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Big crowd celebrates town's founding
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| By: SCOTT TYNES, DAILY LEADER Staff Writer |
April 27, 2009 |
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WESSON - Wesson's birth was celebrated Saturday by hundreds as young and old alike enjoyed the festivities of the 20th annual Founders Day.
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"It's been fun. The boys are having fun. It's a good family day," said Terry's Jeff Chapman, who joined the celebration with his wife Ashley and sons Jordan, 4, and Kaydon, 2.
The Chapmans visited Founders Day to watch Ashley's sister participate in the parade. It was their first visit to the event, but said it wouldn't be their last.
"There's a lot to do," Ashley Chapman said. "Terry doesn't have anything like this."
The parade was a highlight for many of the kids. Emergency vehicles, horse riding clubs complete with wagons and carriages, political candidates, non-profit organizations and many others paraded down Highway 51 in celebration of the town's founding.
Jordan Chapman, bedecked in beads passed out during the parade, said he really enjoyed seeing the horses.
"I did, too!," shouted his brother Kaydon Chapman.
Highway 51 was lined with vendors selling a wide variety of wares from woodcrafts to food.
Jerry Carter, of Wesson, was helping in the Sylvarena Baptist Church booth selling several food items.
It was their unique offering of gator-on-a-stick that was drawing the most attention, however. It was the third year the church had offered the treat, and business was brisk.
"It's been going good, about what we expected," Carter said. "Normally we sell out."
Item vendors were also pleased about the turnout.
Leah Sanderson, of Waynesboro, and Robin Ladner, of Brandon, were concerned about sales at their jewelry booth early in the day, but only a few hours later called it a successful day.
"It got a lot better," Ladner said. "We're selling a lot more now."
A variety of events were held throughout the day to entertain visitors, including Deal or No Deal-style games, portrait caricatures by Mississippi artist Ricky Nobile and the second annual Backyard BBQ Cook-off.
The event culminated Saturday night with performances by local artists.
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©The Daily Leader 2009
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