Yorkville Washer Pitchin’ contest
MCKAY IN DEEP CONCENTRATION – David McKay was in a deep concentration during the single competition Saturday afternoon to win first place. (Photo by Lori Cathey)
Yorkville Fire Department had great weather for the 24th Annual International Washer Pitchin’ Contest Saturday, August 19th at Yorkville City Park.
The Washer Pitchin’ Contest and fish fry was well attended this year and was a successful fundraiser for the Yorkville Fire Department. Yorkville Fire Chief Mike Norman welcomed the big crowd at the community center around noon Saturday during the opening ceremony. He also thank the community for supporting them and believing in the fire department.
Travis Davidson gave the opening prayer and Kim Scott Hall sang the National Anthem. Chief Norman recognized the Yorkville fire Department members for all their hard work throughout the year to keep Yorkville Community safe.
Gibson County Sheriff Paul Thomas, GC Sergeant Paul Webb, Yorkville Police Chief Cody Childress, the Air Evac Lifeteam and the Gibson County trustees were recognized for all their help with the Washer Pitchin’ Contest.
Yorkville Mayor Mack Zarecor also welcomed everyone and thanked the fire department for all they do for the city.
Hollis A. Hanks was named the 2017 Grand Marshall. Words to describe Mr. Hollis were dedicated, honest, hard working, faithful, traditional and loyal.
Rodney Wright sang God Bless the USA and Hollis was given the first washer to toss out to begin the competition.
There were 46 single players in the competition and 28 teams participated in the doubles competition. Winners in the juniors contest were first place-Chloe Reynolds, second place-Bryce Burns, third place-Haley Walker, and fourth place-Chloe Walker.
Winning the singles contest was David McKay of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, coming in second place was Dale Shelby, third place Dickey Tinkle and Zeb Cobb finished in fourth place.
First place winners in the team competition were Mike Spangler from Barnhearo , Missouri and Randy Vinyard from Owensville, Missouri. This was Spangler and Vinyard’s third consecutive year to win the team competition. They will receive the Yorkville International Washer Pitchin’ Contest Trophy with their names on it. Taking second place were Zeb and Becky Cobb of Double Springs, Alabama. Third place went to Dale Shelby and Jo Vinyard and Meredith Edwards and Erica Zimmerman finished in fourth place.
Other activities at the park included jumpers for the kids and a visit from an Air Evac emergency helicopter crew. A variety of food was enjoyed as well.
