By By James Crawford
News Editor
Mayfest 2003 fought mother nature Saturday but continued despite the rain and gloomy setting as crowds braved the dreary weather to enjoy music, festivities and fun for the whole family at Tom Byrne Park.
The festivities opened with a welcome by Ronnie Husky and Peggie Byrd and a singing of the national anthem by Christian Rogers followed by a flag raising by the Escambia County High School ROTC.
The beautiful baby contest started off the round of activities at 9:30 a.m. with some of the area's cutest little ones all dressed out in adorable outfits. The event was sponsored by the Atmore Children's Clinic and hosted by Sara Davis.
The Atmore Dance Company's first and second graders put on a show for the crowd as they introduced the Miss Atmore Contestants.
Attendees were entertained by a wide variety of music talents, including CATEGORY 4 and thespians from the upcoming Music Man production were on stage.
Local dance instructor and artist Reed Adams delighted the crowd with her dance moves and Atmore's barber shop quartet sang popular tunes from days gone by.
Children were delighted to get their face and hair painted and to ride the numerous rides that were available including a spinning ride and and climb through house..
The ever-popular Mutt Strut contest featured dogs dressed in outfits all vying for the top spot.
This year's theme was "Who let the dogs out" and the contests was a roaring round of laughter at Atmore's most adorable canines.
The rain was a factor throughout the day, threatening to end one of Atmore's two biggest events that occur yearly but the sun broke out and the crowds returned in the afternoon.