For the second year, State Senator Jeff Smith brought his A-game to Fairgrounds Park, but this time a lot more people joined him.
While Smith showed his love for the game, others showed their love of an incumbent senator. Several faces who were not at “Candidate Smith’s” event last year came out Saturday to support “Senator Smith’s” 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
New faces included: Mayor Francis Slay, Attorney General and candidate for governor Jay Nixon, State Sen. Chuck Graham, License Collector Mike McMillan, Alderman Jeffrey Boyd, and Committeewoman Mattie Moore.
One of the few elected officials that did show up at last year’s event (and gave us this priceless endorsement video) was 22nd Ward Committeeman Joe Palm, who again made an appearance.
Organizers estimate that over a thousand people — roughly five times the turnout last year — came out Saturday.
Nixon played referee for a game in which Smith played. His team, which included aide and rumored state rep candidate Chris “I can guard anybody” Carter, came in third place in the 17-and-over age division.
First place in each age division got bikes, second place got tickets to Six Flags, and 3rd place teams received gift certificates to area businesses. All players got either backpacks or school supplies.
