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The history of Anderson dates back to 1886, when merchant Robert Anderson opened a general store and a post office. The first settlement in the area was at Beaver Springs. The town of Anderson began growing after the railroad was extended from Goodman through Anderson to Noel. Anderson was officially incorporated as a city on December 7, 1909. Historic Main Street The town's rich history is still evident in its historic Main Street. One of the businesses you will find there, Brady's Jewelry, dates back to before the town was incorporation. "My husband is a third generation jeweler," said owner Alicia Brady. "Our store opened in 1905. I believe we are the oldest business still running in Anderson and the only one with the original family still running the business." Alicia herself has been in Anderson for 55 years and has seen lots of changes but still believes Anderson has retained its charm. "Anderson is a great place to raise children. It has good schools and churches and is safe," Alicia said. "Main Street is great, too. We have a lot of traffic from the flea markets like Rags to Riches and the Golden Rose." Flicks at The Flick Another throwback Anderson attraction is the The Flick Theater, which celebrated a renovation and grand re-opening in 2021. The family-owned, hometown Flick opened in 1939, and since then has been bringing first-run movies to the folks of Anderson and the surrounding area. Stacy Lilly and her husband have owned the theater for nine years. After closing for Covid, they renovated the 82-year-old theater, repainting the theater and lobby, taking out rows of seats in the theater to offer more legroom, and adding eight handicap- accessible seats. People come from Bella Vista and even Bentonville for a night out without the cost of bigger theaters. The Flick is fully digital with Dolby Digital Surround Sound, with one of the largest screens in the area. Plus you can still see a new release movie there for just $7. a "berry-rich" history But what Anderson is best known for is strawberries! The strawberry industry had its beginning in the fall of 1903 when berries were shipped from the Anderson Co-Operative Fruit Growers Association. This industry would grow until Anderson became known as the Strawberry Capital of the World. In the early 1950's, however, this local industry waned due to severe competition from the Western and Southern states, but every year in May the town celebrates the heritage of the strawberry industry in Anderson and McDonald County by putting on the Berries, Bluegrass and BBQ Festival. The festival features arts and craft booths, retail and food vendors, a donut-eating contest, a Little Miss Strawberry pageant, and some of the area's best bluegrass bands throughout the day. There's even a 5k run the night before. BERRiES, BluEGRaSS aND BBQ FESTival – FuN FOR THE WHOlE FaMily The festival is a celebration of the history of the strawberry industry, and time when Anderson was the strawberry capital of the world. Berry Glow 5k Night Run One of the events of the festival a night-time 5k run and walk where participants are encouraged to wear all kinds of glow-in-the-dark items. From glow sticks to bracelets to necklaces - if it glows, you can wear it! Donut Eating Contest Donut eaters have a chance at bragging rights on who can eat donuts the fastest. Poppy's Daylight Donuts sponsors the donut-eating contest usually starting at 9:30 in the morning on Saturday. There are 3 age groups, and winners get a t-shirt, trophy and the delight of being known as the fastest donut eater in town! little Miss Strawberry Pageant Girls from 0 to 13 years of age are welcomed to enter. There are four age group divisions, with contestants being judged on poise, audience appeal, overall appearance and verbal response (for contestants 3yrs and over). Plus there will be some great bluegrass music, arts & crafts, food vendors, tasty BBQ, duck race and much more! Proceeds from the festival go to buy new playground equipment for city parks. Anderson: Town with a berry-rich history Established in 1941 Your local independent insurance agency providing "Home Town Service" We're open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and after hours by appointment. Linda Hathaway, Mgr/Agent COME SEE US FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS: • Auto • Home • Business • Farm • Life • Workers Comp • SR 22 Filings & Bonds 308 S. Main Southwest City, MO Ph: 417-762-3268 Toll Free 888-523-3024 Fax: 417-762-3855 • linda@thecsiagency.com Reconnect with Nature • 27