The 76th annual Pollard Picnic will be held this Saturday at the picnic grounds in that community, and will feature a full day of activities.

The opening ceremonies are set for 9 a.m. and will include the invocation by Charles Carrens, the pledge of allegiance and the National Anthem. Afterward, picnic-goers will hear from various speakers, including State Sen. Robert Thompson, State Rep. Mike Patterson and State Rep. J.R. Rogers. Following the speeches, Patrick Patterson will be performing on the main stage. J.R. Rogers and his band from All-Star Music will also be performing at various times throughout the day.

At 10 a.m. the Baby Pollard pageant will be held for boys and girls up to a year old, followed at 10:30 a.m. by the Toddler Pollard pageant for boys and girls 12-20 months old. At 11 a.m. The Dooley's will be performing gospel music. At noon the Petite Miss and Mister Pollard pageants will be held for boys and girls ages two to four. Also on the schedule are performances by Tim Roberts at 1:30 p.m. and another by Patrick Patterson at 2 p.m. At 2:30 p.m. the bubble gum blowing contest is set, and is open to kids up to 12-years-old. Afterward, the oldest man and woman, and the person travelling the farthest, will be recognized. Those participating must pre-register at the bank booth, and must be present to win.

At 3 p.m. the Little Miss Pollard pageant will be held for girls 5-7 years old, followed by another performance by The Dooleys at 4 p.m.

At 5 p.m. the Junior Miss Pollard pageant will be held for girls 8-12 years old, and Patrick Patterson will perform again at 6.

At 6:30 p.m. the Hoot-N-Nanny Quartet and musicians will perform, followed by the annual auction of donated items at 7. That will be followed by another performance by the Hoot-N-Nanny group around 7:30.

At 8 p.m. the annual Miss Pollard pageant will be held, and around 10 will be the drawings for cash prizes and a queen-sized quilt.

This year's picnic will include rides, games, fellowship and a lot of good food. There will be several food stands, drink stands and the kitchen will be open much of the day.

All of the early pageants will feature casual attire or sportswear, only the Miss Pollard Pageant will allow pageant wear. Pageant organizers also request that all contestants pre-register by calling prior to the date of the contest. Those wishing to pre-register, or obtain more information about the various pageants, may call 870-544-2476, 870-529-3614 or 573-328-4028.

All proceeds from the annual Pollard picnic go for the upkeep of the New Hope Cemetery and the Pollard Picnic grounds.