But Seriously: Summer's almost over

Once CornFest is done, it’s all downhill for summer to be over.

There’s nothing like catching up with friends while trying to chow down on delicious corn on the cob. Volunteers made the lunch/dinner go round, with many helping as groups from businesses or organizations.

When I went through the line for lunch, the IVC District 321 administration hammed it up while serving food.

Later on I thought it probably wasn’t the best idea to eat corn on the cob for lunch and then plan to take photos of the kids pageants and activities.

Do you want to be talking to a child or adult with corn stuck in your teeth?

Luckily, I didn’t have any problems, and the chamber provides toothpicks if needed.

Several men worked the hot job of manning the corn steamer outside in the back.

Gary Fyke, who came up with the corn steamer idea a few years ago, talked about the way people like to eat corn. Some prefer it to be firm when cooked, and others like the kernels soft and mushy. I’d never really thought about it before, but since he mentioned it, I don’t like mushy corn.

While the Shademakers/ Beautification Board doesn’t grow corn, they do spruce up Chillicothe wherever they can.
Annually during CornFest, the group recognizes the efforts of businesses and individuals in the “Catch the Beauty Contest.”

Some winners simply enjoying gardening and the outdoors, while others find a purpose in making an area look beautiful. Pictures don’t really do justice to the beauty of their work around town.

Bob and Jettia Draper, as well as friends Donnie and Theresa Pangburn, worked on the river median and flood wall at the foot of Pine Street.

Calling it “Chillicothe’s garden,” Jettia said almost everything was donated for the area. Comments from residents driving spurred them to continue making the area beautiful.

Those who received their awards are pictured in this week’s paper. See next week’s paper for photos of the fruits of their labor.

Trying to finish Claud-Elen Days activities during CornFest, I thought we might have a repeat performance of inclement weather.

The sky got dark, but no rain came down. There were not any contestants for Diaper Derby, which is too cute to watch as infants crawl toward their mom or dad (usually).

Mr. Muscle contestants were hard to be found as well. Organizer Sandi Levell’s grandson, Chandler, won the title due to being the only participant.

A handful of girls showed off their swimsuits in the Little Miss Swimsuit competition. Lucky for them, it was plenty warm outside for the show. Sometimes they freeze during Claud-Elen Days.

During Claud-Elen Days in June, there was the cutest little girl in a red, white and blue suit with her hair in pigtails waiting for the competition, but to no avail. I didn’t see her Saturday.

OK, so I must admit, I am a little partial to those with pigtails. As a girl, my mom used to put my long hair in pigtails all the time.
My grandpa teased me that he would cut them off and use them for paintbrushes. And they probably would have been pretty good, too!

Though they were without pigtails, the Princess 33 contestants were both cute and talented. From singing to dancing to acrobatics, they showed off their skills.

For their efforts, there was a four-way tie for the title of Princess 33, but only three tiaras were at the pageant.

Contestant Tomi Nelson volunteered to go home without a crown for a few days until Levell could get one to her. I hope she’s enjoying her crown now (or in the near future).

Check out the photos from CornFest here.