Among the many who attended her party Wednesday, March 8 at the McLouth United Methodist church were her daughters and sons-in-law, Kathleen and Winder McConnell, McLouth, and Nancy and Steve Moring, rural Oskaloosa; granddaughters Sarah Thomas, Lawrence; Karen McConnell, Ann Arbor, Mich.; and Kerry McConnell, Huntington Beach, Calif.; sisters-in-law Dorothy Gilbert Funk, McLouth, and Joan Bradford, Wamego; nieces and nephews Barbara Funk Peterson and Bob Kimmel, Kansas City, Kan.; Bob and Marsha Funk, McLouth; Linda Kimmel Peters and Jim Peters, Olathe; Debbie Kimmel Weant and Dusty Weant, Blue Springs, Mo.; Janet Kimmel Arvidson, Kansas City, Mo.; Bill and Lori Gatchell, Topeka; Kirk and Anne Bradford, Marysville; Stephen and Diana Bradford, Branson, Mo.; Marty Means Stubbs and Neal Stubbs, Olathe; Janet Means, Bonner Springs; several great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Susie Schwinn, rural Leavenworth, and Marie Meador, McLouth, played host to the refreshment table. Susanne Manovill, a friend who traveled from Prince Edward Island, Canada, was the photographer.

• Wear your red, white and blue; wave your flags and enjoy McLouth’s 11th Annual Patriots Day on Saturday, April 18. This is our opportunity to celebrate America’s liberty. The day opens with a pancake feed from 8-10 a.m. at the fire station. Attractions begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m. Static display of 1st Infantry Honor Color Guard will be in the City Park.

Treasured military memorabilia and beautiful quilts will be on display in the Methodist Church. Visit the craft booths; shop for books and movies at the library. The library also will sell raffle tickets for baskets; winners’ names will be drawn after the main parade.

We’ll have various food vendors and several bake sales. Kids will enjoy the moonwalk and climbing wall.

Entrants for the children’s parade will line up at 10:30 a.m. in the Open Arms Day Care parking lot. Parade begins at 11 a.m.; followed by the Cub Scouts’ Derby on Main Street.

McLouth Graduates currently serving, or who have served in the Armed Forces during the past 10 years are encouraged to join the main parade. If you have family members serving, please join in and exhibit your photos of America’s heroes. Perhaps you’ll display a float in the parade. Meet at the Sportsfield by 11:30 a.m. to organize.

Line-up for the Main Parade begins at noon at the Sportsfield. Beginning at 1 p.m., the Main Parade will be led by the 1st Infantry Division Commanding General’s Mounted Honor Color Guard, Fort Riley. They participated in the Presidential Inauguration parade in January. Joining them will be the Kansas Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard as well as people portraying George Washington and Paul Revere.

McLouth High School National Honor Society students will be special guests of the McLouth Friendship Club. This is a wonderful opportunity to become acquainted with these outstanding and promising students. The covered dish luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, April 20, at the Community Center. All adults 50 and older are welcome. Please bring extra food to share so we’ll have plenty, and your table service. If you need a ride, the Jefferson County Services Organization vehicle (with limited seating) is available to residents within a one-mile radius of McLouth. Please call Charlotte Robinson to make your reservation for a ride: (913) 796-6798.

• Families with children ages infant to 8 years are invited to Jefferson County’s annual Week of the Young Child Fair held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at Oskaloosa Middle School. This family fun fair celebrates the National Week of the Young Child. Parents As Teachers and the Jefferson County Early Childhood Council will provide pizza for dinner, lots of activities and information to help people build a strong family. There will be free car seat checks, child fingerprinting and many giveaways such as bike helmets, life jackets and/or smoke detectors (while supplies last).

• McLouth High School graduates of 1969 will be celebrating their 40th year. In addition to attending the alumni banquet May 9, the class would like to have a reunion. Please contact Ken Kramer if you plan to attend: 17987 118th St., McLouth 66054.

Please submit McLouth community information, announcements, and upcoming events to Beverly Muzzy: mclouthhappenings@isp.com or (913) 796-6935.