50th ANNUAL DEER FESTIVAL

The 50th annual Deer Festival Saturday attracted a large crowd of people to the Monticello Square for festivities all day long. The fun began with the Fun Run at 7:30 a.m. followed by the Deer Dsah (top photo) at 8 a.m. By the time the runners finished, entertainment had begun, and booths were open with people offering their wares to the many festival-goers.

During the program Starr Batchelor (left photo, left) was named Deer Festival Queen, and Rileigh Evans was named first runner-up. With them is Little Miss Fawn Audreanna Blair Pope. The float winning best of show in the parade was festooned by the Get Ahead House.

Second place went to the Senior Center, and third place was taken by Jasper County Charter Schools.

Jimmy Mudd won took top honors in two categories in the venison cook-off, with Tyson Wilkerson winning the open class. Randy Eddleman took second in the open class. James Mack was second in barbecue, and Mr. Wilkerson was second in chili.

In addition to the many food and craft items offered for sale, numerous raffles were held during the day with lots of items being given away by different groups. The festival wound down at 5 p.m. with the roads reopened by 6 p.m., relieving the oft-congested Square. More photos, see the week’s News.