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Smithville Scouts supporting annual History Hayride
MSL8364 Hayride Scouts
Photos provided Eagle Scouts from Boy Scout Venture Troop 875, John Chesebro and Bobby Lane, assisted passengers safely on and off the hay wagons. Since they helped people up and down the steps to the wagons, Fount Bertram, President of Friends of Edgar Evins State Park, called them his step children. - photo by Photos courtesy of Friends of Edgar Evins State Park

The 12th Annual History Hayride on Saturday, Oct. 14,  had 13 re-enactors, 10 wagon narrators, most of the park staff and about 40 volunteers, including Smithville Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops.

The Scouts are an important part of the Friends of Edgar Evins State Park, an all-volunteer group of all ages dedicated to helping the park in many ways. The Friends of Edgar Evins State Park has chartered Cam Beal’s Boy Scout Troop 875 and partnered with Ronica Evans’ Girl Scout Troop 1146 for many years.

“I’ve enjoyed watching all these boys and girls grow from youngsters to outstanding young men and women,” said Fount Bertram, president of Friends of Edgar Evins State Park. “They have given thousands of hours of service to the Friends group and the park. At present all members of the Boy Scout Troop 875 are Eagle Scouts, the highest award given by BSA, and are continuing as a Venture Troop.”

“The girls of Troop 875 all graduated from high school last spring and are in various colleges and universities,” Bertram said. “One of their members, Neely Evans of Smithville, is currently building an aviary next to the Interpretive Center for her Girl Scout Gold Award project. All of these responsible young people and their leaders are still part of the Friends group.”

Recently the Friends of Edgar Evins State Park entered a new partnership with Smithville Brownie Girl Scout Troop 3094 under the leadership of Tonya Hale (Smithville), Jada Shinkle (Dowelltown) and Kayla Hale (Smithville.) It is anticipated they will be with the Friends of Edgar Evins State Park for many years to come.

If other local troop leaders are interested in a similar arrangement they are encouraged to contact the Park Manager, Kenny Gragg, or go online to the Friends of Edgar Evins State Park website at www.foeesp.com where there is contact information for Fount Bertram, president. Inquiries from individuals about membership in Friends of Edgar Evins State Park are also welcome. You may also find out more about the Friends of Edgar Evins State Park at  www.facebook.com/friendsofeesp.