What's is a better way to start off a hot
day, than with an old fashion Ice Cream tasting 'Crank Off'?
Spirit of Athens and U. G. Whites sponsored
the first annual 'Crank Off' with participants vying for the
title of 'Best Ice Cream' and 'Best Booth' titles. The
participants were required to make 2 or 3 gallons of
homemade ice cream and make one gallon at the event.
There were some really creative and tasty
treats as well as some well planned booths from which each
contestant served their samples. The overall winner was
Kristi Valls with 'Kristi's Caribbean Crush'. The winner
walked away with a new Ice Cream maker from U. G. Whites and
bragging rights until next year.
Shane Black kept all the kids and adults
moving with a train ride around the square. The 2 cart train
held everyone from small children in the parents arms to our
area Cheerleaders enjoying the ride around town. Shane
seemed to enjoy each trip he made with his passengers,
calling, "All Aboard" and blowing his train whistle.
The Sons of the Confederate Veterans made a
presentation of a Historical Marker and presented the flags.
Buzz Estes, Jimmy Hill, Charles Kilpatrick and Tom Strain,
also informed people of the background of the Captain Thomas
H. Hobbs camp and how they can get involved.
Trinity School Program directed by Frank
Travis presented skits and music honoring the life and
career of Patti Malone, one of Athens famous singers and one
of the first internationally known black mezzo-sopranos. The
Fisk Jubilee Singers also presented a poignant concert of
Gospel songs.
East Limestone High School Marching Band,
West Limestone Marching Band the the Athens Pep Band
participated in a 'Homecoming Spirit Contest' which was won
by East Limestone.
Spirit of Athens director, Trisha Black
provided games of years past for the children to enjoy. The
3 legged race, Hoola-hoop, checkers, limbo and sidewalk art
were just a few of the popular games.
Council President Ronnie Marks and his wife
Sandra had the company of their charming grandchildren who
were visiting from Vestavia in Birmingham. I also saw other
local families enjoying the event with their children such
as President of the Alabama Veterans Museum Jerry Crabtree
and his wife Mica with their daughter and 2 beautiful
granddaughters.
Although the festivities were cut a little
short before the Antique Cars could cruise the square, Mother
Nature blessed us all with a much needed rain shower, her
timing was a little early for the event planners, but it
wasn't a total wash.
As the Vice President for Spirit of Athens,
I would like to thank the above mentioned participants as
well as the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce,
Athens Tourism and Jeanette Dunnavant, Art on the Square, KALB (Keep
Athens Limestone Beautiful - Lynne Hart), News Courier, U. G. Whites,
Pepsi Cola, Reddy Ice, Sub Debs, TRAIL, RSVP and everyone who came out to help and
or participate. It really was a great homecoming.
Teresa Todd
AthensPlus.com
August 21st, 2010
