By Allen Hamrick
The 2022 Clay Golden Delicious Festival is now a part of history to be remembered. It all started with some awesome festival weather on Thursday and Friday. On Thursday night, people got to watch as the new queens went through their coronation. Fires were built up in the ride engines, and they cranked up the fun. Smoke from barbecues filled the air and made a person’s stomach swell just from the awesome smell of pulled pork sandwiches and chicken, just a few of the delectable selections. If your taste buds weren’t satisfied, you better get your tongue tested. The quilt show displayed some of the best talent in stitchery.
Friday started off as a fine day to get reacquainted with friends, enjoy a cup of coffee and chase it with some fine food. Later, pies and cakes filled the tables as judging began in earnest – each pie hand made with a touch of love and the baker’s special ingredients. Elementary school choirs took the stage in the morning hours as those in attendance heard some great voices. It was a great time to just settle down, get with friends and neighbors and enjoy classic festival food and festival entertainment. Later that evening, the much anticipated Shenandoah hit the stage as hundreds lined the streets to bend an ear to their music. The outdoor drama, Solomon’s Secret, once again entertained people as they told their story of tragedy and overcoming great obstacles to win freedom.
Then along came Saturday- a wonderful day to have a festival. People came from all over and filled the streets, and music once again filled the air. The parade commenced about one o’clock and the streets were lined with hundreds of people as the sirens began to blow. Candy was flung on streets like confetti and kids and adults enjoyed the challenge of getting to it first. Queens and princesses, dressed in their finest, rode on the finest carriages money could buy and went through waving to the subjects. The CCHS band marched in the parade and performed Amazing Grace in front of the court house to the enjoyment of many listeners. Music was enjoyed the rest of the evening, and the festival ended with showers of sparks and reports as the night sky filled with fireworks to the enjoyment of many.
On Sunday, the air was filled with gospel music, and the Elk River Trail marathon and the rubber duck race took place. The end of the festival brings in the idea that snow is just around the corner. It has been a good festival, and it absolutely could not go on if not for those behind the scenes getting it ready, setting it up and tearing it down long after the people have gone. They make sure that the good times will roll on in Clay County and that the opportunity to get together with friends, enjoy music and eat great food will be something to look forward to again next year.
