2018 Woodburn Summerfest: Wet and Wild!

James Dixon, standing next to Hal Rogers, from WCCH wins the morning 5k at Woodburn Summerfest. Dixon, previously not a runner, believes he has found a new sport he likes and is good at! More pictures at westbendnews.net

The Woodburn Summerfest kicked off its events on Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June 23 in true Wet and Wild style with some rain! Friday night’s Trivia Contest was not spoiled due the the inclement conditions however; the contestants and spectators enjoyed the night anyway. In the morning, rain threatened & misted at parade line-up time, but by the time the parade started, it had passed just leaving a pleasant breeze and a slight cloud cover. 

The parade lasted about 45 minutes and there were entries from all over the area, including Ohio. Heckley Auto and Heckley Outdoor Power had the most entries, then Woodburn Fire Department, who always showcases their magnificent fleet of equipment. Just up the road, New Haven brought a couple of their fire trucks down to the parade. The Woodlan Marching Band always makes a great impression as they marched through the route. Many other groups advertised their events including Westwood Fellowship, local girl scout troop, and K&S Tumblefit.

After the parade, it was time to check out the event times, and get in line with all the food vendors that were on display to serve the fair goers.Lions Club donuts are always a favorite, plus the Woodburn Christian Children’s Home had snow cones that kids and adults alike were enjoying. As per usual, fried fair foods like funnel cakes, fried veggies, pickles, waffle fries and hamburgers were best sellers filling bellies and making smiles.

The Woodlan FFA members took to the road to find homes for kittens too as they walked through the crowds to entice potential new owners.

This year’s Woodburn Summer Fest Chalk Walk event battled a rain obstacle on Saturday morning, but that seemed to clear up quickly giving entrants ample time to get their artwork finished by the 1:00 p.m. judging. All entrants had imaginative interpretations of the theme “Wet and Wild.”  Entries were judged by a Wayne Trace Art Club members based on the interpretation of the theme, creativity and originality. $175 worth of prizes were given away and each contestant got to take home their chalks.  A big thank you to all who participated in this year’s inaugural event and for those who came to see the work of these talented artists and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award!  We look forward to next year and “drawing” an even bigger crowd!

Winners:

Ages 12 and Under Division:

1st Place: Mallory Robinson, “Under the Sea”

2nd Place: Olivia Robinson, “Rainy Day”

3rd Place: Allison Renner “Water Dragons”

Ages 13 and Up Division:

1st Place: Abby Robinson & Della Stokes, “Alligator”

2nd Place: Eliza Leininger, “American Bald Eagle”

People’s Choice Award: Eliza Leininger “American Bald Eagle”

Overall, Summerfest was a success and many people attended both days despite the weather not being completely cooperative!

More pictures at westbendnews.net