In the past, recipients of the Settler's Award included Charles James, Jim Zerr, and last year, Bob Sterner. This year, Fulton Mayor LeRoy Benton will join that list at the annual Kingdom of Callaway Supper.
"I'm excited," Benton said. "As I understand it, the award is for a non-Callawegian who moved to the county and has established residence and contributed to the county."
The 113th supper will be March 6 at William Woods University.
Benton moved to Fulton in 1981, he said.
"St. Francois County is where I was born and raised," he added. "I was in the trucking business and I came to Fulton as a result of that."
He also brought along his wife Francis and their children.
"I think it just felt like home," Benton said. "People are like the folks I grew up with, and it felt like I belonged. Normally, a place where you live is about the relationships you establish."
Benton said he became mayor in 2011.
"I'm starting my eighth year," he said, adding he won't run again.
Supper celebrates 113 years
"I'll finish in April 2019," he said. "It's time for younger folks to come along and show some leadership."
This supper event was first held Jan. 18, 1906, at the Palace Hotel in Fulton as the Business Men's Banquet. The first gathering was restricted to male owners of Fulton businesses, but in 1918, it expanded to include all males in the county, with the president being from Fulton one year and a county resident on alternating years.
In 1919, it was renamed "Kingdom of Callaway Supper." At this gathering, Judge David H. Harris launched a movement to erect a new county courthouse, replacing the original that was built in 1826.
Women were included in the early 1920s and a decision was made to honor a native Callaway resident who left the Kingdom and successfully conducted a career in his chosen field. This year's guest of honor is Glen Hodges, named by this year's supper president and his long-time friend, Rich Custard (see story in Feb. 7 issue).
The Distinguished Service Award this year goes to the Super Sam Foundation, but originated as the McCubbin Callaway Cup, presented to an individual or organization in recognition of outstanding service to the community throughout the year.
The President's Reception will be 5-6:30 p.m. at the Kemper Arts Center. The dinner will be at 7 p.m. at Tucker Dining Hall, followed by a program 8 p.m. in Dulaney Auditorium. The event is $15 per ticket. Entertainment will be provided by Double Down.
Tickets for the 113th annual Kingdom of Callaway Supper are on sale now. The program will also include naming the group's next president - someone who was born in Callaway County.
Get tickets at Callaway Chamber of Commerce, The Callaway Bank, Central Bank, United Security Bank, Mosers in Fulton and Holts Summit, Crane's Store, Meadow Lake Acres and Short Stop in Millersburg.
Ham and turkey will be offered at the supper. For more information, contact Director Debbie LaRue at 573-592-6318.