KIRKSVILLE -- The Rotary District 6040 Conference is being held in Kirksville for the first time in 41 years.

It is only the fourth time in the 106 year history that the event is being held in Kirksville.

Kirksville has special distinction for rotary. It is the home of the current district 6040 Governor Jeff Romine and 2010-2011 Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith.

The event kicked off Friday afternoon at the Newman Center. A large lunch was served to all who attended.

Opening speeches were presented by District Governor Jeff Romine and Kirksville Mayor Richard Detweiler.

The conference will consist of events throughout the weekend and  District Governor Romine said the weekend will be a time of celebration for all.

"We will have some service projects and  tours of the Kirksville community. We are going to have some displays of the good works of the rotary clubs and show what the districts have accomplished. It is actually a time for people to come and celebrate and celebrate service to rotary and celebrate accomplishments of clubs," Romine said.

The conference will continue Saturday with a full day of activities. The day will start with a Rotary Foundation breakfast at the Newman Center.