Piggott hosts annual Fourth of July picnic

Some of the elected officials on hand at the annual Piggott Fourth of July picnic were, from left: State Representative Mike Patterson, First District Congressman Marion Berry, Land Commissioner Mark Wilcox, Clay County Judge Gary Howell, State Treasurer Margaret Shoffner, State Representative Monty Davenport, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel and State Senator Robert Thompson. (Times photo/Tim Blair) [Click to enlarge]

The 2008 edition of the Piggott Fourth of July Picnic featured something that most of the annual celebrations lack…moderate weather. Somewhat cool and cloudy conditions were the order of the day as the Independence Day holiday was observed across the region last Friday. But the clouds and breezy conditions may have also hurt the crowds somewhat, as the chance of rain hung over the event. But, despite just a few light showers, this year's picnic remained rain free and the activities went off without a hitch.

The activities for this year's picnic, which is held each year to support the upkeep of the Piggott Cemetery, actually began on Thursday evening with the first two pageants. That evening there was also an armband promotion on the midway, and barbecue went on sale at the log cabin. The night included both the Young Junior Miss Piggott pageant, and the Young Miss Piggott Pageant. Photos and winners of all of this year's pageants may be found elsewhere in this week's paper.

On Friday the first activity of the day was the annual parade, which left the First Baptist Church at 9 a.m. The theme for this year's picnic was "Honor the Military" and the grand Marshall was long-time area businessman and Vietnam veteran John Carlton. A complete list of the parade winners can be found elsewhere in this week's paper.

Mayor Gerald Morris offered the official welcome at the picnic grounds, as the opening ceremonies were held. Afterward C.W. Knauts introduced the political speakers on hand, though there numbers were down somewhat this year due to the bad weather in the region.

Some of the elected officials on hand included First District Congressman Marion Berry, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, State Treasurer Margaret Schoffner, State Senator Robert Thompson, State Representative Mike Patterson and State Representative Monty Davenport from the 86th district along with local and county officials.

Entertainment during the day was provided by Minnie Purl (Beverly Harris Scott), Colin Benbrook, Jim Copelin and James Maynard's Band, Patrick Patterson, Emma Gookin and Cole Thomas and by the Holmes Brothers Band.

Friday evening Amber Rose Moore of Piggott was crowned Miss Piggott 2008. Amber is the daughter of Gary and Angel Moore, and was an alternate in last year's pageant.

Following the fireworks display Jerry Causey of Pollard was chosen as the winner of the 2008 GMC pickup that was given away by the cemetery board. Causey's name was drawn from the hopper by Kassidy Krause, daughter of Thomas and Penny Krause of Piggott. Monday morning Kassidy joined cemetery board member Gary Moffitt in making the official presentation of the keys to the truck to Causey.