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22^nd ANNUAL CHAUTAUQUA IN THE PARK 2006
"The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy"
Exclusive Corporate Sponsor 2006!!

September 9 and 10, 2006

Map | Entertainment | Stage Schedule

Photos of the 2005 Chautauqua in the Park | Chautauqua 2005 Archive

An average of 5,000 visitors attend our Chautauqua each year.

Chautauqua in the Park a Success, Despite Rain
By CATHERINE STORTZ RIPLEY/C-T News Editor
Monday, September 11, 2006

CAPTION: Gloria Moon and Betty O'Dell of Chillicothe hold baby dolls made by Kathleen Caudle (left) of Lebanon, Mo. Both Moon and O'Dell purchased one of “Kathleen's Beautiful Babies” from the booth which received the Best of Show award during the Chautauqua in the Park.

C-T Photo/Catherine Stortz Ripley

Jim Jones Photography received the Arts Masters Award during the Chautauqua in the Park held this weekend. The Arts Masters Award was chosen by art students at Chillicothe High School.

A child walks by with his parents and Harold Uthlaut unsuspectingly moves into position. Armed with a cork shooter and a contagious smile about to burst with anticipation, the Glasgow man swiftly discharges the shooter, creating a loud pop which stops the child in his tracks. Invariably, the child turns around with a wide grin and cautiously walks over for further investigation. And, on more than one occasion, the adult companion hands over the $4 dollars needed to purchase the cork shooter. A sale is made. Although in front of a backdrop of beautiful wood and cloth items and baskets in his booth, it is Uthlaut's cork shooter that instantly grabs the attention of passersby at Chillicothe's Chautauqua in the Park. It's difficult to discern who has more fun with the cork shooters. The children or Uthlaut. To Uthlaut, the cork shooters are his way to share a little bit of fun with children. “I enjoy playing with them and they really enjoy it, too,” he said. “They are unsuspecting.” When the children walk over, Uthlaut explains how the cork shooter works and he lets the children give them a try. The shooter consists of a cork tied to a string connected to a small pipe which is attached to a piece of wood carved in the shape of a gun. “Kids want to feel important, too,” he said. “So, I let them give this a try.”

Andrew Smith, 7, and his brother, Matt, 6, the sons of Vince and Jill Smith, were among the many children intrigued by the cork shooter Saturday afternoon. After giving the gadget a try, each walked away with one. Two sales were made. Uthlaut operates the Crow's Nest with his wife, Helen. The two have been a part of Chillicothe's Chautauqua in the Park for many years.

Their wares were among thousands of items on display by dozens of vendors during the two-day festival held at Simpson Park.

Curly Dimple
Balloon artist and strolling entertainer, Pink Hair Polka Dots and the warmest smile in the world! This diminutive clown wins the hearts of young and old wherever she goes! Curlie covers a lot of ground riding her giant ostrich! She’s a world class hula hoop champion and loves to demonstrate her skills!

Color of Mercy
Three friends that seek to minister for Christ through music sing adult contemporary Christian music and could be compared with Point of Grace or Avalon. Seeking to reach all ages and listeners, they include a variety of songs and encourage participation.

Rosa String Works
Rosa String Works is dedicated to playing traditional Bluegrass, acoustic and old time country and gospel music. Led by Jerry Rosa Sr. on Mandolin and vocals, this band has opened for Merle Haggard, Diamond Rio, Jo Dee Messina, Patty Loveless, The Charlie Daniels Band and more.

Chamber Music
Chamber Music provides a unique family music show with "Down from the Mountain" flair. The Chambers' kids, ages 4 to 15, have been sharing their God-given musical abilities since 1999 with folks in nursing homes, at churches, at pro-life and school benefits, for private parties, festivals and fairs, and with kids in the hospital. They have preformed throughout the greater Kansas City and St. Joseph areas. All of the children have been musically trained through the Suzuki method.

Professor Farquar's Old time Medicine and Magic Show
Professor B.T. Farquar sets entertainment back more that a hundred years, to the days of the Old-time medicine and magic show. It’s livelier than a skillet full of frog legs and guaranteed to purge melancholy! Unlike the snake oil hucksters of yesteryear, Farquar peddles no elixirs or patent pills. Instead he freely distributes copius amounts of laughter, the best medicine of all! Professor Farquar will also be conducting magic workshops in the storytelling area.

Rosie Cutrer, Storyteller
Rosie Cutrer is a lively blend of stories and music. With degrees in both theater and education, as well as over thirty years of experience on stage, Rosie entertains and educates. In each of her shows she gets volunteers from the audience to help her act out her stories. Using creative drama techniques and hilarious props, she will get the group involved in a delightful experience!

Todd Damotte - Pictable Artist
This unique young visual artist from Hannibal presents a unique performance. Accompanied by music, he creates a huge painting in front of the audience. The audience will watch as a painting unfolds in a matter of minutes!

Kansas City Raindogs
The Rain Dogs are four talented musicians who have come together to share a love of American roots music. Creating timeless sound all their own, they pay tribute to the old southern string bands and classic blues masters. The Rain Dogs perform music ranging in style from old time jug band blues & boogie woogie up through the driving rhythms of rock & roll.

Premium Adjusters
The Premium Adjusters hail from Kansas City and play a variety of Kansas City Styled Jazz, Blues, Soul and Rock. Their four part harmonies give the group a sound of their own. They are featured in various locations in Kansas City, such as the Blue Room at 18th and Vine, the Country Club Plaza, and Plaza III Jazz Club. Left to Right: W.T. Williams, Allen Monroe, Tom DeMasters, Lester “Duck” Warner.“Duck” Warner – Lead vocals, trombone and percussion. Duck has been voted by Pitch Magazine as one of the best singers in Kansas City for the past 4 years.Tom DeMasters – Leader, guitarist and vocals. Tom has been playing guitar since he was 10, playing jazz since he was 16. He has studied with Ray Naylor and Steve Vai. Tom has performed with most of the jazz & blues musicians in Kansas City and is featured on trumpeter Pat Morrissey’s debut album.Allen Monroe – Keyboards, bass, and vocals. Allen has been playing since he was 3 in his father’s church. Allen can play any song he hears, but can’t read music.W. T. Williams – Drums and vocals. W.T. has been performing in Kansas City for many years. He has an excellent high voice.

Fishing River Expedition
Pat Gorsett is the lead singer/guitar/banjo player in the band, Fishing River Expedition. He and wife and bandmate Holly have been performing together since 1975. Holly sings and plays the mandolin, fiddle, guitar and bass.

Daughter Patty Jo Gorsett plays the bass fiddle and Arthur Endsley plays banjo and sings background vocals. This bluegrass band provides entertainment that is enjoyed by young and old alike and are a favorite at Chautauqua.