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A near-perfect Mayfest (with photo gallery)

Bailey Hayles was crowned the first Miss Mayfest by Emily Harp, back left, and Brandy Giger, back right.

By SHERRY DIGMON
News Staff Writer

It was one for the books.
Mayfest 2018 was just about as near perfect as it could be. Good weather. Excellent planning and organization. Lots to see and do – and lots and lots of people.
This was Chamber Executive Director Emily Harp’s first Mayfest since taking the job earlier this year, and she was certainly up to the task.
At one point during the morning, she told Chamber board member Myrna Monroe that she was already working on Mayfest 2019 and taking note of a couple of things she wanted to improve from this year.
This was the first year for the Miss Mayfest Pageant. Bailey Hayles has the distinction of being the first Miss Mayfest. She was crowned by Emily Harp and Chamber President Brandy Giger. (Winners’ pictures are on page 12A.)
There were changes in the registration for the Beautiful Baby Contest, with no registration the day of Mayfest. With pre-registration required, more than 40 babies competed. (The winners’ pictures are on page 11A.)
The gazebo stage was busy with bands and soloists and poetry reading.

Nearby a 5K run kicked off the morning, with a softball tournament a little later in the day.
The PowWow Club and Twirl Time entertained in front of the gazebo.
Kids’ rides, lots of food, a chance to interact with political candidates, arts and crafts – what a fine day to be in Tom Byrne Park.
Kudos to Emily Harp and the Chamber.