Demo Derby heralds back to medieval times!

While the average small town demolition derby is certainly no clash of knights in shining armor, it does share some of that same charisma. Back in the middle ages, brave men in heavy armor were helped onto their steeds by a page, so that they might vie for personal honor via the time honored sport of jousting; a process whereby one of the combatants was unceremoniously de-horsed by the other. (I can only guess that the winner then did a mad dance of celebration before riding off to defrock the king’s virginal daughter).

Today, in 20-something, we haven’t changed this rite of manhood very much (sadly there are no virgins), with the exception that our ‘horses’ have been replaced by a jumble of rusting metal on wheels. Creations that rumble and rattle their way across a field of mud, belching fire and smoke, much to the delight of  local citizens. As in days long past, the object is still to bash the hell out of your opponent while maintaining the integrity of your own personal ‘steed’. The winner is literally the last one standing. Crude, very crude!

Still, I must profess that there is a kind of attraction to the spectacle! Perhaps because it really is a spectacle. Some of the best memories, I’ve taken back with me after the dust settled, was not so much the cars crashing together in wild abandon, as it was the expressions on a few of the ‘knights’ faces as they fought valiantly to keep from being de-autoed. Inevitably though, there came that ‘coup-de-ville’ moment when a stalled vehicle’s owner watched helplessly as another hormonally charged contestant gained ramming speed with wheels madly slinging up mud; both knowing that the end of one was nigh. Cool stuff that! And, yet another reason I intend to watch the Demo Derby on September the 10^th at whatever Park it's at!

Don’t Forget: Demolition Derby on Sept the 10th!

Don’t forget to attend the fall Demolition Derby which will be located at Bull Shoals Park last I heard. You’ll note that the Shadow Rock Park is now open again for business and while I hate last minute changes, I think it is a far better location to hold this event (see side by side pictures). That's just my opinion. You might want to check with the Fair Board at 417-546-4277 prior to attending just to make sure of the location.

Late breaking news: Apparently there is a sign posted that is advertising that the event will be held at the Shadow Rock Park arena after all. Cool!

Farmers Market in Forsyth on Saturday, Sept. the 3rd!

This last Saturday, September 3, 2011 things were busy early in Forsyth Missouri as the early bird may not have gotten the worm, but he or she did get some good bargains at the Farmers Market which was set up across from the new Judicial Building on Main Street.

Both these fellas pictured here were named John and they both were from the Cedar Creek area. They were offering bell pepper, squash, zucchini and tomatoes at bargain prices. While I was there, I ran across Rick Finley who was telling me about an auction coming up on September the 10^th at 603 Secluded Acres. I was interested because there will be a lot of guns (see auction flier) for sale there.

Also, in the area, located at major intersections were firemen who were out collecting for MDA. I asked one of them how the collections were compared to last year and he indicated they were up slightly. These guys get up early on a day that they are off work so they can stand around busy intersections in the heat! But, it's for a great cause and I hope everyone, who can, contributes. 

Looking back 114 million miles to Earth and her moon.

 (originally published 2010 in Forsythkid.com)

Whenever I get to feeling too big about myself, I make it a point to take a celestial mental stroll out in the heavens. Can you see those two little dots of light? It’s the earth and moon from 114 million miles away. Now, click on the picture to expand it. Can you see the cross?

While not a very far distance in terms of astronomical units, it conveys a sense of how alone we are, or would be, were it not for God and the son he sent to save us. The cross is on an asteroid known as Faith. Not far from it is a dome wherein rests the heart and soul of mankind.

I wish I could take each of our worlds leaders out here, one at a time, so they could stand by the cross and see just how tiny their little home called Earth really is. A mere dust mote, upon the surface of which, seven billion souls of His making call home.

A word to the wise. Please, don't fuck it up. It's all we have.

Just ME Apparel and Accessories in Forsyth!

What's this ? Yet another new shop has opened in Forsyth recently. This time it's a woman’s apparel store. Even during challenging economic times, it's heartening to see new businesses springing up here and there. Just M.E. Apparel and Accessories is located at 15796 US Hwy 160 just across from Peoples Bank in Forsyth Missouri. The phone number is 417-546-5878 Their hours are from Wednesday to Saturday 10AM to 6PM. They're closed Monday, Tuesday and Sunday. That's about all I know at this time.

The Yarn Diva located in Forsyth Missouri is a great place to shop!

A very long time ago, while attend Southern Illinois University, I took a class in macramé. That was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed and the good memories have lasted with me even to this day. When I walked into The Yarn Diva, I was reminded of the fact that my mom also did needlepoint and knitting most of her life. She always had a knitting bag close to here with all kinds of yarn hanging out of it. I still have, and cherish, a few of the comforters she made for me.

The Yarn Diva shop which is located at 10726 E. State Hwy 76 in Forsyth seems to have it all together. A nice inventory that is well presented making the shopping a very pleasant experience. I had a chance to talk to the owner, a nice lady by the name of Sharon Betz, who gave me a couple of newsletters (some of the best I’ve seen) that they put out periodically. In the newsletter were all sorts of announcements including scheduled classes, event and charitable efforts that the shop was involved in. They have a great website where you can get a feel for what they have to offer. You can also use this site to contact them in case you have a question or two.

The store is open Tues – Fri 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Sat 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. They are closed on Sunday and Monday. You can reach them by calling 417-546-2037.

It’s the 2011 Fall Taney Demolition Derby!

Coming to Forsyth Missouri on September the 10^th 2011, will be the annual Fall Demolition Derby sponsored by the Taney County Fair Board of Taney County Missouri! It will be held at the new Fair grounds known also as Shoals Bend Park. The action starts at 7PM and admission is $5 for adults while children six and under will be admitted free. For additional information call 417-546-4277 or visit the official website at www.taneycountyfair.org! (Please click on the picture above to gleam additional information and details)!

It came as a great surprise to me that my entry - 'Da Crusher' was not allowed to compete! What gives with dat? Something about my tires being a tad too large! OK, there may be something to that! Maybe next year!