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Photo Essay: Dave Naumann’s Native NoCo

An adventurer at heart, local attorney Dave Naumann likes going off the beaten path to explore the hidden natural areas of North County.

As the year closes out and I look back at all the reasons I’ve had to be grateful in 2011, I can’t help but think of you, dear NOCO readers. Since I launched this blog two years ago, I’ve gotten to meet so many amazing people, both here in North County and throughout St. Louis. Hundreds of you have emailed with story ideas or insightful comments, and quite a few have even offered to help. Thank you!

One of those generous “helpers” is David Naumann, a Florissant attorney and lifelong NoCo resident whose passion is hiking and biking North County’s many unspoiled pockets of wilderness. Dave knows the area’s trails and hidden pathways probably better than anyone, and lucky for us, he always brings a camera along.

He has been offering to share his images for months now, and I finally got a chance to pull them all together. I have to admit, some of them are so gorgeous, they even made me wonder if they’re really in North County. But of course they are!

Many thanks to Dave Naumann for these beautiful photos, and to everyone who read NOCO and supported North County this year! You are truly appreciated!! Enjoy…

 

Santa welcomes BIGFOOT #18 this Saturday

Ho ho ho! The 18th Bigfoot ever created will arrive with Santa this Saturday.

When it comes to monster trucks, there is no bigger name than the original, BIGFOOT. As you might remember from my NOCO article last summer, this ground-breaking custom automotive company got its start right here in NoCo, literally inventing a sport that’s now enjoyed by millions worldwide.

Since the mid-1970s, Bigfoot founder and innovative genius Bob Chandler has worked with his talented team to create 17 distinctive Bigfoot vehicles, each more refined than the last. And now, he’s about to bring some serious Christmas cheer to countless monster truck fans around the globe, as his latest creation, BIGFOOT #18, makes its debut this Saturday.

Boasting an all new body style, chassis and paint scheme, #18 is such a big deal for the folks at Bigfoot that they need Santa Claus himself to oversee the unveiling. This is major event in the monster truck world, and guess what North County? You have a front row seat!

So bring the kids by Bigfoot this Saturday, 10am-1pm, and see what all the fuss is about. You might even get to meet veteran Bigfoot driver and Guinness World Record holder Dan Runte, who’s pretty darn charming for a guy who crushes cars for a living!

Bigfoot 4×4 is located at Lindbergh and 270 off of Utz Lane in Hazelwood. Admission to this event is free.

WOOF! Hazelwood Harvestfest goes to the dogs…

photo credit: flickr/tcmorgan

On the schedule for this year's Hazelwood Harvestfest: four amazing canine agility shows from the national touring Purina Incredible Dog Team

In 2010, the city of Hazelwood’s annual Harvestfest went green, celebrating the joys of our beautiful planet Earth. I happened to think that was pretty cool, and I was really looking forward to hearing what this year’s theme might be. Imagine my delight then, after just finishing a six-week agility class with my mutt/superstar, Butchy, to learn that the 2011 theme is DOGS! Or should I say… “Tribute to Man’s Best Friend.”

That’s right, Hazelwood is going “paw up” on September 10, hosting a full day of family activities that honor the loyal animals who often love us more than we love ourselves. The highlight of the festival, which takes place at Howdershell Park, is a visit from the Purina Incredible Dog Team, a phenomenal group of 30 shelter-rescue dogs and eight trainers who perform all over the country.

I’ve seen these guys in action – they are awesome! You’ll have four chances to watch them at Harvestfest: 11:30am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm on September 10.

And here’s what else you can see and do at the festival, courtesy of Hazelwood’s Tim Davidson…

Harvestfest Parade
As in years past, Hazelwood’s 2011 Harvestfest will begin with a lively parade that begins at Hazelwood City Hall, 415 Elm Grove Lane, at 9 a.m. The best viewing areas for the parade can be found along Town and Country, Holiday, Imperial and Village Square Drives.

Groups and organizations are invited to participate in the parade by decorating floats and automobiles that represent this year’s event theme. In fact, designers of the preschoolers’ float have made plans to throw dog collar bracelets to the crowds of spectators along the street. Five cash prizes will be awarded to the best decorated/themed parade unit.

Music will be performed by the John Ford Highland Pipe Band and the Hazelwood West High School “Marching Wildcats.” After the parade ends, the bagpipers will roam around the park and play mini-concerts for the fair goers.

Miss Hazelwood Coronation
At 10:30 a.m., the reigning 2010 Miss Hazelwood, Nikki Napolitano, will host this year’s coronation ceremony on the stage of the St. Louis County Bandwagon located by the Howdershell Park tennis courts. To qualify as a participant, contestants must be young women between the ages of 15 and 19, as well as residents of Hazelwood. A $500 scholarship and other prizes will be awarded to the new queen.

Children’s Activities
The Children’s Activity Area will feature an inflatable obstacle course, a giant dual slide, and a Jurassic Zoo Play area for younger kids. An arts and crafts section will be set up inside the tennis courts where youngsters can get a stuffed, white autograph dog. They can color it with markers or use decorations.

For the early birds, a Petting Zoo will be available for the children’s entertainment between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free pony rides will be offered to kids from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, the Home Run Derby for kids age 7-12 begins at 11 a.m.

Another attraction added this year helps to promote and conserve the tradition of hunting. The St. Louis Gateway Arch Chapter of Safari Club International is bringing its 28-foot trailer that showcases 50 mounts of wild animals for people to see up close and touch.  Kids can even have their picture taken standing next to a stuffed grizzly bear.

Horseshoe Tournaments 
Two tournaments will be held at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the horseshoe pits at the park. The format will involve random draw partnering. Registration for both events will begin a half-hour early.  Admission is free and open to people of all ages.  Trophies will be awarded to the top finishers.

Bingo Sessions
The Hazelnuts will carry on the tradition of sponsoring two Bingo sessions at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. underneath the new park pavilion. Anyone can play. Gift cards, small household items and snacks will be given away as prizes.

Musical Entertainment
The headline band for this year is NONSTOP ROCK, which delivers a 9-piece Classic Rock experience performed by some of St. Louis’ best musicians. According to La•De•Da Entertainment, NONSTOP is the Top Shelf Classic Rock Band in St. Louis. This group will perform from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the stage of the St. Louis County Bandwagon. NONSTOP features the music of Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, Blues Brothers, Bruce Springsteen and Aretha Franklin. It also plays the popular hits of Motown, R&B, Southern Rock, Funk, Blues, and Jazz which elevates their “live” performance to a whole new level of entertainment.

ALL DAY ACTIVITIES

Used Book Sale
At Harvestfest, the Hazelwood Community Enrichment Commission plans to host its annual Used Book Sale under a big tent. Fair goers can browse through hundreds of donated books in good condition and purchase them at a discount price. All proceeds will be used to purchase newspaper and magazine subscriptions for both recreation centers, to support the Commission’s “Reading is Elementary Program” and to provide resources for the Garden Club.

Arts & Crafts Show / Information Booths
An Arts and Crafts Show will be ongoing on the north side of the park. Also, an area will be set up for local companies to promote their products and services, as well as for charity groups to raise money with game or food booths. To reserve a booth space for any of these activities, call the Parks and Recreation Office at (314) 731-0980.

City Services Tent
Since they were so popular last year, the Parks and Recreation staff will be giving away grocery bags with Hazelwood’s “H” logo printed on them.  Other items such as Frisbees, plastic bags used for pooper scoopers, and dog biscuits will be distributed as well. The City Services tent will also be the collection site for retired American flags. Residents with faded or tattered flags can bring them to the tent throughout the day. The collected flags will be given to the VFW for a proper disposal ceremony.

Hazelwood Harvestfest will take place Saturday, September 10, 9am-6pm at Howdershell Park, 6800 Howdershell Road, 63042. Admission is free.

 

$1 Family Film Festival continues at St. Louis Mills

FROM THE NEWS WIRE:

Families still have the chance this summer to enjoy the Family Film Festival at Regal Stadium 18 Cinemas/IMAX, every Tuesday and Wednesday at St. Louis Mills. A different G-rated and PG-rated movie is featured each week. Seating is based on availability, as this festival has already proven extremely popular.

Simon Kidgits Club members will also be able to spin the prize wheel from 9:30- 10:30 a.m. Not a member? You can register at the event and receive a special gift, plus a Kidgits t-shirt, special discounts and more with your membership.

Upcoming movies include:

7/5-7/6/2011 Furry Vengeance, Shrek Forever After

7/12-7/13/2011 Kit Kittredge, Despicable Me

7/19-7/20/2011 Gullivers Travel, How to Train Your Dragon

7/26-7/27/2011 Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything, Marmaduke

8/2-8/3/2011 Ramona & Beezus, Yogi Bear

WHEN: 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Tuesday, June 7 – Wednesday, August 3

WHERE: St. Louis Mills – Regal Stadium 18 Cinemas/IMAX, 5555 St. Louis Mills Blvd., Hazelwood, MO 63042