Published October 09, 2008 10:52 pm -
Family fun starts with Wagon Days
Teresa Williams
THOMASVILLE — Circle the wagons for some family fun Saturday with the fifth annual Wagon Days in Coolidge.
“It looks to be a great one,” Ouida Kennedy, event organizer, said.
Wagon Days, sponsored by the Coolidge Civic Club, began when Coolidge citizens decided to start their own festival to foster community spirit and showcase their town.
Thirty plus vendors are expected to be on site Saturday offering a variety of arts & crafts, foods and children’s activities, including a bounce slide.
“We’ve got quite an assortment of activities to keep you occupied all day,” John Blaha, civic club member, said. “This year, we’ve been blessed with the most exhibitors we’ve ever had. I don’t think we have an empty spot. We’ve got everything from jewelry to candles to plants to kitchen ware and pottery.”
Event sponsors — restaurants, gift shops, bookstores, hardware — are giving away prizes to guests.
Participants sign up as they arrive at the festival and, if their name is called, they must be present to win the prize.
Brand new to Wagon Days this year is Coolidge’s Got Talent.
“Local talent is invited to participate on stage,” Kennedy said. “We had a few people get up and sing at previous events and thought, well, they must want to show us what they’ve got, so we decided to hold the talent contest. Paperwork must be turned in before the show. Acts must be family-oriented and there is a five minute maximum time limit. Prizes will be awarded.”
A returning favorite is the decorative wagon contest.
Wagons must be no larger than 4 x 4 and the contest is open to ages four and up. Prizes will be awarded in three categories.
Prizes will also be awarded in a coloring contest held prior to the event.
There’s also a variety of foods on site, including funnel cakes, fish, barbecue, hot dog, hamburgers, sausage dogs, boiled peanuts, chicken and dumplings, shaved ice and Mexican.
Live entertainment will be provided throughout the day in the form of country, gospel and rock music.
“We know the economy is rough, but we’re hoping people are going to stay close to home instead of spending money on gas to go someplace else,” Kennedy said. “We don’t charge admission, there’s lots of good food, crafts, entertainment and activities for the kids. We want people to come see us.”