Travelers along Rt. 219 through Buckeye caught a glimpse of an old-fashioned day of music, games, fun and fellowship Sunday afternoon as nearly 200 people gathered at the Buckeye Drive-In for Buckeye County Mart’s Customer Appreciation Picnic.
“We’ve always tried to have something around Mother’s Day,” BCM owner Roger Pritt said. “But there’s not much room at the store.”
A plan began to develop in Pritt’s mind a few weeks ago, and it came to fruition on Sunday.
“We needed to give something back to the community,” he said.
The event was coordinated by Pritt, with the help of his wife, Joy, and Buckeye Country Mart employees Curtis Pritt and Tink Gum.  Several friends and family members put their hands to work providing and serving food, setting up games, and more, to make the day a success.
Tony Pondexter, of Caldwell, hauled in his large grill and turned out hotdogs and hamburgers for the group.
The Eades Mountain Boys from Monroe and Greenbrier counties took the stage, playing old-country and gospel music. The group consists of Gary Frye, Robert Frye, Jeff Morgan, Dale Boggs, Jack Defibaugh and Jason Frye. These guys play together and work together, as well, as they are all employees of Heritage Truck Center in White Sulphur Springs.
An all-day Cornhole Competition ended with Jamie Gragg, of Marlinton, and his uncle, Tom Sheets, of Stephen City, Virginia, walking away as winners with new “Buckeye” fleece pullovers to prove it.
Children romped and played, while the adults relaxed and visited with their neighbors.
As dark descended, the sky lit up with an impressive display of fireworks.
At the end of the day the “customers appreciated” the Customer Appreciation Picnic.
Jaynell Graham may be contacted at jsgraham@poc ahontastimes.com