Families will celebrate Mother’s Day today but at least one group of mothers got an early start on Saturday. The Bellville United Presbyterian Church deacon committee hosted a Mother’s Day breakfast at Der Dutchman restaurant on state Rt. 97. Mothers and daughters turned out for the event, many wearing “stylish” hats.
Guests were encouraged to wear hats and the hats ranged from comical to sophisticated. Elaine Bowman and her daughters Marlaine Morgan and Priscilla Bowman, for example, all wore hats. So did Ruth Ann Kilgore and her daughters Jan Dearth, Linda Charlton, and Kara Thompson. Many others wore hats as well.
Marlaine Morgan decorated hers comically and it was no surprise that she won the prize for the funniest hat when votes were collected. Shelley Hollar in her sombrero was the runner-up. The runner-up for the prettiest hat went to Kilgore’s granddaughter Eva Thompson, and Carol Hoeflich won first place. For the oldest hat, Ruthie Shinabarker’s hat earned runner-up and Jan Marshall took home first place.
Gift Snyder played the piano and guests were encouraged to make requests and sing along. Snyder played songs from memory. When asked how she could remember so many tunes, she replied, “People ask, ‘How do you do that?’ I don’t know,” she said, “It’s like putting flowers together, you have it in your head.”
Flowers and dinners will be offered to honor mothers today and at least one local attraction will have a special offer. Richland Carrousel Park at 75 N. Main Street, Mansfield is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is offering free rides to women with their children.
Bible Walk on Tingley Ave., Mansfield also has a special offer. Free tours are available for mothers today. The Bible Walk is open from 3-7 p.m.
