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people. It is a diverse community and considered to be one of the most progressive growing communities in McDonald County. As a thriving economy in manufacturing, construction, educational services, health care and food processing, the Southwest City employment statistics boast an amazing 96.4% of the city's population as employed. 39.2% of these jobs are in production, transportation and materials moving. Old Timer's Day Rodeo Southwest City is also home to some fun activities with perhaps the best known being the annual Old Timer's Day Rodeo, which has actually grown into two days. In May of 1978, the Commercial Club held their first Old Timer's Day following the retirement of John Poyner, a long time resident of Southwest City who had owned and operated the Phillips 66 service station in town from 1927 to 1977. John and his wife became the first "Mr. and Mrs. Old Timer" and it was the start of an annual tradition that has lasted over 40 years come May in Southwest City. Today, the Commercial Club still carries on the tradition of honoring folks who have been members of the community and contributed to the growth and character of Southwest City over the span of their lifetime. But the event has taken on a life of its own, wrapping itself around a professional rodeo. e Rodeo, which takes place both Friday and Saturday night, includes all of the events you would want to see in a good old-fashioned rodeo; bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling and barrel racing, as well as breakaway roping and junior barrel racing. For the youngest competitors, mutton busting and the calf scramble take place each evening. Saturday, the official "Old Timer's Day," kicks off with a fireman's pancake breakfast. e rest of the day is filled with an arts and cra festival, bingo and the annual parade. Entertainment is also provided, including concerts by musical acts and sometimes an event or dance troop. Perennially crowd favorites, such as the Out House Races, the pie eating contest and the "ugly feet" contest are also part of the celebration. All of this leads up to the main event of the evening, the second night of the Old Timer's Day Rodeo. Southwest City is a fun place to visit. And a great place to put down your roots and grow in this ever-expanding business center. Photos courtesy Cornerstone Bank, McDonald County Press 2021 McDonald county Directory | 27 COME SEE US FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS: • Auto • Home • Business • Farm • Life • Workers Comp • SR 22 Filings & Bonds Established in 1941 Your local independent insurance agency providing "Home Town Service" We're open until 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and after hours by appointment. Toll Free 888-523-3024 Fax: 417-762-3855 • linda@thecsiagency.com 308 S. Main • Southwest City, MO 417-762-3268 Linda Hathaway, Mgr/Agent Take the guesswork out of your insurance. Whether it's your car, home, life, or more, I can help you feel good about your coverage, as well as the price you're paying. GET TO A BETTER STATE ™ . CALL ME TODAY. I deliver both. 1101258 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL State of Insurance. Robert P Lewis, Agent 2832 Bella Vista Way Bella Vista, AR 72714 Bus: 479-855-6049 robert.lewis.b2zk@statefarm.com Take the guesswork out of your insurance. Whether it's your car, home, life, or more, I can help you feel good about your coverage, as well as the price you're paying. GET TO A BETTER STATE ™ . CALL ME TODAY. I deliver both. 1101258 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL State of Insurance. Robert P Lewis, Agent 2832 Bella Vista Way Bella Vista, AR 72714 Bus: 479-855-6049 robert.lewis.b2zk@statefarm.com