Caddo had its annual 80s and 90s banquet recently. Front row, left, Judy Rowland, Betty Carner, Dorthy McGrath, Wilma Swader, Flodell Brewer, Julia Hider, Sandy Hallmark and Jeweldean Adair. Second row, behind Flodell: Tommy Jean Edwards and Sylvia Lorance; Back row: Linda Combrink, Jerry Combrink, Gary Maurer, Margaret Joines, Clifford Joines, Ann Dufur, Janell Lackey (hidden from view, Carolyn Combrink Thomas) Dean Wingfield, Harold Wingfield, Everett Stanley, Bonnie O’Hern, Brenda Rowland. Attended but bot pictured were Roy O’Hern and Marion Ogle. Photo by Mary Maurer
On Saturday, June 1, the Caddo Community Association (CCA) held their annual 80s and 90s banquet honoring those who live in or have ties to the Caddo community. This event, which has been one elderly citizens have looked forward to and enjoyed for more than 20 years, was held at the Nazarene Church in Caddo.
Attendees were met by volunteers who helped them pin on corsages before seating themselves at the numerous tables while taking time to visit with friends – many of whom they had not seen for some time. Volunteers prepared and served a banquet of pastas, rolls, and salad for the guests, followed with an ice cream bar for desert.
Each attendee had completed a short questionnaire and MC Holli Taylor entertained the audience while recognizing every 80 and 90-year-old person, sharing a little about their careers, accomplishments, hobbies and other interest.
Entertainment was also provided by Alexis and Addison Karn who sang a couple solos and a duet, followed with leading the singing of Happy Birthday to one of the guests.
One of the highlights of the evening was when Taylor requested two women in their 90s, Wilma Swader and Flodell Brewer, to sit with her in the front of the room for a public interview. They entertained the audience with childhood memories and experiences of long ago.
As the celebration came to a close, many attendees shared how much they enjoyed and looked forward to attending this event each year.
Vice president of the CCA, Vesta McKee Baker said it is “becoming increasingly difficult to locate people eighty years old and up, because so many people have given up their landline phones.”
This is one of many events the CCA holds throughout the year to recognize those who are an intricate part of the Caddo community and history. Members of the group said they are always recruiting for local churches and volunteers which are crucial to the success of this annual event that honors the history of Caddo through its citizens. Baker encourages anyone interested in helping or being a part of this annual even to call her at 580-367-0358.
