This past weekend folk from all over the country descended upon the village of Calhoun for the 113th
Annual Calhoun Colt Show with its beginning in 1902. In the early years it was a horse show that rivaled the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. Many of the same horses and mules that were shown at the State Fair were also shown on south side of the Calhoun square. In the early days it was a big deal and families
came from the surrounding area to have the time of their lives at the Colt Show. In 2022 it’s hard to
compete with Silver Dollar City and Worlds of Fun. Times are different and the Colt Show is not quite the same as “when I was a kid.” But I am happy to report that there were still displays to see and memories made at the good old Calhoun Colt Show 2022. This year’s theme was “Country Folk Can Survive.” An understatement, with the many experiences we have faced during the Covid years and economic down turn.
The weather couldn’t have been better, pleasant in the day time and cooler at night. Looking back over 70 years of personal attendance there have been very hot times and evenings a jacket felt real good.
Friday afternoon the Culinary, Farm Products, Fancy Work and Flowers Departments were judged and
the displays were open for viewing in the evening; followed by the Corn Hole Tournament, Mini Queen, Mini King, and Queen Coronation and the presentation of the Calhoun High School Class of 1972. Bob
Parks of that class invited CHS Grads from other years to come introduce themselves and a good time was had by all. Musical Entertainment rounded out the evening as well as the ever popular Beer Garden. There was a good crowd present for these events.
Friday afternoon vendors began to arrive selling a variety of food and goods with something for everyone.
Saturday began early for those coordinating the show. Dog parents registered their pets for the second annual Dog Show at 8:30 a.m. The ever popular Pet Parade was well attended at 10:00. with the Grand Parade at High Noon. There was a Motorcycle and Car Show at 1:00 with a good number of entries. A Baby Crawl at 1:30 p.m. as well as Colt Show Follies@ the Lonnie Price Memorial Arena and a 2:00 p.m. Corn Hole Tournament on the square. A 5:00 p.m. the Baked Goods Auction was held with Barry Bullock Auctioneer and his wife Annette assisting. Most of the baked items were from the culinary department displays and the profits were split half and half with bakers and the show.
The Grand Champion cake on display a German Chocolate made by Helen Sell brought $320. The Cheese Cake donated by B. Oliver sold for $300, Dee Ensor donated two cakes to be sold, the raspberry filled Coconut cake brought $80 and the Carrot cake brought $60, Helen Sell donated two Coconut Cream pies that brought $125 total; and all the other baked goods sold very well. The sale was profitable and very entertaining to say the least. One of the popular money makers for the show was the quilt made by
Diane Mills and won by Marsha Abbott in the drawing. There was the ever popular Baby Show in the
evening and Line Sorting at the Lonnie Price Arena. There was musical entertainment in the evening as well as the Beer Garden. The 9:30 rain shower slowed the evening down but didn’t stop the visiting of friends and old acquaintances for the rest of the evening.
Sunday morning showed nearly 3/4 inch of rain in the gage, encouraging for the farmers not so much for the youngsters excited to take part in the Equestrian Day Horse Show, co-sponsored by the Broke & Busted Saddle Club. This show had to be rescheduled for another day. At 10:30 around 80 folk from local churches and visitors gathered for our annual Community Church Service. Pastor Jeff Faulkenberry, his Uncle Steve and Mother Lisa provided musical numbers during the service. Pastor Mark Abney gave the opening prayer and Pastor Larry Hill gave the closing prayer. Pastor Margie Briggs was in charge of Children’s Time for 16 kids, and Pastor Mark Hall bringing the message. A collection of $380 was donated to the local Door of Hope program.
Sunday afternoon was enjoyed by the young and not so young with the annual Kids Day on the square. Bounce houses and other entertainment were provided each afternoon and evening for the young at heart.
A complete list of winners and photos will appear in next week’s paper. They will also be available on Face Book.
