By By EMILIE MIMS
Chamber of Commerce Director
The Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the many volunteers who helped make Mayfest 2001 a tremendous success. A beautiful day and over 100 vendors attracted thousands of attendees to this event which celebrated its 27th year.
Once again, the chamber's volunteer work force came through with flying colors. Tracy Miller and Janet Ward, co-chairs of this year's Mayfest Beautiful Baby Contest, won prizes for Mayfest volunteers of the year. With a record number of contestants, these ladies stayed remarkably composed. Also, thank you to Betty Warren, who with her usual style, kept the audience entertained as master of ceremonies for the baby contest. Special thanks go to Rusty Miller, Kevin Classen, John Mims, Joel Lambert and Keith Castleberry who braved dust and holly trees to construct the Gazebo Stage. Ricky Ashcraft and members of the Work Release program were a tremendous help with the stage and clean up the day of the event. Also, a special thank you to Randall Shuttlesworth and Kmart who loaned planters and flowers for the Gazebo Stage.
Other outstanding chairmen included Mitch Staples – Food Court; Mary McPherson – Color the Clown Contest; Willie Hawthorne, Rocky Burch of Eagle Country Radio, James Helton and Randy Adams – Entertainment; Alan Bell and Milton Adams – Williams Station Express; Wendy O'Brien and Tammy White – Hoola Hoop Contest; Wesley Channell – Chamber Information Booth; and the children of A.C. Moore School who performed a traditional Maypole Dance. Many volunteers worked within these committees throughout the day. Thank you for giving your time to this event which is enjoyed by so many.
Pepsi Cola Bottling Company, sponsor of Mayfest 2001, deserves a special pat on the back for their continued support of our community. Other event sponsors included Dr. Cynthia Worrell-White of the Walnut Hill Children's Medical Clinic who sponsored the Beautiful Baby Contest; Diamond Food Marts, sponsor of the Mayfest Tennis Tournament; and United Bank, sponsor of Ricardo the Magician.
In closing, thank you to Mayor Howard Shell and the City of Atmore for their cooperation. Once again, Don Whatley and the city workers did a fantastic job preparing Tom Byrne Park for this event. Also, thank you to Danny McKinley and the officers of the Atmore Police Department for their support.
Last, but most important, thank you to all of the individuals who made this event part of their Saturday. This year's community support was outstanding.