By Lanell Downs Smith

Luverne Public Library supporters from Crenshaw and surrounding counties enjoyed a repeat performance from award winning trio “Three on a String,” who entertained guests with their second performance at the library’s annual dinner theater March 19. Neighbors and friends from nearby and a little farther away turned out for an evening of food, fun and good, clean entertainment, all for the cause of supporting the facilities community programs.

Good friends Vivian Pippins and Maggie Myer joined returning supporters Jill King and Dianne and Waylon Catrette at a table up front of the stage to enjoy the show.

“We come to this every year,” said Diane Catrette. “And, I’ve never been disappointed. The food is great, the desserts are wonderful and the entertainment is always spectacular.”

According to library director Kathryn Tomlin, organizers launched the fundraiser in 2010 and have hosted dinner theater for 13 years, skipping only 2020 due to COVID-19.

On the menu was pork tenderloin and all the trimmings prepared by Sandy Walker followed by desserts served buffet style and prepared by the Friends of the Library and the library board of trustees.

“This would not be a fundraiser if not for what Sandy does,” Tomlin said. “She provides the meal and prepares the meal. And, we had desserts [provided by] the Friends of the Library and the library board of trustees.”

Before the show, attendees browsed a selection of donated items and bid in a silent auction to purchase their choice. Proceeds from ticket sales and auction purchases will help fund library programs for area families.

King serves on the library board of trustees and expressed delight at the large crowd of guests who came to hear the musical stylings of “Three on a String” and support the library.

“I saw them last year and they are phenomenal,” King said. “I’m just so tickled that all this is working out and it looks like we’ve got a good turnout. I’m very appreciative of everything everyone did.”
Pippins, who attended the event for the first time, said the event did not disappoint.

“I’m really enjoying myself,” she said. “I came because I wanted to be with my friends. This is my first time and I wanted to hear the band too. I love the library and I love to read.”

Mary and Tom Green, formerly of Highland Home, became library supporters during their years living in Crenshaw County. This year, they attended the event for the first time, traveling from Fort Deposit to enjoy the show.

“We used the library all the time when we lived [in Highland Home],” Mary Green said. “I saw the announcement on social media. When we lived up north, we went to plays all the time. So, this is really wonderful.”

Current members of “Three on a String” are Jerry Ryan, Bobby Horton, Brad Ryan and Andy Meginnis. Ryan, one of the group’s founding members, does not currently tour with the group and is recovering from an accidental injury.

Horton, who is the other half of the original duet which later became “Three on a String” said the members enjoy touring with each other and performing for communities like those in Crenshaw County, which always provide a warm and hearty welcome.

“I hate traveling, but I love playing and I love meeting people,” Horton said. “It’s just like Mark Twain said, ‘You never have to work a day in your life if you love [what you do.’”

Maitre D for the evening was Mike Jones, who led a team of servers volunteering from the Luverne High School Band and the Crenshaw County Chamber Ambassadors. Table decorations were provided by Kay Goolsby. Sound and lighting was coordinated by Mellissa Mikul.