The Meramec Arnold Eagles’ fall festival to celebrate its 50th anniversary and recruit new members was a success, said Eagles member Kevin Keeve.
The free event was held Oct. 3 at the Eagles Club in Arnold.
“We thought everything went really well,” said Keeve, 49, of Arnold. “The weather was perfect.”
Keeve said 10 people signed up to join the Eagles, and numerous other people told club members they may join the organization.
“We are very happy with people joining us, and I think this (festival) did help put us back on the map,” he said.
Keeve said there was a steady flow of people during the five-hour festival.
The event featured a 40-foot inflatable obstacle course, bounce house and carnival games in the club’s parking lot. Two Eagles members dressed as clowns and provided entertainment.
Inside the club, there were free face painting and pumpkin painting. The Eagles also held a 50/50 drawing and raffles for gift baskets.
“A lot of kids were happy, and prizes were given away,” Keeve said. “It was pretty much nonstop, steady all day. The games, bounce house and obstacle course were in constant use.”
The Never 2 Late and R5 bands also performed during the festival.
“The bands went perfectly,” Keeve said. “They each have their own followings, so that helped create a better turnout.”
The Eagles sold beverages during the event, and three food trucks sold items.
“The food trucks were outstanding, and they had a successful day,” Keeve said.
Keeve, who has been an Eagle for the last six years, said the club has about 300 members. He said the organization has donated and assisted area charities and organizations, such as the Gateway Food Pantry, Rock Community Fire Protection District and Arnold Police Department, for the last 50 years.
He said anyone interested in joining the organization may contact the Eagles through its Facebook page; website, arnoldeagles.com; or by coming to the club at 1725 Jeffco Blvd. in Arnold.
Next event
The Eagles will hold its annual Kids Christmas Party on Dec. 6 at the club in Arnold. Keeve said the party is free to attend.
“We are starting to prepare for that,” Keeve said. “I think we have done that every year for 50 years.”
Keeve also said he doubts the Eagles will hold an annual fall festival, but he said the organization may hold a similar event for its next anniversary.
“It is a lot of work, and I am not sure we will do it next year,” he said. “I can see us doing it again for our 55th anniversary.”