July Fourth celebration is one for the books
Another July Fourth celebration has entered local history books. Fourth Fest Society members have reviewed the event and summarized it as a success.
"I think attendance might have been down a little from last year," said Lisa Holm-McDowell, who with her husband Brian, is a major force in seeing to the success of the celebration.
The final count on button sales indicated a slightly smaller crowd according to Holm-McDowell.
"We ordered 3,000 buttons and had about 400 left," she said. "I do think though that everyone who did attend enjoyed themselves."
The planning committee is looking at an abbreviated attendance for the next several years as the holiday falls in the middle of the week. They acknowledge the three- or four-day weekends usually draw more out-of-town visitors.
Final reports from committees associated with the celebration include lists of winners from several competitions.
The vintage car show organized by Brian and Tammy Whiteside presented trophies to several entrants.
First place went to Albert Haviland, Wichita, for a 1967 Dodge Charger; second place, Bud and Linda Lovelady, Marion, for a 1931 Chevrolet Coupe; third place, David Nichols, Newton, for his 1967 Plymouth GTX; and fourth place, Jim and Leanna Hefley, Hillsboro, for their 1964 Chevrolet SS Impala convertible.
Erin Croft of Newton took first place in the "under 18" competition with a 1995 Pontiac Firebird and Les Buchanen of Peabody won Best of Show with a 1930 Model A.
The July Fourth early morning horseshoe tournament was won by the team of Tim Douglas and Gilbert Davis. Second place winners were Mark Tajchman and Bryan Alexander.
The "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" July Fourth parade had dozens of entries. Float winners were: first place, Red Hat Society; second place, Dawn Newman; third place, Peabody Achievers 4-H; and fourth place, Legacy Park.
In the children's entries awards were: Hunter Wilson, first; Traylee Woodruff, second; Tommy Morris, third; Kenny Johnson, fourth; Aaron Topham, fifth; Kaycee McClelland, sixth; Aslynn Kealy, seventh; and Alyssa Carrol, eighth.
Winners of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary prizes were first prize, covered swing, Becky Foth; second prize of $50, Diane Adams; and third prize of a child's bicycle, R.C. Hirsch.
The request of a final favor has been made by the July Fourth committee. Members would like a video tape of the fireworks show if anyone taped it.
"I taped it, but it didn't turn out," said Holm-McDowell. "We want to send copies to our servicemen, so if anyone has a good video and would be willing to let us copy it we'd appreciate it."
The July Fourth Celebration Society can be reached at PO Box 74, Peabody 66866 or the McDowells can be reached at 620-983-2550.
