Cecilton Carnival

A River Runs Through It

 

Photos and story by Bill Hughes

bhug82@yahoo.com

 

With the exception of a beautiful Saturday evening of weather last week, the Cecilton Carnival had its ups and downs. Monday was rained out and Friday was almost a disaster of wet weather especially during the bingo event. The parade which highlighted the last day of the event, featured sunny skies as spectators lined along the parade route from Cecilton Elementary on West Main Street, all the way to Atlantic Tractor on the other end of town where the carnival was awaiting the crowd.

"It's the only exciting thing that happens every year," said Gertrude Combs of Cecilton who relaxed in the shade of her lawn. "I hope the whole evening stays this way for the carnival."

For one participant in the parade, nine year old, Colman McLennan, (in photo) the Chesapeake City Fire Company Jr. Fire Chief, he was very "proud" according to his grandfather. "I like it," said Colman after getting off of a ride at the carnival. "I don't think I can describe it. I like representing the fire company." Chesapeake City also provided a bagpiping group to their show.

Robert and John Dixon from nearby Earleville, rode in on their classic tractors. "It's a really good day," said John who was driving his 1948 John Deere. "We come here every year." Robert drove behind him in his 1957 International Harvester Farmall 450.

For one family of spectators, they had good seats near the middle of the route. "We're going to watch the parade and then head up to the carnival," said Amy Scott (in photo) with her daughters, Lauren Scott, 6, left, and Katie Scott, 8. Lauren and Katie's dad Charlie Scott was close by to watch the parade with them.

At the carnival, Kim Dixon of the Cecilton Volunteer Fire Company, was helping to sell pizza. "It's pretty good if it would stop raining," said Kim. "Other than that, we're having a good year."

Also helping Kim, was Joyce Boulden, (in photo) who is an associate member of the Cecilton Volunteer Fire Company for about 30 years. Joyce was wearing a pin to remind her of someone special serving oversees. "My granddaughter (Casie Craig of Cecilton) is in Afghanastan," said Joyce. "She's in the Army. Their getting ready to get a tower so we can talk back and forth. We send her packages every month. We send her a little bit of everything. (essentials) This is her second tour. She was also in Bagdad, Iraq."

The rain on Friday night was something many will never forget. "We had some diehard bingo players last night," said volunteer Erica Combs from Galena, (Kent County (Gertrude's granddaughter). "There was a mini river that came between the tables. We called it the "mini Sassafras. There was a lady who's chair was sinking and she just propped her feet up. We had some thunder, so we had to wait to call a number. We've had a horrible couple of weeks for carnivals." The other being at Hack's Point Fire Company.

Afterwards, the spectators had quite a show, but some wondered about the change in parade days. "Cecilton's (parade) always been on a Wednesday," said Connie Davis from North Chesapeake City. "I'm not sure they had the turnout they should have had. It was still a nice affair. They were rained out twice this week, so it was nice this evening."

The biggest float in the parade with the most people on it (50) was from Zion United Methodist Church in Cecilton. Some of the participants walking with the float, handed out spring water along the way. "We had 80 (bottles) to give out," said Ellen Cochrane from Earleville. "This was Cecilton parishes Vacation Bible School's float. Their theme was titled "Pandamania."

The parade/carnival also brought business into the town. "It brings some people in from the carnival," said Alex Savin, who works at the Pizza House Family Restaurant on West Main Street. "It was busy. It's cool. People were really excited in Cecilton."

One of the Pizza House customers who just finished dining, enjoyed the parade as well as her meal. "It was nice because we got all the kids out there," said Stephanie Siuma of Earleville. "It was great to see my daughter on the float. Pizza is always good after a parade."

On September 24th, the Cecilton grounds will hold a Truck Pull and Hot Stock Tractors at 1pm.

Done