What began as a planned dress contest turned into a celebration of history instead.
Local organizers recently hosted a vintage fashion runway show as part of America's upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. The event featured 13 participants, ranging in age from 4 to 90, each modeling clothing representing different periods of American history.
Connie Perryman of Conway helped organize the event with her sister, Carmelita Tieskotter. Perryman said the original plan was to hold a dress competition, but when there weren't enough entries, organizers turned it into a runway-style show highlighting how fashion has changed over the past 250 years.
The idea wasn't entirely new. Webster County held similar dress events during its centennial celebration in 1955 and again during its 150th anniversary in 2005.
Sarah Inman served as emcee, introducing participants as they modeled clothing from six different eras.
The Revolutionary War era featured Carmelita Tieskotter and Helen Cheek, both of Conway, along with Allison Horne of Niangua and Ashley Smith of Phillipsburg. Tieskotter and Smith wore dresses made by Linda Dustin of Marshfield, while Horne created her own outfit.
The Civil War era included Connie Perryman and Kayleigh Perryman, both of Conway, Finley Toller of Weaubleau, and Reed Smith of Phillipsburg. Connie Perryman and Kayleigh Perryman wore dresses made by Linda Dustin. Toller's dress was sewn by her great-grandmother, Bonnie Kilburn of Marshfield, while Smith appeared dressed as a Union soldier.
The Roaring '20s were represented by Michaela Hawkins of Conway.
The 1950s featured Lexi Mae Kilburn of Marshfield, whose outfit included pieces made by her great-grandmother, Bonnie Kilburn, along with Alivia Wicker of Conway.
Randie Shaffer of Marshfield represented the contemporary country era, wearing a skirt made by Charlene Stinebaugh.
The final era showcased was the 1940s, represented by Joyce Inman of Fordland.
Perryman said having participants from preschool age to 90 years old made the event especially meaningful. Organizers hope the fashion show not only celebrated America's upcoming 250th birthday but also reminded people of Webster County's long tradition of honoring history through community events.
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