By Pat Smith
The morning of October 24 started out on a most glorious note. The sun was brightly shining but there was a note of briskness in the air. It was a perfect day for Grace House’s Young at Heart to have their annual fish fry at the Harper’s Farm.
Russell and Sandra Harper were super hosts. They made us all feel very welcome. Young at Heart leaders, Robin and Larry Armstrong, and John Messamore along with many others, showed up bright and early and got the ball rolling.
“The early birds, the helpers, got there around 8:30 a.m.,” Sandra Harper said. “They set up workstations, tables, got table decorations set out, got the fire going and the fish and chicken ready for the cooker and grills.”
They even had valet parking for everyone who needed it, and help bringing in side dishes.
During the day, Russell Harper conducted a few hayrides.
“A few got trips to the back 40 to see the lanes and explore the woods,” Sandra added.
The cookers for the day included Larry Armstrong, Joe Soria, John Messamor, Steve Rickman, Vick Wilkins, Ken Huston, and Gary Cosby.
Equipment was loaned by Larry Armstrong, Russell Harper, Don Emerson, Bill Butler and James Ridinger.
Tiny Rodriquez started a big fire in the fire pit while several other ladies picked flowers and arranged them so beautifully on the tables.
“We had about 88 people attend,” Sandra said. “Johnnie Robertson and her daughter Jennifer came from Birmingham and stayed until about 8 p.m.”
Memories of Mr. Red Robertson, Johnnie’s late husband, flowed. He was missed.
After the food was blessed and we all had our fill of deliciousness, the “picking and grinning” started. Hugh Stone played the banjo. Steve Chandler and Randy Gray played guitars. Then we all joined in with some kazooing.
“What an awesome day!” Sandra added. “Larry and Debra Bullard were celebrating their first anniversary that day and the next day, Randy and Teresa Gray got married!”