By By Arthur McLean Editor
The rain stayed away for a day and the sun shined down on the 30th annual Mayfest celebration in Tom Byrne Park.
"We're thrilled with the turnout," said Emilie Mims, the Atmore Chamber of Commerce director. The chamber organized the event, which was sponsored by Pepsi.
An estimated crowd of between 2,000 and 3,000 people came to the day-long event that featured about 70 vendors serving up everything from hotdogs a kebobs to tire swings and jewelry.
"With the weather so bad yesterday, we're thankful to have such nice weather today," Mims said. "We lost a vendor or two because of the weather, but nearly everyone came."
Lisa Carroll, of D&L Concessions, said the turnout looked to be good as she served kabobs off the grill. "We're looking to do well today, hopefully, business will pick up more by the end of the day," she said as she served a line of hungry customers.
Pensacola artist Joel Williams said he was happy with his first trip to Mayfest. "I'm enjoying myself here," he said as he worked on a painting near the fire safety house. "I'm planning to come back for Williams' Station Day."
The Gazebo served as the hub for entertainment throughout the day, with the Beautiful Baby contest kicking things off in the morning. A crowd also gathered for the dance sessions choreographed by Reed Adams.
The Mayfest beautiful baby contest drew about 70 entrants. And a significant number of dogs were entered in the afternoon Mutt Strut. Results and photos of the winners will be published in the Wednesday Atmore Advance.
For more photos from Saturday's Mayfest, turn to page 14 of this issue of the Atmore Advance.