Staff writer
The 92nd annual fireworks extravaganza was one for the books as life gets back to normal in Peabody. In addition to the much-advertised million fireworks that went into the set pieces and aerial displays, numbers played a big part in everyone’s assessment of the success of the event.
Fourth Fest committee co-chairman Preston Hodges said 3,200 admittance buttons were sold out early in the evening. A tally of button sales and cash receipts indicate 4,700 people were in the city park.
“I think we figured 3,500 in attendance in 2012,” he said. “So that is a respectable jump in the number of people who came to the show.”
Prize winners in the competition for best float, classic car, and decorated bicycle were announced at the fireworks show. All the prizes were in Peabody Bucks.
There were 59 entries in the parade, and three floats shared $600. In first place for $300 was Serenity Gardens of Hillsboro. Second place ($200) went to the Peabody Foundation. The American Legion Auxiliary took third place ($100).
Steve Robbins of Newton took home $50 for his Model T pickup, and Sarah Spencer of Peabody won $25 for the best decorated child’s bicycle.
Twenty dogs were entered in the American Legion Auxiliary dog show at Santa Fe Park.
“That’s the most we have ever had,” organizer Myrna Wood said.
Dozens of ribbons and prizes were handed out to canines that danced, jumped, caught things, wore patriotic outfits, or were simply mellow pets.
Ron and Patty Traxson organized a volleyball tournament and said they were pleased with the turnout.
“We had five teams of 8 to 10 players each, so our time schedule worked out well and the weather was terrific,” Patty Traxon said. “We had three teams from Peabody, one from the Marion area, and one family team — about 40 to 50 players plus spectators. The event was well attended, and we are hoping it will grow next year.”
The horseshoe tournament, poker tournament, alumni dance and reunion gatherings, picnicking families, carnival, kid’s games, and free swim at the pool all have numbers to gauge their success as well. This year’s numbers mean an equally big celebration in 2014.