Dexter, MO - The annual Grille It Up will take place on Friday, July 9th from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. and on Saturday, July 10th from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at East Park.
This two-day event was created for the whole family with a car show, cornhole tournaments, co-ed mud volleyball and a cook-off contest.
There will be plenty of food vendors and various snack trucks as well. Throughout the day, there will be a range of event vendors set up as well including bounce houses, local crafts and so much more. Come out and grab a meal, snack or drink and most importantly have a great time!!
"We hope that everyone will come out to support the event and that it will continue to grow each year," commented Jamie Rowe, Park and Rec Director.
Dexter, MO - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting and celebrated the grand opening of Allen's Auto Repair and Quick Lube at its new location at 715 Highway 25 North.
Owners are Adam and Brandy Allen.
"Allen's Auto Repair is an auto repair shop that can handle any automotive problems you may have, including 4x4 and performance needs. With free checkouts, financing options, and military discounts, we offer high quality work that won't tax your wallet!"
For an appointment or for more information call (573) 203-5055.
Pictured from left are Dexter Major Jason Banken, SueAnn Williams, SoutheastHEALTH of Stoddard County, Mike Henson with Allen's Auto Service, Adam Allen, Brandy Allen, Alice Allen Shelly Wilcox, Tara Barker, dustin mayer, Dexter Chamber President Cecil Haley.
Back row from left Dexter Chamber Development Coordinator Ed Dust, Jason Ivy, Brad Billingsley, Cayden Mansker, Dennis Allen, Dexter Police Chief Hank Trout, and Dexter City Administrator Trevor Pulley.
Dexter, MO - Marty the Magician performed on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 as part of the Summer Reading Program at Keller Public Library. Marty performed a variety of magical tricks for more than 150 children and adults.
Children of all ages loved his magic and his high energy. He has quite the ability to instantly connect to the children. The children laughed hysterically and then you could hear silence as he amazed them with his magic. They say laughter is the best medicine. This reporter could see the adults laughing and smiling right along with the children.
This was most definitely a favorite during the summer "Tails and Tales" reading program.
"My wife makes my vests," said Marty. "She also said I kind of act like a seven year old so I fit in perfectly." Marty has been interested in magic since the second grade and has over 35 years of experience entertaining.
Next week the Keller Public Library will offer "Tales with Teens" at 11 a.m. on Wednesday! Please come out and enjoy!
Pictured are Keller Library Director Jordan Myers, Marty the Magician and Children's Librarian Chris Hillis.
If you would like more information about Marty the Magician click HERE.
Dexter, Missouri - The 29th Annual Fourth of July Patriotic Parade for Kids will be held on Monday, July 5th at 10:00 a.m. This annual parade will begin at the corner of Elm and Vine streets in downtown Dexter.
The youngsters guided by Uncle Sam aka Mayor Banken will gather on the steps of the U.S. Post Office on Stoddard Street to salute the American Flag with the Pledge of Allegiance. They will sing a few patriotic songs and pose for those everlasting photos.
The parade will follow its traditional route down Elm Street to Stoddard Street with kids on bicycles, tricycles, wagons, scooters, golf carts, on foot or in strollers. You may even see a few patriotic dogs in the parade.
The parade will get moving again, east down Stoddard Street to Poplar Street, where it will turn south at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) back to Vine Street and turn west returning to the Bankens' front yard where they will be treated to lemonade and a small snack.
The "just for kids" parade was started by Janice Barney, Lisa Greer and Jean Rahm. The parade leadership has passed to a new generation, as Kristina and Jason Banken, now host the holiday parade each year. The Banken family began hosting the parade 14 years ago, and have continued to build upon the Independence Day tradition.
Children are invited to participate. They may walk or bring their bikes and other means of transportation for the parade. Parking will be available for grown-ups in the city parking lot on Vine Street across from the Dexter Municipal Building
Dexter, MO - The Keller Library Summer Reading Program kicked off on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at the Park Lane Gym with a Tails and Tales theme. Dee Loflin talked about turtles and brought Missouri animal furs.
Loflin had three box turtles from Missouri and a Sulcata Tortoise that is indigenous to Africa.
"Myrtle the Turtle has been in our family 4 generations," commented Loflin. "She currently lives with my daughter, Jessica Georger, but has lived with my grandmother and my father. She is estimated to be about 80 years old and is considered the oldest turtle of this species in Missouri."
"Elvis is probably around 50-60 years and is totally blind," continued Loflin. "He was found on the road covered in dried mud. We took him to the Dr. Ward in Advance and that's when we discovered he was totally blind."
"Danni has been with us for several years," stated Loflin. "She loves to be petted."
Chomper is a favorite among the children. He is a Sulcata Tortoise and is only five years old weighing about 30 lbs. He will live to be over 200 years old and may end up weighing more than 250 lbs.
In addition to the turtles Loflin also displayed several animal pelts which included deer, buffalo, a red fox, racoon, skunk and a coyote. Loflin also displayed deer antlers, turkey legs, a buffalo vertebrae and a donkey skull for the children to examine.
"It's always a joy to see the kids touch and feel the furs and skulls," continued Loflin. "Many never get the opportunity to see these animals in the wild, but to feel their fur is a real treat. The turtles are also a big hit with not just the children, but we have many adults who want to pet them as well."
The program will continue Wednesday, June 23 at 11 a.m. with Bookish Beats presented by Debbie Koening with the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge.
Pictured: Children's librarian Chris Hillis (left) and Keller Library Director Jordan Myers with Chomper.
