Ashley Williams was crowned Miss St. Francis during Saturday's festivities. She is the 15-year-old daughter of Wade and Candy Williams of Rector. [Click to enlarge]

One of the hottest days of the years was an insufficient deterrent Saturday, as hundreds of people gathered at the annual St, Francis Picnic. The event is held each year to help raise the necessary funds to preserve both the Hall and Gravel Hill Cemeteries.

Though no final tally of the day's earnings was available by press time, if the event was measured by smiling faces and the laughter of old friends reuniting, then it surely was a successful gathering.

The event featured its traditional array of games and rides, as well as the ever-popular chicken dinner in the cafeteria. Also among the entertainment were performances by Brittany Mann, Emma Gookin and the duo of Cole Thomas and Patrick Patterson.

Among the highlights of the picnic were the numerous pageants which brought together families from all over the region. Ashley Williams of Rector was named Miss St. Francis for 2008. The 15-year-old daughter of Wade and Candy Williams of Rector was presented with her crown by last year's queen, Amber Rose Moore of Piggott. Emily Pace, 12, the daughter of Jay and Laura Pace of Fairhope, Ala., was crowned Junior Miss St. Francis. Six-year-old Carly White, the daughter of Jared and Angel White of Greenway, was named Little Miss St. Francis. Elise Brooke Gossett, the four-year-old daughter of Daniel and Mistie Gossett of Piggott was selected as Toddler Miss St. Francis. Tiny Miss St. Francis was 20-month-old Aubrey Grubbs, the daughter of Jordan DeKen and J.D. Grubbs of Campbell. Tiny Mr. St. Francis was Sebastian White, the 22-month-old son of Ryan and Skye White of Rector. Austyn McCauley, the 10-month-old daughter of Breanna Bader and Danner McCauley of Campbell, was named Baby Miss St. Francis. Baby Mr. St. Francis was Trey Gentry, the seven-month-old son of Chad and Renee Gentry of Piggott.

The picnic's organizers would like to thank all those who came out to the event, as well as the large number of volunteers, for their help in making the 2008 St. Francis Picnic possible.