Wednesday, September 14, 2016 • Vol. 139, No. 15

ASTORIA HOMECOMING NEWS

Astoria to Honor Area Farmers at Annual Homecoming Celebration Sept. 14-17

It is time once again for Astoria’s annual Homecoming Celebration. This year’s theme, “Farming: Past, Present and Future” will honor area farmers, acknowledging them for their hard work and dedication that often goes overlooked. Think about it … without farmers, we would be lost (and hungry).

Boden Amusements will once again be on the Midway Wednesday through Saturday with rides, games and everyone’s favorite carnival treats. On Wednesday, five ride tickets may be purchased for $9, and can be used through Saturday. Regular ticket prices are one for $2.50 or 10 for $22.

At the Town Park on Friday evening, the Little Miss and Master contestants will perform their dance on the stage at 6:30 p.m. This year’s participants include: Kohlston Clark, Brayden Pierce, Avyanna Mitchell, Justin Griffin, Elle Belville and Layla Bollinger. Last year’s Little Miss and Master were Bentley Weaver and Kloe Stambaugh.

At 7 p.m. on Friday, the Mrs. Astoria Contest will take place, providing an evening of fun and laughter. Last year’s honorary Mrs. Astoria was Tammy Spencer, who lost her battle to cancer earlier this year.

Saturday, Sept. 17, will start out at 7 a.m. with Astoria Lions Club’s Run/Walk. The participants will meet by Astoria Christian Church.

The Kiddie Parade will line up in front of the announcer’s stand and begin at 10:15 a.m. The Main Parade, honoring area farmers, will begin at 10:30 a.m., and will include the South Fulton Marching Rebels and other bands, floats, tractors and much more.

Following the parade, the annual Bed Races will take place in front of the Town Park. Will Black Gold Cattle Company participate and try to win back the title from last year’s bed sponsored by Country Financial?

Astoria after-prom will offer face painting in the park for kids. Proceeds will go toward Astoria’s 2017 after-prom activities.

A dunk tank sponsored by Country Financial will be set up in front of Astoria Public Library. Individuals volunteering to be dunked include: 1 p.m., Steve Butler; 1:30 p.m., Bob Bridges; 2 p.m., Carl Beebe; 2:30 p.m., Lynde France; 3 p.m., Staisha Oest; 3:30 p.m., Mike Clemens; 4 p.m., Junior Hammond; 4:30 p.m., Chris Meyer; 5 p.m., Brad Shawgo; 5:30 p.m., Emily Miller; 6 p.m., Stacey Meehan; and 6:30 p.m., Dallas Parker.

Sponsored by the Astoria Ministerial Alliance, The King Family Band will perform on the stage at 1:30 p.m. Featuring the King siblings and their parents, this band puts on a high-energy show everyone will enjoy. The King shows are known for their instrumental solos, blended family harmonies, unique original music and light-hearted fun.

Also at 1:30 p.m., The Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull will be held near the Town Park. Bring the kids to participate in this fun event.

At 2:30 p.m., special awards will be presented by master of ceremonies Barry Beck for the Youngest, Oldest, Traveling the Farthest, Newlyweds and Longest Married.

On Broadway Dance Company will perform on stage at 2:45 p.m.

At 3 p.m., the Little Miss and Master contestants will be introduced and interviewed. The coronation will take place at 4 p.m.

Miss Astoria contestants, Samantha Kling, Alexis Danner-Clark, Madison Allard, Brittany Poppenhager and Hannah Clemens will entertain the crowd with the talent portion of the Miss Astoria Pageant. Miss Astoria 2015 is Mary Ellen Belville.

The winner of the Cutest Baby Contest will be announced at 4:30 p.m.

The evening portion of Homecoming will begin at 6:30 p.m. with The Martin Family Circus Singers. Just like a circus — upbeat, unexpected, accomplished and exciting — the Martin Family Circus aims to bring that same joy and fun with their music. This self-contained vocal-driven melodic band of two parents and four kids ranging from age 9-18 packs a punch with their stack of family harmonies. Representing four generations of musical heritage, Martin Family Circus delivers soulful family harmony, steeped in traditional roots.

The Miss Astoria contestants will be interviewed at 8:15 p.m., with the winner being crowned at 9 p.m., following the announcement of the raffle/drawing winners.

To end the evening, a Street Dance will be held downtown with the local band “Tattoos and Lace” that consists of Adam Haney, lead vocals/rhythm guitar; Dave Belville, drums; Rob Towery, bass; Dave Crow Vacca, lead guitar/vocals. The band plays all types of music to suit all ages.

At 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, a Community Church Service will be held in Astoria Town Park. This event is sponsored by the Astoria Ministerial Alliance. Worship music will be provided by Jeremy Norton and Friends, and the message will be delivered by Don Green, president of Lincoln Christian University.

Several food stands will be available throughout the weekend, to help support their organizations/groups — SFR Cheerleaders, Astoria After-Prom, Astoria American Legion and Auxiliary, Sheldons Grove United Methodist Church, South Fulton Boosters, Grace Bible Church and Astoria Volunteer Fire Department.

Schadule of Events

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 14 - SATURDAY, SEPT. 17

  • Carnival on the midway with Boden Amusements. Wednesday ride tickets, five for $9 (can be used through Saturday); regular price ticket, one for $2.50 or 10 for $22.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 16

  • 6:30 p.m. — Little Miss and Master Dance
  • 7 p.m. — Mrs. Astoria Contest

SATURDAY, SEPT. 17

  • 7 a.m. — Astoria Lions Club 4-Mile Run/2-Mile Walk
  • 10:15 a.m. — Kiddie Parade
  • 10:30 a.m. — Main Parade
  • 11:30 a.m. — Bed Races
  • 1 p.m. — Dunk Tank Sponsored by Country Financial
  • 1:30 p.m. — King Family Band (Sponsored by the Astoria Ministerial Alliance); Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull
  • 2 p.m. — Special Awards (Youngest, Oldest, Farthest, Newlyweds, Married Longest)
  • 2:30 p.m. — On Broadway Dance Company
  • 3 p.m. — Little Miss and Master Introductions
  • 3:30 p.m. — Miss Astoria Talent
  • 4 p.m. — Little Miss and Master Coronation
  • 4:30 p.m. — Cutest Baby Contest
  • 6:30 p.m. — “Martin Family Circus” Singers
  • 8:15 p.m. — Miss Astoria Interviews
  • 8:30 p.m. — Drawing Winners Announced
  • 9 p.m. — Miss Astoria Coronation
  • 9:30 p.m. — Street Dance With “Tattoos and Lace”

SUNDAY, SEPT. 18

  • 10:30 a.m. — Community Church Service (Sponsored by the Astoria Ministerial Alliance)

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Astoria Homecoming Parade Information

KIDDIE PARADE

The Kiddie Parade will take place at 10:15 a.m. (before the Main Parade) Saturday, Sept. 17. This year’s theme is “Farming: Past, Present and Future”. Entries should line up at the Better Banks corner at 10 a.m. for judging.

Every entry will receive a gift bag. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third places. Entry deadline is Friday, Sept. 16.

For information or to register, contact Robin Dunbar, 309-678-7956.

MAIN PARADE

The Main Parade will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday on Broadway. This year’s theme is “Farming: Past, Present and Future”.

Prize money for non-profit floats, not including the Kiddie Parade floats, will be first, $100; second, $90; third, $80; fourth, $70; and fifth, $60. Any remaining non-profit floats will receive a $50 participation fee. The Astoria Homecoming Committee will reimburse non-profit float entries for expenses up to a maximum of $70.

Each float entry needs to have two short narratives, one for the judges at the time of judging, and one for the announcers to read during the parade. The float narratives need to be returned to Marty Bair or Barry Beck before Friday, Sept. 16.

Floats need to be in line as soon as possible, with riders on the floats ready for judging at 9:45 a.m. If you have questions or concerns, ask the judges.

It is requested nothing be thrown from the floats and parade units, and all riders are positioned securely.

Parents should pick their children up after they go through the parade. If the parents feel they need to follow the float through the parade, they may do so.

Help make this year’s parade a success by volunteering your help when needed.

* * *

Astoria Homecoming Cutest Baby Contest

A Cutest Baby Contest will be held at Astoria Homecoming this year. There is a $5 entry fee for this event, with all proceeds going to the Astoria Homecoming Fund, and put back into the community.

All babies age 18 months and younger are invited to enter. All you need is two 5x7 photos of your baby. A photo will be placed in Better Banks and Ipava State Bank, Astoria Branch from Monday, Sept. 12, through Friday, Sept. 16. The picture receiving the most votes (by donations), is the winner. To enter your baby, contact Robin Dunbar, 309-678-7956. Winner will be announced during Saturday afternoon’s program.

* * *

2016 Bed Race to Offer $500 Prize

Now is the time to start getting your beds ready to roll for Astoria Homecoming’s Bed Races. This year’s prize has been increased to $500. The entry fee is the same, $25. For information or to sign up, contact Terry or Joyce Lehman at Studio Screens, 309-329-2023.

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Mrs. Astoria Contestants Being Sought

Ladies age 30 and over are needed for the Mrs. Astoria 2016 Pageant to be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16.

Tammy Spencer started the pageant in 2014, where Mrs. Linda Derry was crowned Mrs. Astoria 2014. In honor of Tammy, who lost her battle to cancer on May 4, the pageant will go on.

This is not your typical pageant. Participants must be over age 30 to participate. For information or to sign-up, call Dawn Severns, 309-635-2458.

* * *

Martin Family Circus to Bring a Variety of Music to Astoria Homecoming Stage

Martin Family Circus

Just like a circus — upbeat, unexpected, accomplished and exciting — the Martin Family Circus aims to bring joy and fun with their heartwarming and lively “music that makes you smile!” This self-contained vocal-driven melodic band consisting of Paul and Jamie Martin and their four children packs a punch with their family harmonies in a soaring blend.

“Our house has always been like a live jukebox, with an all-you-can-play selection of musical instruments,” says Jamie. “Music completely covers our lives, so our kids have never known a day without it.”

Fueled by a mutual passion for many genres and longing for a fun, family-friendly musical experience for their kids, Paul and Jamie began singing with their four children in 2010. The couple quickly realized the kids showed a knack for hearing harmonies and pitch, as well as for playing instruments. They were soon dubbed the Martin Family Circus by Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, playfully teasing with them about their growing number of kids and the craziness that goes hand-in-hand with a large family.

“Ours is a real family, and we knew there was an unpredictable nature to working with our kids. But they were just crazy with passion, truly breathing through the music we were creating,” says Paul. “There was no other answer than for us to do this with them.”

It all began when Grammy-winning artist Paul Martin, lead singer/guitarist of country-pop group Exile, met and married Jamie Allen, daughter of Duane Allen of Country Music Hall of Fame members The Oak Ridge Boys. Their four children were exposed early to four generations of rich musical heritage, and they watched as each child showed God-given musical talents early on. Practice soon led to performances around the Nashville area, then appearances on national television shows.

Jamie says, “We have always felt music is food for the soul, and love is the answer to just about every situation. So for us, it’s all about pouring out our family’s joy and filling people up with a little musical love.”

The Martin Family Circus will take the stage at approximately 6:30 p.m. at Astoria Homecoming on Sept. 17.

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The King Family Band to Perform at Astoria Homecoming

  King Family Band

The Astoria Ministerial Alliance will sponsor the afternoon entertainment on Saturday, Sept. 17, during Astoria’s Homecoming Celebration. The King Family Band will take the stage at 1:30 p.m.

If you brought the Von Trapp family from “The Sound of Music” to America and taught them fiddle, mandolin, dobro and banjo, you would end up with the King Family Band.

Featuring the King siblings and their parents, this band puts on a show everyone will enjoy. The shows are known for their intricate instrumental solos, blended family harmonies, unique original music and fun only a family group can provide.

With 12 years experience, The Kings showcase four award-winning instrumentalists and a variety of blended harmonies and solo singers. They excite audiences with bluegrass favorites, as well as gospel, country, original and some old time rock-‘n’-roll music.
The group boasts two state of Illinois banjo champions, who are now living in Nashville and join the band when available.

Recently joining the band is the Kings’ son-in-law, whose pitch keeps the group in tune and whose steady proficiency with acoustic and electric guitar keeps the group in time. They also have added two to the sibling fiddle line up: Caleb’s wife Melanie and the Kings’ first grandchild Audriana.

For information on the King Family Band, visit their website, thekingfam.net.