Thursday's Internet Edition, December 04, 2008.
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| CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING – Paulette McFadden, owner of The Kaboodle, was welcomed as the newest member of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting at her business on East Main Street last Friday. Members of the chamber gathered to celebrate as Hamilton’s Mayor Roy Rumsey cut the ceremonial ribbon. Pictured are (l-r) Mandy Blackwell, Mike Lovell, Doug Forrest, Michael Langford, McFadden, Steve Almquist, Doug Baker, Rumsey and Beverly Rhode. |
Chairperson Pam Moon and the various committees have been working since last year on plans for the 37th annual festival.
“People really look forward to the Dove Festival every year,” said Moon. “It is a time for families and good clean entertainment.
“This is probably the last time for a few years that we will be able to have it on the square,” she said. “They will begin renovation of the court-house soon after the Dove Festival, but they were kind enough to let us use it again this year. Next year we will be faced with where to have it.”
A contest is under way for a logo and slogan for this year’s celebration, which gives everyone the opportunity to be part of this year’s event. For more information about the contest, contact the Chamber of Commerce office at 386-3216.
The Dove Festival pageant, set for Aug. 23, will feature six age divisions, and the beautiful crowns for the winners are on display at the Kaboodle. Entry forms for the pageant are available at the chamber office or at the Kaboodle.
Age divisions for the pageant include Sweetheart for 3- and 4-year-olds; Little Miss for 5- and 6-year-olds; Junior Miss for 7- to 9-year-olds; Duchess for 10- to 12-year-olds; Princess for 13- to 15-year-olds; and Queen for candidates 16 to 18 years old. Ages are based on the participants’ age on Sept. 1, and the pageant is open to all single girls who live in or attend school in Hamilton County. Former queens Candace Lovell and Harmony Thompson are this year’s pageant directors.
Mark Sepolio is in charge of the booths this year. Applica-tions for booth space are available at the chamber office. Local non-profit organizations are encouraged to participate.
The parade route will be the same as last year, and the parade will begin at 10 a.m. Entertainment will begin at noon on Saturday on the sound stage. Performers are still being lined up for the stage, and other details of the festival are also still in the works, including the quilt show, car show and a horseshoe-pitching contest.
The festival also will include the annual Dove Festival 5K Walk and Run, two nights of rodeo entertainment at Circle T Arena and a dance Saturday night at the arena.
“We will need lots of volunteers that day – every-thing from clean up crews to ticket takers,” Moon said.
Anyone who wants to volunteer can contact her at (254) 736-2034 or Steve Alm-quist at the chamber office at 386-3216.