Cherry Blossom Festival Auxiliary News

The Cherry Blossom Festival Auxiliary met for its monthly meeting on Saturday, April 13th at the Webster County Extension Office. President Jeanette Alcorn called the meeting to order, and Joyce Inman opened the meeting in prayer, and Jill Campbell (Secretary) read the March meeting minutes. Rachel Andrews (Treasurer) presented the monthly treasurer's report. Members present included: Joyce Inman, Marie Bristol, Blanche Firestone, Nicholas Inman, Dale Hartwell, Sarah Inman, Jackson Inman, Emmett Thiele, Penny Bolin, Donnie Kendrick, Laurabeth Smith, Yleen Hartwell, Barbara Bailey, Jeannie Moreno, Susie Jones, Darlene Smith, Tammie Robison, Vivian King, Linda Dickinson, Jane Hamilton Smith, Martha Myers, Martha Faulkner and Carol Fuller.

President Alcorn read a report about the Cherry Blossom Quilt Show from Ruthie Letterman. The quilt show will be in a room in the back hallway of the Marshfield Assembly of God. It will be located in the same room where it has been held for many years now. Nadine Bunch will work in the quilt room.

We were sad to note the passing of Richard "Dick" Gatchell at the age of 90 years. Dick was a descendant of President James Monroe and attended the festival on several occasions. He was amongst the inaugural class of descendants to attend the festival.

Rachel Andrews and Dale Hartwell presented a report on the vendors for the square. Vendor booths will be held on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27.

The pink festival schedules have been placed around at local businesses. Thank you to those who helped fold the 7,000 copies. Folders included: Carol and Claire Cooksey, Butch and Jeanette Alcorn, Blanche Firestone, Emmett Thiele, Reagan Inman, Ryleigh Handle, Jackson Inman, Sarah Inman, Laurabeth Smith, Nicholas Inman, Tammie Robison and Yleen Hartwell.

Reagan Inman announced that the Community Band will be holding a fundraiser during this year's festival. They have organized Donkey Basketball on Thursday, April 25th at 7 PM at the Marshfield Community Center. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Riders include: Webster County Sheriff Roye Cole, Andrew Och (First Ladies Man), Dr. Larry Cook (Presidential Historian), Jason Maxey, Richard LaMotte, John Andrews, Kollin Bailey, Breanne Rost and many other community minded volunteers.

Jeannie Moreno reported that she has started to read the Cherry the Chicken story to several classes throughout the county. This story is read each year, and a live Rhode Island Red chicken is taken along to help advertise the Cherry Blossom Festival. Jeannie also reported on the chicken show.

Sarah Inman gave a report on the Cherry Blossom Tea. It is currently a sold-out festival event. Jackson and Reagan Inman reported on the 2nd annual Dog Show.

Tammie Robinson presented the new volunteer forms to be signed by everyone volunteering at the festival. Jill Campbell reported on merchandise for the merchandise table.

It was mentioned that the annual Cherry Blossom Quilt will be raffled this year instead of being auctioned off. Tickets are available from any member of the Cherry Blossom Festival Committee.

Nicholas Inman (President of the Cherry Blossom Festival Committee) gave a report about the 2024 festival. He spoke about the Inman family forming the Cherry Blossom Foundation. He originally spoke to the Cherry Blossom Commitee about this at their December 2023 meeting. He wanted to share the same information with the auxiliary. The membership was unanimous in their support of the foundation formation and agree that this is the best move to take the festival forward.

Marie Bristol spoke about the Living History Museum, which will be presented on Wendesday, April 24. This is the first time that this will be presented to area students the day before the full festival schedule begins. Students will here from the following famous Missourian reenactors: President Harry and Bess Truman, Edwin Hubble, Walt Disney, Ella Dickey, Unsinkable Molly Brown, Laura Ingalls Wilder and Thomas Hart Benton. The committee working on this project includes Bristol, Nicholas Inman, Marianne Baker, Connie Perryman, Carmelita Tieskotter and Debbie Kastning. There are numerous volunteers who will be working on the day of the event, several of them are retired area teachers.

Vivian King mentioned the 14th annual Marshfield High School Alumni Luncheon. Kollin Bailey and Janice (Robinson) McDonald will be honored as the 2024 Distinguished Alumni. Tickets can be ordered from Linda Dickinson at 417-689-2098. The daughters of Lola Fern Day will be fixing her famous cashew chicken again this year. The meal will be made complete with cherry pies (using the recipe from the Garbage Can Cafe).

Susie Jones presented the program on how to make Cherry Blossom Jelly. A sample jar was passed around for everyone to try. It was delicious and it was made using the blossoms from the Yoshino Cherry Blossom tress. Susie also designs and pieces the Cherry Blossom Quilt each year.