Fall Y'all Country Fair to encourage reading

VILONIA Terrence "Terry" Gallahar who graduated from Vilonia High School in 1990 didn't like school. Nor, did he like to read for pleasure. Yet, his mother believes he would be happy to see books distributed free to other students, in his honor, encouraging them to read.

In order to do just that, the Gallahar family is organizing the Fall Y'all Country Fair to be held from 9 a.m. until dark, Sept. 27, on the campus of the Vilonia Primary School.

"I'm been wanting to do something like this for so long in Terry's honor. He's been gone 17 years," said his mother, Sue Gallahar. "The timing is finally right. The event will be a family function. Don't send your child bring your child."

The proceeds from the event will go toward purchasing children's books to be given away at the Vilonia Parenting Center on family book nights held throughout the school year.

Terry's life was cut short when he died in a jet ski accident at Beaver Fork Lake Aug. 6, 1991. He was only 19 at the time of his death. He was preparing for his final semester at Pulaski Votech where he was enrolled in automotive body repair classes.

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"He was our different kid," Sue Gallahar described her son. "College wasn't for him."

Terry loved the outdoors and he loved to drive. He especially enjoyed driving tractors, combines and other machinery that it takes to run large farming operations.

The theme for the fair was chosen to reflect Terry and the Gallahar family's love for "country living," said Jeannie Grissom, Parent Center Coordinator. The fair will feature events, perhaps, that children probably have never seen before, from "100 years ago," Grissom anticipates.

"This will be a day for parents to play outside with their children," Grissom added.

Mrs. Gallahar spent several minutes reminiscing about the games she played when she was a child.

"We went outside at recess and played," she said. "I want the kids to be able to have the fun I had."

Admission and games for the children are free as well as the musical entertainment, said Mrs. Gallahar. She anticipates there may be a small fee for some games planned for adult participation. As well, there will be a $5 charge for the "all you can eat," beans and cornbread meal. Also, a dessert auction is planned. There's sure to be plenty as Mrs. Gallahar owns Pappy's House Bakery in Vilonia. Boiled peanuts are also to be available for a small fee. And, a free country music concert is on tap for that evening provided by Denim and Lace, a threesome including Sam and Jeannie Grissom and Dickie Harris. The group traditionally performs country and gospel.

Events for the day include three-legged races, horseshoes, hopscotch and needle in the haystack. That is if the organizers can find someone willing to donate a couple of bales of hay.

Demonstrations are to include quilting, horse shoeing techniques, as well as, Dutch Oven cooking. Organizers are soliciting volunteers to provide other "old-timey" demonstrations such as soap making and story telling.

"We would like to see re-enactors. We want someone churning, someone with a mule and wagon," Mrs. Gallahar said. "People doing things that you might have seen at a country fair 100 years ago. It's kind of tough economic times. So, we are going to need some help from some good friends and sponsors. I want every single kid that plays a game to get a little something."

Other activities include a cupcake walk and a clothesline art show. Also, there is plans for a "picking porch," that will allow local talent to perform throughout the day.

"We welcome anyone to get on the schedule," Gallahar said.

School organizations, civic clubs as well as individuals and businesses are encouraged to participate. Businesses may have their names placed on large advertising banners for $150 to be on display. That amount will also entitle their business names to be placed on T-shirts. Also booth space will be available for $25.

A 1975 GMC pickup belonging to Terry at the time of his death will also be on display. The truck set in his parent's yard for several years and wasn't driven. Mrs. Gallahar's talked about her son's struggle to keep it running.

"That truck was always in the shop," she shared. A smile came over her face when she shared some stories concerning Terry's fondness for driving fast.

"It wasn't funny at all then," she added.

It was recently reconditioned. Describing it, she said it is a has a 454 engine and "runs like the wind." Those who remember Terry will also probably remember the truck, she surmised. For information, to reserve a booth or volunteer one may call Mrs. Gallahar at 796-2896 or Grissom at 796-2050.