and all the vendors sign up and location managing. And Friday night there’s Stilwell’s Got Talent, which is still taking entries.

This year the members will distribute 1,000 copies of the festival booklets.

As May 11 approaches, the sound system is set up, ice cream purchased, and every little detail, such as aprons for serving berries and ice cream has a volunteer responsible.

Cody Killer coordinates parade entries. He noted 42 entries on the website, four bands and 11 additional entries that participate every year at a recent meeting. Larry Nettles reported 87 arts and crafts vendors, 20 non-profits, a blood mobile and kids activities were signed up.

“That’s the most so far and they’re lined up all the way to the old city hall this year,” Nettles said.

He asked members to keep their eyes and ears open for comments from people about walking so far.

At one meeting, the group was seeking a church to host the baby changing tent. This year Krista Bradley offered the reception area of her counseling office, which is beside Fletcher Park, for the service.

“My office is more comfortable that a tent, and we’ll need a church to monitor and supply diapers, wipes and water,” Bradley said.

One of the favorite activities at the festival is free berries and ice cream, served by the queen and her court, and volunteers.

Liz Brown said, “I have the aprons, bowls and spoons, and ladles from Schwab’s for serving strawberries.”

Still growing, the Friday night Stilwell’s Got Talent is hosted by Tyler Davis.

“We’re still taking entires. Corn hole will be Friday night and Saturday,” said Davis.

For a complete list of activities and strawberry growers go to www.strawberrycapital.com.