By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
An early morning thunderstorm kept many vendors and visitors away from the May 2 Mayfest celebration, but that didn’t stop those who did show up from having a good time on what turned out to be a typical hot and humid Alabama day.
More than 40 vendors who had paid in advance to market their wares were no-shows, making shopping easier for the hundreds of locals and out-of-towners who filed into Tom Byrne Park for the annual community festival. Only an occasional sprinkle of rain dampened the otherwise sunny day, although dark clouds made brief appearances.
“Even with those that didn’t show up, we still had a good vendor turnout,” said Addison Long, executive director of Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce, sponsor of the event. “From what they’ve told me, most of them did real good.”
Many of the vendors agreed that business was brisk throughout the late morning hours and the afternoon.
“We’ve had a good day,” said Clarke County resident Olivia Bradford of Finn & Company, who said she and husband Brett almost decided not to come because of the morning storm. “I’m glad we decided to come. We always love coming here and we’ll be back for Williams Station Day.”
While many of the attendees gathered around the park’s gazebo as the Beautiful Baby Contest commenced, others came mainly for “fair food” that isn’t available locally except at events like Mayfest, including lemonade that sold for up to $10 per cup.
“It wasn’t like last year, but it was all right,” Alexis Hooks of Atmore said of the event. “I love funnel cakes; that’s the main reason we came.”
In the showcase of children ages 2 months to 3 years, about two dozen tykes strutted their stuff, waved, blew kisses or clung to their parent’s legs as the crowd cheered them on.
Winners in the various categories were:
*Ages 3 months-12 months — Boy, Hardey Hayes; girl, Emery McGee;
*1-year-olds — Boy, Tripp Smith; girl, Meyla Rolin;
*2-year-olds — Girl, Grayson Newton (no boy entries);
*3-year-olds — Boy, Tony Hollingsworth; girl, Demeigh Hornady.
The previous night’s Miss Mayfest Pageant winners were also introduced to the crowd:
Little Miss Mayfest — Winner, Oakleigh Hornady; first runner-up, Remi Chavers; second runner-up, Karson Newton.
Petite Miss Mayfest — Winner, Maggie Weaver; first runner-up, Laura Kate Lee; second runner-up, Lyric Gordon.
Junior Miss Mayfest — Winner, Molly Brown; first runner-up, Ambry Proctor.
Young Miss Mayfest — Winner, Gracie Stumps; first runner-up, Addilyn Strickling; second runner-up, Sadie Rose Chamblee.
Miss Mayfest — Winner, Paisley Donaldson; first runner-up, Bradley Stinson; second runner-up, Marlie McGhee.
Emma Kay Dinks sang the National Anthem to kick things off as a group of Royal Rangers from First Assembly of God presented the colors, and area pickers and singers Kyle Dorriety of Atmore and Ryan Dakota of Semmes entertained festivalgoers with rock-flavored country songs. Kris Stewart served as dee-jay during the interludes between acts.
One of the final highlights of the day came when a youngster of about 2 years climbed the steps onto the stage and danced as Dakota performed his final tune.
“I think just about everybody here had a good time,” said James Reynolds of Saraland, who attended with wife Jessie and son Bryson. “I know my family did. This was our first time coming, but we’ll be back next year.”