Callaway County turns 200 next year, and members of the Callaway 200 board are promising the county's biggest, longest celebration ever.
But to do that, they'll need to raise some funds.
"The more we can raise, the more we can do for the community," said Susan Krumm, board co-president.
It all starts Nov. 15 with the Bicentennial Kick-Off Gala at Meadow Lake Country Club, 2600 Meadow Lake Road in New Bloomfield. Invitations went out last week, and tickets are on sale now. They're going fast.
"The tickets are selling very well," Bruce Hackmann said at Friday's committee meeting. "We've sold over half the tickets so far."
The evening will feature a dinner buffet, cash bar and a 90-minute performance by renowned jazz musician and Callawegian Joe McBride. Tickets cost $60, or $125 for seats close to the stage and wine with dinner. They can be purchased by calling 573-642-3055 or emailing [email protected].
That's not the only fundraising effort currently underway, Doc Kritzer said. Raffle tickets for a special Callaway County-themed .22 caliber Cal Henry rifle are currently on sale for $10 each or three for $25. They're available at Crane's Country Store, the Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society, the Callaway Chamber of Commerce or by calling 573-220-3536.
"The engraving on the stock is so beautiful I've had people ask if that can be sold as Christmas ornaments," Kritzer said.
There are still a few months until 2020, but for those who just can't wait to show bicentennial pride, there's plenty of merch on the way. White and silver travel tumblers by B-Line Engraving made their debut at Friday's meeting; they'll be available for purchase for $18 at locations including the Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society and Serenity Valley Winery.
Speaking of Serenity Valley, the winery is planning commemorative Callaway 200 wine bottles, according to Renee-Stack Graham. They'll debut in early November.
Also in the works for the near future: a Callaway 200 website and a commemorative book by local historian Carolyn Paul Branch. Keep your ears out for a corny surprise: Committee members have talked to a local corn maze about theming the maze around Callaway 200.
According to committee members, Callaway 200 will have a presence at all the major local events in 2020, including the Hatton Craft Fair, Mokane World's Fair and other favorites. There will also be a major event in May, though details about it are still under wraps.