Staff writer
With another successful July Fourth celebration in the record books, the Peabody Fourth Celebration Society is promising an 89th annual fireworks show next year.
“There definitely will be a 2010 celebration,” event chairman Brian McDowell said. “We have been approached by a few individuals who have worked on the committee in the past as well as some fresh new faces. A meeting will be in August so we can sit down and divvy-up responsibilities.
“Lisa and I realized just how much this celebration is a part of our lives,” he said. “And we will continue to work with the new members. We still want to be involved, just in a more limited role.”
McDowell also said he thought the celebration drew a larger number of people than the 2008 celebration.
“It is difficult to judge how many more we might have had, but the crowd was definitely larger than last year,” he said.
Kristi Silvernale, treasurer of the group, said they sold 2,974 buttons. There was no tally of how many were sold at the admission gates after the buttons were sold out, and an admission fee was collected.
Silvernale also said that so far the Fourth Celebration Society has collected about $4,000 in donations. She anticipates additional donations will continue to come in.
Farmers Market
Marilyn Jones, vendor at Doyle Valley Farmers’ Market, said “It was the best market we’ve ever had. We all sold out of everything.”
Jones believed the Road Warrior Car Show was a good addition to the day and she was pleased to have them in the downtown area this year.
“They attracted a steady crowd and people seemed content to linger,” she said. “And we benefited from that. It was just a great day all around. Our lunch of organic burgers and side dishes sold out in a hurry and the homemade root beer was such a hit we are planning to offer that again at another market event.”
Jones also was part of the historical society group that served ice cream sundaes on the library lawn during the parade.
“We did well with that, too,” she said.
Road Warriors car show
About 25 restored vehicles occupied First Street between Walnut and Sycamore streets for most of the day on July 4. Hosted by Road Warriors Car Club of Peabody-Burns High School, the show proved to be a big draw for downtown businesses as well as the farmers’ market.
Most of the car owners stayed in Peabody to take part in the parade and attended the fireworks show.
Peabody-Burns Superintendent Rex Watson said the club is planning to host a second show next year.
“The turnout was good and I think we can do more next year,” he said. “We would like to attract some vintage motorcycles and tractors.”
Six awards were presented to car owners.
The Fourth Fest Chairman’s Choice —Don Currier of El Dorado, 1973 Plymouth Baracuda.
Main Street Director’s Choice —Becky Wolfe of Augusta,1967 Pontiac Firebird.
Mayor’s Choice — Norman Hacker of Andover, 1937 Chevrolet Coupe.
Peabody Police Chief’s Choice — Kelly Herget of Potwin, 1970 Camaro Z-28.
Peabody Gazette-Bulletin Editor’s Choice — Charles Price of Wichita, 1968 Chevrolet Impala Convertible.
Road Warrior Club President’s Choice — Marvin Jenkins of Wichita, 1978 Jeep CJ Mud Truck.
Poker tournament
Friends and family of Bob Phillips participated in the second annual Bob Phillips Memorial Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament at Peabody American Legion.
More than $500 was raised for a scholarship fund in Phillips’ name.
Twenty-two players played for prizes with a hand played in Phillips’ honor.
Winners were:
1. Dick Steinman of Newton.
2. Annette Nienstedt of Lincolnville.
3. Tommy Phillips of San Diego, Calif.
4. Bob Phillips, played by Kenny Nienstedt of Marion.
The pink T-shirt award was given to Gerri Williams of Marion for being the first player out of the tournament.