05/18/2007 - Crestwood will celebrate its 60th anniversary in style June 23 with a number of community activities that include participation by residents, businesses and government staff and officials.

The Crestwood Board of Aldermen on May 8 accepted a presentation —complete with music, slide show and balloons — about the confirmed plans and approved a motion allowing a budget adjustment of $12,000 to be used as seed money for the celebration. Event planners expect to recoup the investment from event income.

The day-long celebration will include a parade, a 5K run, the annual Savor Crestwood eating extravaganza, auto displays along Historic Route 66 (Watson Road), a raffle and a party in Whitecliff Park featuring live music and other activities.

The festivities will actually begin on Saturday, May 19, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 19, with a community flea market and craft fair designed to raise money to fund the overall anniversary celebration. Participants may bring their disfavored treasures or craft items to the Government Center parking lot, 1 Detjen Drive off Sappington Road.

Participants are assigned a specific parking space on a first-come first-served basis. Market spaces require a completed registration form and $15 fee for each space. Participants may apply through Friday, May 18 or until spaces are filled. For information, call Joan at 729-4772.

The flea market will include a police department booth featuring information on the Neighborhood Watch, CERT and National Night Out programs, as well as sales of coffee and donuts in the morning and lunch in the afternoon.

Residents and other friends of Crestwood may purchase 60th anniversary T-shirts to wear at the June 23 celebration at the Flea Market. Shirts are available at the Crestwood Police station, at the Community Center or by calling Connie at 729-4842. Shirts, ranging in size from small to extra large, are $7.

Runners, On Your Mark ...

Celebration Day, Saturday, June 23 will feature a 5K Run at 7 a.m. beginning at Whitecliff Park, running through Grant's Trail and back on a mostly flat course. Registration is $15 before June 4 and $20 after June 4.

Runners may pick up their packets June 22 or on race day from 6 to 6:50 a.m. Awards will be given for men's and women's first through third place overall and in each age division beginning with 10 and under and up to 70-plus. Entry forms are available at the Government Center and Crestwood Community Center in Whitecliff Park, and may be mailed or brought in to the Community Center. Call Todd at 729-4860 to volunteer or for registration information.

Crestwood Loves A Parade

Following the June 23 run, a parade will be held at 10 a.m., starting at the Que Pasa Cantina, 10150 Watson Road. The parade will be led by Grand Marshal Mickey Carroll, one of the munchkins from the 1939 movie classic, "The Wizard of Oz." The parade will feature some classic and vintage cars harkening back to 1947 and beyond, Shriners cars, police and fire vehicles and other parade staples.

Along the way, onlookers can check out various parking lots featuring displays of cars that once roamed Route 66, such as Model T's, Corvettes and Mustangs; or stop by the Walgreens parking lot on Watson Road at Glenwood for a Knights of Columbus barbecue.

The parade will end at Whitecliff Park for a celebration from noon to 10 p.m. The celebration will feature concerts by the Blue Knight Orchestra from 1 to 3 p.m., sponsored by Truman Bank, and the Ralph Butler Band from 6 to 10 p.m. The Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales will be available for photo opportunities with fans from 1 to 3 p.m.

The party will include a baby contest judged by senior citizens, a talent show, performances by the B-Sharp Music School and Playhouse Productions, face-painting, a pie-baking contest and games, among other features and activities.

A raffle will be held throughout the day with the drawing at 8 p.m. To date, prizes include gift certificates from Texas Roadhouse, Chevy's Fresh Mix and Johnny Mac's Sporting Goods; items and services from St. Louis Workout, Gordman's, Hanlen's Meats, Bally Total Fitness, Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant and Salon 66; and a $100 savings bond from Stifel Bank and Trust. Raffle tickets will cost $1, and all proceeds will go toward the cost of the celebration.

Savor Crestwood

Savor Crestwood, an annual event previously held in September, will be folded into the June 23 celebration, featuring a Crestwood Firefighters barbecue and culinary samples from area restaurants-booth applications still being accepted.

The entire event is anticipated to cost about $23,700, said Helen Ingold, chair of the 60th Anniversary planning team. About $11,700 is already available from donations and $10,000 budgeted for Savor Crestwood 2007. She requested the $12,000 additional seed money to cover the remainder, although she expects that money to be offset for an anticipated revenue of $17,300. Among the revenue is about $14,300 expected from events and sponsors.

All property owners along Watson Road have been invited to participate with displays and events, and all Crestwood businesses have been contacted for participation in the parade and other events, team members said. Westfield Crestwood has made a significant corporate donation, Ingold said, and many of the individual mall stores are involved in the various events.