The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Jennifer Dance
Beans and banjos came to Raritan Saturday night, October 16. The Raritan Baptist Church hosted dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
In the church basement, ham and beans, chicken noodle soup, corn bread, homemade desserts and drinks were served.
More than expected came for dinner, but there was plenty to go around and the church did a great job of welcoming everyone.
After dinner, The Central Illinois Banjo Club, including Raritan native Dennis Overstreet, did an outstanding job entertaining the crowd of more than 200 at the Opera House.
Mrs. Sammy Blender and her stand-up comedy routine had everyone, including the band, roaring with laughter as she emceed the event.
The Banjo Club played some old time favorites. "Let Me Call You Sweetheart", "Down By the Old Mill Stream" and "If You Knew Susie" were just a few the crowd sang along with. People of all ages had a great time tapping their feet or clapping along with the music.
For the 4th year, Dennis Overstreet of Morton (center-3rd from the left), President of the 61 member Central Illinois Banjo Club, has brought club members to his hometown to peform.