shirleyNANNEY
Editor
The City of McKenzie was working alive with people who came to enjoy the Sweet Tea & Southern Pickin’s Festival all day and into the night on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26 and 27. There was music, food and activities to keep everyone occupied and enjoying themselves.
The downtown park was filled with vendors who offered all sorts of arts and crafts. Even Mayor Jill Holland and her opponent Ryan Griffin took advantage of the crowd to do some campaigning for the upcoming Nov. 8 election. Holland served up sweet tea and handed out campaign material. Griffin greeted people and presented them with campaign handouts that told them what they could expect if he won.
Four-year-old Harmony Jones petted and fed the animals at the petting zoo near the Farmer’s Market.. She was especially fond of the goats who were enjoying the pellets they were being fed. The six month old kangaroo provided much enjoyment to some who were given the opportunity to feed it.
Harmony’s mother Rebecca Jones said her family has come every year since it started a few years ago.
“There are always lots of activities for the kids to enjoy,” she said. “I enjoy checking out the vendors.”
Among the food vendors was Chris Chadwick, the pit master for Hawg County Cookers.
He said he sold every bit of the barbecue he had cooked for Friday and stayed up all Friday night cooking for Saturday’s hungry crowd. Beside barbecue he also cooked brisket which was a hit.
At The Chew booth, sisters Chetney and Keesha Johnson served up some of their food.
A Sweet Tea & Southern Pickin’s Golf Tournament was held on Friday and a disc golf tournament on Saturday.
Southern Fried Funnies was held Thursday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. The cast is composed of local folks who sing and act to make people laugh.
On Friday the entertainment was furnished by Fajita Bros. and King Beez. On Saturday Flashback, Paula Bridges Band, Colton Baker and Band, and Flashback entertained.
