TRL Boat Parade idea becomes gangbuster idea
September 3, 2020
Cindy Hembree
Jennifer Lilley, of Springfield, can regularly be found visiting Table Rock Lake (TRL) on the weekends. On Thurs., Aug. 20, she posted on her Facebook (FB) page the idea of holding a boat parade on her beloved destination getaway during the upcoming Labor Day Weekend. Within hours she found numerous responses. By the weekend, the number had elevated to eighteen hundred people wanting to take part in the event. It was then, she realized she needed to find help to organize the affair.
Rick and Stephanie Kettells, of Branson West, graciously hosted the meeting serving their guests free pizza and beverages. The couple owns Lakeside Resort and Restaurant on Table Rock Lake at the end of DD Hwy. They allowed the group to use one of the lodges there.
Once everyone ate and were made comfortable the meeting was called to order. The attendants took turns going around the room offering what they were willing to bring to the table. Mike Sorci, of Reeds Spring, stated that he had planned to use an app so everyone could play the same music, but later found out that was not going to work.
Rick Kettells announced that he was donating one thousand T-shirts and offering them to all the participants of the upcoming parade. He submitted that he was not going to be able to take part in the event because he and Stephanie would have to take care of their guests.
There was a discussion about the consequences of getting out of control while taking part in the event. It was unanimous that the boats were not to create any wakes. There was also a concern that some of the people attending the parade may have disputes with people flying opposing presidential candidate banners. Brett Tallon, of Blue Eye, volunteered to police the troublemakers. There were some confusion and disagreements as to whose boat was to lead the parade. At one point, everyone was speaking over the other and no one was being heard. Fortunately, the dispute was quickly resolved. Several names were tossed around as a possible grand marshal for the parade, but nothing had been determined by the time the meeting was over. By Sunday evening, it was reported that Senator Billy Long was chosen for the task.
Jeremy Boyts, of Springfield, owner of Queen City Graphix tugged on the heartstrings of everyone present when he announced he was contributing the sales of 400 T-shirts boasting the TRL event to the Elks Lodge in Kimberling City. This was followed by an interjection by Cindy Hodges, of Kimberling City to cast fresh roses on the water at the sight of the Branson Ducks accident in honor of all who lost their lives there.
John and Christie Koedatich, of Lampe, were also in attendance Friday evening. He announced that he would not be able to be a part of the parade starting in Kimberling City due to a prior engagement closer to Shell Knob. However, he did put the word out on FB that he would take part in the event by taking other participants from Shell Knob to Eagle Rock. The offer was met with numerous responses stating they wanted to join him.
It was made clear this parade is being conducted for anyone who wants to be involved in it. “We are trying to be sensitive to everyone’s interest and not a divisive occasion,” said Laura Shutters, of Blue Eye. This was echoed by Hodges saying, “We want to bring people together in unity, not division, especially during this time in America.”
The Table Rock Lake Labor Day Weekend Parade will take place on Saturday, September 5 at noon. Anyone wishing to join in on the festivities or needing more information, that can be found on FB page – 2020 Labor Day Weekend TRL Float Parade or call Jennifer Lilley at 417.551.5566
Jennifer Lilley, of Springfield, can regularly be found visiting Table Rock Lake (TRL) on the weekends. On Thurs., Aug. 20, she posted on her Facebook (FB) page the idea of holding a boat parade on her beloved destination getaway during the upcoming Labor Day Weekend. Within hours she found numerous responses. By the weekend, the number had elevated to eighteen hundred people wanting to take part in the event. It was then, she realized she needed to find help to organize the affair.
Rick and Stephanie Kettells, of Branson West, graciously hosted the meeting serving their guests free pizza and beverages. The couple owns Lakeside Resort and Restaurant on Table Rock Lake at the end of DD Hwy. They allowed the group to use one of the lodges there.
Once everyone ate and were made comfortable the meeting was called to order. The attendants took turns going around the room offering what they were willing to bring to the table. Mike Sorci, of Reeds Spring, stated that he had planned to use an app so everyone could play the same music, but later found out that was not going to work.
Rick Kettells announced that he was donating one thousand T-shirts and offering them to all the participants of the upcoming parade. He submitted that he was not going to be able to take part in the event because he and Stephanie would have to take care of their guests.
There was a discussion about the consequences of getting out of control while taking part in the event. It was unanimous that the boats were not to create any wakes. There was also a concern that some of the people attending the parade may have disputes with people flying opposing presidential candidate banners. Brett Tallon, of Blue Eye, volunteered to police the troublemakers. There were some confusion and disagreements as to whose boat was to lead the parade. At one point, everyone was speaking over the other and no one was being heard. Fortunately, the dispute was quickly resolved. Several names were tossed around as a possible grand marshal for the parade, but nothing had been determined by the time the meeting was over. By Sunday evening, it was reported that Senator Billy Long was chosen for the task.
Jeremy Boyts, of Springfield, owner of Queen City Graphix tugged on the heartstrings of everyone present when he announced he was contributing the sales of 400 T-shirts boasting the TRL event to the Elks Lodge in Kimberling City. This was followed by an interjection by Cindy Hodges, of Kimberling City to cast fresh roses on the water at the sight of the Branson Ducks accident in honor of all who lost their lives there.
John and Christie Koedatich, of Lampe, were also in attendance Friday evening. He announced that he would not be able to be a part of the parade starting in Kimberling City due to a prior engagement closer to Shell Knob. However, he did put the word out on FB that he would take part in the event by taking other participants from Shell Knob to Eagle Rock. The offer was met with numerous responses stating they wanted to join him.
It was made clear this parade is being conducted for anyone who wants to be involved in it. “We are trying to be sensitive to everyone’s interest and not a divisive occasion,” said Laura Shutters, of Blue Eye. This was echoed by Hodges saying, “We want to bring people together in unity, not division, especially during this time in America.”
The Table Rock Lake Labor Day Weekend Parade will take place on Saturday, September 5 at noon. Anyone wishing to join in on the festivities or needing more information, that can be found on FB page – 2020 Labor Day Weekend TRL Float Parade or call Jennifer Lilley at 417.551.5566