RUSSELLVILLE, Mo. - All-terrain vehicles hauling quilt-covered hay bale seats on trailers crisscrossed the freshly mowed pasture of JDM Development LLC Saturday.
The Russellville partners spent a week clearing and setting up the 70 acres and moving their cattle so nearly 150 people could come out for the 5th annual Pasture Golf Tournament to support the Russellville Community Pool.
"I had people calling me in March - we don't even have the date set then," said neighbor and volunteer Pam Neugebauer. "People are excited to play."
The fundraiser covers about one-third of the pool's annual budget, according to board member Linda Lenk.
Most of the people who come out for the day are looking to have as much fun as they are to support the volunteer-supported community pool.
The modest-sized pool was built in 1981 and requires constant maintenance, Lenk said.
"If it wasn't for this golf tournament, we wouldn't be able to stay open," she said.
The remainder of the income comes from admission, lessons and special events during the summer months at the pool.
The self-sufficient community pool isn't owned by anyone, Lenk said.
In today's world, that's a rarity. Either municipalities have taken over or they've closed down, she said.
"There's nothing else in Russellville for kids to do," Lenk said. "It's important when you walk in and see all the kids swimming and having fun; it's a good feeling, to know you had a part in it."
The pasture golf idea, and the equipment, were borrowed from the Buffalo Club in Olean.
"People love being in the pasture on a sunny day with their friends," Neugebauer said.
About 16 ladies from New Bloomfield agreed.
"This has nothing to do with golf," said Pam Grace.
Kelly Clark said, "we rarely see each other all in one place."
Although they don't do the work, nor will their children likely visit the pool, the New Bloomfield group looks forward to this annual ladies day out, Sandy Withers said.
For other teams, they come out heavy on the fun.
Jodi Farris, Rhonda Watts, Glenda Crane and Rockie Crane formed a team this year, complete with matching team shirts, striped socks and handkerchiefs.
"We'll at least look good, since we can't play well," Rockie Crane said.
Growing up in Russellville or rearing their children there, these ladies value the pool as a summer destination.
"If somebody doesn't support it, it's going to go down hill," Glenda Crane said.