Participating as a population

Typically, when Cottleville, Missouri is brought up in a conversation, the subject is amongst the following: sports, parks, and food. On the surface, there may not be anything particularly intriguing, but Cottleville is a city that hosts various exciting community-based events every month.

(Home) coming together

While Highway N is normally crowded with cars racing to get home around rush hour, on the night of the Homecoming Parade, starting on Gutermuth across from St. Joseph’s,  welcome special guests such as the Spartan Regiment, the Cottleville Fire Department, and Homecoming Court and others, while the people combine into one bonded group of hyped spectators there to rejoice with and support the school during the last week of September,  one of the most actively anticipated weeks of the year. An organizer of this event and former chair member Jackson Timblin dedicates the enthusiasm and togetherness of the audience  to the display of the most current clubs and activities happening at FHC, and the joy of just socializing with friends.

“Everyone’s always really excited to see their friends, see the clubs that they like, or just view the different kinds of floats, so there’s definitely excitement,” Timblin said.

This gallery of Cottleville’s finest groups and activities has long been a part of the community as an annual event. It almost appears as a holiday for the city, despite the fact it is not held in long-standing custom. Despite this, it has become a tradition all it’s own, because of the way it kicks off the year, according to Timblin.

“I think it’s definitely just kind of like a celebration. We’re coming back to school, [and] it’s still towards the beginning of the school year,” Timblin said. “So it’s kind of like ‘Alright, we’re started, we’re going now, let’s kind of have like this fun parade.’”

As well as show off new clubs, the parade also gives freshmen and new members of the Spartan family a way to feel their acceptance into FHC’s open arms.

“It’ll be cool to see all the new people [and] the new clubs that we have, and just kind of view FHC as a whole,” Timblin said.

A little friendly competition

On the Saturday morning following the parade, when teens are counting the hours until the dance and rushing to prepare themselves, future and former Spartans, along with their families, will be gearing up for the race of their lives as they compete in the two-mile Spartan Sprint. Although this newborn event has not yet been given the chance to become tradition like the homecoming parade, the coordinators hope to create an energy of comradery, support, and enthusiasm. Anna Jones, the coordinator of this innovative fundraiser hopes to create a positive environment to introduce future generations to the school.

“Our vision behind the Spartan Sprint was to create a community-friendly event that could bring people to campus to help us celebrate homecoming,” Jones said. “[We want] to create a fun event for future spartans (middle school and younger) as well as former spartans and their families, and spartan supporters in general.”

Following the sprint, a mini sprint will be held for those under the age of 7. Jones explains in further detail what that portion of the event will entail.

“After the run we will have a free youth mini sprint around the track for ages 7 and under, with a little mini item for each finisher,” Jones said.

Not only will this event benefit incoming spartans, but also those who will be saying goodbye at the end of this school year, as proceeds from the Spartan Sprint will go towards Party Central, an annual overnight graduation celebration hosted by the Parent Club.

“The race is being timed by Fleet Feet and we will have medals for the top finishers both overall and for age group winners,” Jones said, “The race is $20 for ages 14 and older, and just $15 for 13 and under. All who register by September 20th are guaranteed a shirt.”

To register for this event click the link provided here to sign up. On-site registration and packet pickup will be available at the Homecoming Parade the Thursday before, as well as the Homecoming Game the night before.

Crafting as a collective

During weekend mornings, when the halls of Francis Howell Central are usually empty, on one Saturday in October- 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.- people from everywhere in the county area unite in the high school corridors to celebrate each other’s handiwork. The Craft Fair brings all kinds of different people together to admire and purchase unique gifts made by the creative minds in Cottleville. Craft Fair Committee member Amy McAvoy the creative energy found only in events like this.

“I think craft fairs are a unique [thing],” McAvoy said, “It allows people to share their talents and I think a lot of people like to buy homemade things. Also, it gives others ideas on what they can [make].”

Not only is the craft fair an excellent excuse to get out of the house and an opportunity to see do-it-yourself projects in a new light, but also a chance to be part of an insanely diverse and interesting community.

“There are all kinds of people at craft shows. You never know who you are going to meet! Over 2,000 people walk through our halls from 9:00- 3:00.” sid McAvoy.

Aside from the interest in the crafts themselves, many vendors participate in this craft fair as result of how orderly the event is run. After three years on the committee, McAvoy has noticed this recurring motif amongst them.

“I think the reason vendors keep coming back is how organized [the craft fair] is. Vendors are very picky people- they like things a certain way. I don’t blame them, if that was my business I would be picky too.” McAvoy said.