With a record crowds, balloons, bands, and bikes were just some of the highlights of the 44th annual Big Sandy Spring Festival over Memorial weekend. Emily Dykes, Tim Phifer, Big Sandy Mayor Autumn Ratliff, Marilyn Solberg, Steve French, and a host of city workers, family and friends pitched in to make the “Reaching New Heights” themed festival one of the biggest in the event’s history.
Rides got underway on Friday evening and early-comers were welcomed with a concert that included the Tommy Akers Band and Risky Business.
The sun peeked over the blue skies on Saturday and more than 180 classic hot rods and motorcycles filled the town square at the Spring Festival Car Show, organized by Steve French. French did a phenomenal job organizing the record number of entries and the shiny colors from fluorescent green to the brightest of yellows canvassed the city streets.
Soon the parade made its entrance. Led by Grand Marshal Ron Lane, the former Big Sandy Mayor, and followed by a plethora of tractors, floats, and wave-flying patriots.
While Bingo made the ladies smile and the tractor show amused the gentlemen, the children were really drawn to the pony rides, petting zoo and carnival. When the sun was too much to bear, families gathered under the pavilion and enjoyed musical talents from Kinsey Rose and Johnny Mac and the Heart Attacks, as well as a little magic fun when Doug the Magician hit the stage.
The festivities concluded with a grand display of fireworks.
Big Sandy Mayor Autumn Ratliff said, “It was a great weekend full of food, fun and families. I watched old friends meet up, kids laughing, dancing, and everyone smiling.”
Ratliff finished by saying, “Than you to the community for always supporting this event. We couldn’t have done it without you and I certainly cannot wait until next year.”
