Community comes together

Chelsea Freeman, center, of Essex was crowned Essex -Grayridge Lions Club Queen at ceremonies Saturday at Mae Hall Park in Essex. The annual event featured pageants for all ages. Also pictured are second alternate, Amy Jones, left, of Grayridge and first alternate, Brittany Allen, of Grayridge.

The annual event is a fundraiser for the Lions Club with the proceeds going to provide eye glasses to those that cannot afford them. The Lions Club provided barbecue, grilled hamburgers and soft drinks at the pavilion in the park.

Chelsea Freeman of Essex was crowned queen at the event.

Carrie Wyman of Essex and her daughter, Kate, 7, talk with Jason Blunt of the Essex -Gray ridge Lions Club. Blunt served up hamburgers and barbecue as a member of the Lions Club. The annual Mae Hall Park Day is held as a fundraiser for the club.

A drawing was held for a barbecue grill. Keith Hicks won the grill. Three hams were also given away by the Lions club.

The annual event is named for Mae Hall, who donated the land to the Lions Club for the park.

Glenna Couch of Sikeston enjoyed some quality time with her daughter, Lydia, 3, at the annual Mae Hall Park Day at Essex Saturday. She came over from Sikeston to visit her parents, Glen and Sandy McMullin.

Mackenzie Williams, right, of Essex was crowned by the 2008 Essex - Grayridge Lions Club Teen Miss during Mae Hall Park Day Saturday. Several hundred residents and visitors came out for the annual event. Also shown is first alternate, Baylee Taylor, of Dexter.