The 2015 Clay Golden Delicious Festival is in the books and will be remembered for a long time. It all started with some awesome festival weather on Thursday and Friday. Those who came out enjoyed some of the finest music this valley has heard, as well as some of the best in fine dining. 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 to name 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. If you love color and appreciate quilting, that was the place to go. Fine dining was also held in the Lions Club as breakfast was served; it was a great time to get re- acquainted with friends, enjoy a cup of coffee and chase it with flap jacks. 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. Once judging was over, the public was invited to partake of the delicious food that was spread before them. There was plenty to do, but most of all, there was great music from hard driving country rock to blue grass.
Jean Dorsey was named this year’s Golden delicious Belle and no doubt will hold the title with the utmost class and style. It was a great time to just settle down get with friends and neighbors and enjoy classic festival food and festival entertainment. Solomon’s Secret returned this year after a layoff of one year. The outdoor drama was held in Dundon. Gunshots were heard as the drama unfolded and they portrayed the epic struggle of their family during the Native American removal.
The parade commenced and the streets were lined with hundreds of people as the sirens began to blow. Candy was flung on streets like chop and kids and adults enjoyed the challenge of getting it first. Queens and princesses were dressed in their finest, rode on the finest carriages money could buy and went through waving to the subjects. The CCMS and the CCMS bands brought the tunes to the event and the CCHS Band performed Amazing Grace in front of the court house. The festival on Saturday, ended with showers of sparks and reports as the night sky filled with fireworks to the enjoyment of many. Sunday was a new day, bright and sunny. Gospel music filled the air. Groups entertained with the classics along with a touch of modern gospel as people started to fill the arena until it was standing room only, if you could even find that. The end of the festival brings in the idea that snow is just around the corner. It has been a good festival.
The festival 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. Also to the sheriff’s office and special deputies keeping the event safe for everyone to enjoy. To those people, Clay County owes you many thanks because so much of our culture is dying and you selflessly take the time to make sure that good times will roll on, and that the opportunity to get together with friends, enjoy music, and eat great food will be something to look forward to. There are so many names that can be said from Dawn Whitley all the way down the list. It isn’t much coming from me, but Clay County is indeed fortunate to have people who are dedicated to preserving our heritage so that we can let our hair down once in a while, keep our sanity and not go mad.
