LOOKING BACK May 2000
By Dixie Terry
The Village of Goreville will be celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2025, after becoming officially incorporated on July 5, 1900.
A committee of several involved citizens came together in late 1998 and began making plans for a celebration of the town’s official beginning.
Co-chairmen of the Centennial celebration were Berna Dean Pritchett Whitehead and Shelby Hubbard Bailey, who initially got the project started.
In May, 2000, after months of work, planning and fund-raising events, a week-long celebration was held, culminating in an all-day festival on May 13, with a downtown parade and fireworks as a grand finale.
The celebration began on Sunday with a community potluck dinner at the First Baptist Church, followed by a gospel singing there.
Monday evening, a baby contest, beauty contest, beard contest, and a recognition of senior citizens was observed at the school.
On Tuesday, a gospel singing was held in the grade school and on Thursday, a square dance and country music was held.
On Friday, an old-fashioned pie supper was held, along with music by a local fiddle player, was enjoyed. This was followed by a style show, featuring local models, wearing costumes from the 1800s through 2000.
On Saturday, an art exhibit was underway at the village hall, featuring the works of local artists. Displays of vintage photos and memorabilia, along with a quilt show, was held at the United Methodist Church.
The First Pentecostal Church members served up an old-fashioned chicken and dumplings dinner and the Methodist men were grilling food downtown.
Additional memorabilia, old advertising, and an array of vintage clothing were on display at the Goreville Area Ministerial Alliance Thrift Shop.
Displays of historical items were also seen in the local businesses.
Events and activities at the village park included a NASCAR Simulator; crafts; flea market; and food booths; as well as a pet show and a gas-fired balloon.
The Grand Parade, with the theme, “The Way We Were,” was deemed the best ever in Goreville, as it wound through the streets, where hundreds of spectators applauded the passing units.
The fifties and sixties display at the home of Larry and Kay Benard was open all day to the public.
A water fight, sponsored by the Goreville Fire Department was held at the parking lot of the Methodist Church, while a vintage car show was underway at the Baptist Church.
The JALC Community Band provided a concert at the village park, followed by line-dancing.
At dusk, an outstanding fireworks display was held at the village park, providing a spectacular ending to the week-long Centennial celebration.