Hot dogs and baseball...the Piggott Fourth of July celebration kicked-off Friday, July 3 with two pageants at the picnic grounds and ballgames at Independence Park. That was also the site of the second annual hot dog eating contest and Andy Parrish of Piggott (right) defended his title.

There was action galore at the ball diamonds, including the annual T-ball All-Star game..which came down to a one run affair.

Friday was also armband night on the midway.

Cemetery board president Royce Williams served as this year's Grand Marshall, and had the privelage of leading the procession to the picnic grounds.

Gov. Mike Beebe was on hand for the annual parade, and led a large contingent of elected officials and a few candidates.

State Senator Robert Thompson of Paragould continues to hone his candy-throwing skills, and has become a regular at the annual picnic and parade.

State Representative Mike Patterson of Piggott launches a handful of suckers during the annual parade.

The Turner family in one of the Piggott Fire Department vehicles, making a lot of noise on their way to the picnic grounds.

The PHS Marching Mohawk band makes their way past the high school during this year's parade.

Marty Conley never looked better, I wonder if he wears this hat around the house.

It's not easy getting a big truck like this clean and pretty for the parade.

The annual picnic offers the perfect chance to get the attention of our elected officials, and this year proved to be no different.

Piggott's own State Rep. Mike Patterson played host and introduced the various speakers. State officials also offered their compliments for the job Patterson has done for his district, and the state.

With all these elected officials at the Piggott picnic on the Fourth of July one might ask...who's running the state?

Although Gov. Beebe and county judge Gary Howell didn't make it for the group shot..there was an impressive number of leaders at this year's picnic.

Partly cloudy skies and a nice breeze kept the post-parade crowd around the picnic grounds at bit longer than usual this year.

Miss Piggott 2009, Katie Strickland of Piggott.

Peyton Mann of Piggott helps Cemetery Association member Gary Moffitt draw the names of the three $5,000 cash prize winners. Peyton also was a member of one of the three local All-Star ball teams that advanced to their respective state tournaments.