The annual Festival on the Square was a tremendous success. For more than 40 years, the Clay County Historical & Arts Council has planned a festival to be held the weekend after the Fourth of July. Some years it rained, some years it was hot, others it was extremely hot and rainy and some were almost as perfect as this year.
So, weather has always been a factor in this outdoor event, but our focus now is on our appreciation for the many volunteers and supporters who came along side to make this such a success. There were more than 80 vendors this year, the most ever. Many vendors have returned year after year and their faithfulness and dedication is so much a part of making it possible to do this festival.
The CCHAC board members who have worked throughout the year, as well as during the festival, to make this event come to fruition are all very much appreciated. Special thanks to Dennis Barber for the wonderful food prepared for the weekend. More than 60 volunteers from the community, many CCHAC members, collectively contributed more than 240 hours to serve food on Saturday and Sunday. The generous donation of their time and energy is deeply appreciated. The list of businesses and other sponsors displayed during the festival indicates their generosity as well as their willingness to support the mission and vision of CCHAC. Their confidence is inspiring as we look ahead to the projects and programs planned for the coming months which will be supported by funds from this fundraiser.
Additional volunteers who deserve recognition are high school students Jacob Jones, Logan Caldwell and Seth McCastin who came to help with take-down on Sunday afternoon. Jones and Caldwell returned on Monday to help take down and store tents. Everyone who contributed to this effort is such an important part of making this festival a success and receive our sincere thanks. The joint efforts of so many people is an excellent example of what community truly means.
With sincere thanks and appreciation,
Marsha Christy and Reba Beck, CCHAC Co-Presidents