Anissia Jensen
If you are one to admire the nostalgic atmosphere of a small town, Urich is the place to be this time of year. From the 4th of August until the 7th, the rural town of Missouri celebrated there 128th reunion! Every year they host their annual Urich Reunion, which originated after the Civil War ended over a century ago. It was a way for everyone to unify and reconnect after the divide from the war. Back in the day, each reunion would end with all the soldiers coming together to play a baseball game in their city park where the reunion is still held today
The fun-filled weekend is packed with events for all ages to enjoy. Each committee and organization that are responsible for arranging the reunion never fail to have everyone smiling while having a grand time! Urich certainly has an abundance of community members working together to help make this event happen. Throughout the celebration, they were many hands on deck. The reunion Committee come together once a month throughout the year to plan for this historic event. The Urich City Hall employees and volunteers along with the FFA of Sherwood made sure the town was maintained and ready for the event! The FFA Took part in cleaning up trash and also putting up the flags each day of the event. The Lion’s Club Cook Shack, Bubba’s HobbyTime Grill, and the FFA of Sherwood supplied food throughout the reunion. The Urich Community Historical Society (UCHS) had an ice cream stand as well.
Starting the celebration on Thursday, the Reunion Committee held a baby show, diaper derby, and an award ceremony. The awards highlighted individuals, organizations, and businesses in the community. The Tiny Tot King and Queen were Eddie Smith and Charlee Kedigh. Little Miss Urich was Aubrie Jones. The Urich Reunion Queen was Harleigh Bramell. The Grand Baby Girl and Baby Boy were Aspen Sierks and Ezekiel Walker. Man and Woman of the Year were awarded to brother and sister duo Ben Green and Melissa Everhart. Organization of the Year was awarded to the FFA of Sherwood. Business of the Year was awarded to the All American Insurance Agency. Last but not least, Beverly Borun was awarded Dedication to the Community! Following the award ceremony, the American Legion hosted Bingo to end the evening.
Kicking off the events for Friday, an Auxiliary Craft Show took place at the American Legion and continued into Saturday. The Reunion Committee also hosted Talent Night which consisted of talent shows for children and adults. Anyone could register to present their talents for a chance to win prize money. The Talent Night was then followed by Beer Gardens by Rockin A, music by Sparrowfoot as well as another night of Bingo at the American Legion.
The events for Saturday began bright and early with a 5K Color Run/Walk help by the FBLA of Sherwood. Later on in the day, the FBLA also had a Spelling Bee! The Lion’s Club were be busy at work flipping pancakes for the pancake breakfast. After their breakfast, the Lion’s Club hosted a car show and a Horseshoe Throwing Contest! The Reunion Committee arranged Fun on the Farm, an auction, a banana split eating contest, the Children’s parade, and also the Grand Parade. That evening the FFA hosted a Baked Potato Bar. The UCHS open the museum all day Saturday for anyone to indulge in the history of the town. Darla Zook, who is a retired art teacher from Sherwood, displayed her artwork and her painting skills at the museum. Along side Darla Zook was a 10 year collection of “Barbed Wire”that is owned by G.A. Salmon. The night ended with Beer Gardens by Rockin A, music by Keith Ladd Band, Bingo at the American Legion, and a display of fireworks hosted by the Reunion Committee! Certain times of each day of the celebration, Benware Tractor & Auto donated free bounce house sessions for kids! Along with games from the local churches and other organizations. The closing day of the weekend long event, there was a Sunday morning “Old Fashioned Community Church Service”.
“This was a true reunion!” As expressed by Mika Malone, President of the Reunion Committee, “You don’t see it anymore. This town always sticks together!” Watching everybody get connected and enjoying each other’s company is her favorite part of the reunion. Edna Lee Emick, grandmother of Mikka Malone, turns 102 in November and has only missed 10 reunions her entire life! For years, Emick would get on stage and perform Minnie Pearl impressions until she was no longer able to do so. The first time ever going to the reunion was when families used horse and buggy to travel. Years ago Edna Emick was also a writer for the Clinton Daily Democrat.
There is a lot of history that lies in this town. After all, the Urich Reunion is the oldest, continuous fair west of the Mississippi! Such an impressive accomplishment for the small town of Urich. The Urich Reunion will be the place to be next year for their 129th celebration!
