I always enjoy attending events in the district and visiting with the many great constituents who come out to support these events and projects. Recently, I had the chance to spend some time in the city of Mountain View for the Mountain View Pioneer Days. Stepping back in time was a welcome change from the everyday hustle and bustle of what we consider our daily lives.

There were a number of points of interest during the festival. Events that one wouldn’t normally see any longer, such as the Old Fashioned Bed Race, were included. That’s right, a bed race, the same one you might have watched on those black and white television shows, with one person on the bed and another person pushing it. There was a Duck Dynasty beard look-a-like contest, for those looking for a modern take on the pioneer, backwoods style life. I didn’t get the opportunity to see that contest firsthand, but the person in charge of that event was thinking outside the box.

I really enjoyed visiting the Teepee Village, which was a large part of the pioneer theme. The participants were fantastic, and the set up very authentic. The historic car display might not have reflected the time of the pioneers, but it was certainly worth seeing for the beauty of the automobiles. I was deeply impressed with the group who organized the raffle to benefit the Mountain View and Birch Tree schools. That was another case of out-of-the-norm thinking that made a big impression.

I was so happy to see Mayor Patrick Reed and the Board of Alderman riding an antique fire truck in the parade, tossing candy to the waiting children, and showing the local citizens that city management is about more than sitting in meetings. And I was very impressed with the work the County Clerk of Howell County was accomplishing. Dennis Von Allmen was busy registering voters during the event. Way to go, local elected officials.

During the day, I was also able to visit the beautiful Southwestern Baptist University campus and the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce building, both of which have matching architecture and provide a cohesive view to the city. Such a gorgeous place to live, and I was lucky to visit and speak with the city’s friendly and welcoming residents.

Rain threatened during the parade, but held off until most of the festivities had concluded. As the day came to close, the much-needed rainfall was welcome after the long, full day of activities. I’d like to thank the community of Mountain View for welcoming me and for putting on a marvelous event.