It will go down as possibly the hottest Sawmill Festival in history, but I’m not referring exclusively to the near 100 degree heat, but also the remarkable fireworks show that put the exclamation point on Bruce’s annual celebration.
It was unfortunate that the weather forecast forced postponement of the planned July 4th festivities on the square the week before, but the Linda “Boom” Cooper parade, Midnight Run concert, and 40-minute fireworks show provided a tremendous boost to this year’s festival on Saturday night.
Joel McNeece
Many thanks to Joey Shaw, Mike “Waddles” Shoemaker and B.J. Farmer for their work with the outstanding fireworks show. It was amazing the number of people who turned out Saturday night. I walked back to The Journal office to change batteries in my camera to discover the Stepp Saver and CCJ parking lots overflowing with parked cars and people in lawn chairs excited for the fireworks. I’d also like to extend my thanks to the many that worked so tirelessly on the overall festival to make it a success.
We received many positive comments during the festival on the progress at the Bruce Museum (for which Rickie Vaughn deserves the credit) and the outstanding Civil War history exhibit put together for us by the local Sons of Confederate Veterans Chapter. I’d also like to thank the many artists who hosted displays in the museum for the festival, especially Ellard native John Steele Davis whose hand-sculpted bust of William Faulkner was a big hit.
There was no shortage of good eats this year. I would argue it was the best tasting Sawmill Festival yet. I told Don Ball Saturday night I had eaten something from every vendor but one, and I remedied that just prior to the fireworks show.
Among my award winners in the food category would be the fried pies from Chickenbone Fire Department (I was partial to the apple), Johnny Armstrong’s Famous Hamburgers from the Bruce Lodge, Alex Gracia’s steak quesadilla, Erica Griffin’s shaved ice, Butterfinger and banana ice cream from the Fine Arts Club, and the regular funnel cake (as opposed to the red velvet) from the Hughes family booth from Coffeeville.
I must also mention that I had two helpings of Lib Massey’s coconut delight. Lib wasn’t a vendor, but delivered it to the museum where we fed Shotgun Billys Friday night before their concert. She could have charged top dollar for it on the square.
I was in the museum for the majority of the show Friday, but heard plenty of other performances that I really enjoyed over the weekend including Satrina Massey’s rendition of some classic tunes, Jessey Higdon and his friends, and both South of Memphis and Midnight Run. I’m in the enviable position of living next door to Midnight Run leader James “Duck” Drake, which gives me access to free concerts from the comfort of my patio as they rehearse throughout the year.
I listened to a number of the political speakers and particularly enjoyed visiting with State Treasurer candidate David McRae, a Republican, and Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Tim Johnson.
I loved the lights around the square after dark each night, visiting with so many friends, the classic cars, the free water from politicians, and the food. Did I mention the great food?
Email Joel McNeece at joelmcneece@gmail.com & follow him on Twitter @joelmcneece