Second annual event success for community

 

The spirit of summer was alive and well Saturday at the second annual Party in the Park for the Fourth of July holiday hosted by People for the Point at the South Point Community Park.

“It rained a little bit in the morning, but the crowd started to pick up and kept increasing dramatically throughout the day,” Mike Finley, member of People for the Point, said. “We had a great 5K and a great turnout for the 5K and we have some of the nicest cars in the Tri-State here for our car show.”

The event was jam packed with activities starting with the morning 5K. At 10 a.m. children took part in the Kids Olympics in the “Kids’ Zone” that featured activities such as watermelon roll and ball hop races with the winners earning certificates for free ice cream.

Owners and their dogs took to the gazebo at 11 a.m. for owner-dog look-alike and most patriotic dog contests. Gunner, an Australian Shepherd, and his owner Nathan Galloway claimed first place in the look-alike winning a trophy and $100, while Titan, a Mastiff, and his owner Wes McFann took second and Torch, a Standard Poodle, and his owner Amanda Fitzpatrick earned third. Winning in the most patriotic competition was Tank, a Pitbull, and his owner Brandi Ratt. Titan earned third place and Torch second for most patriotic. Second and third place winners earned trophies and $50 and $25, respectively.

“The thing about these events is you never know about the weather,” Finley said. “Luckily we are having pretty good weather here today.”

From noon-4 p.m., event goers took in the car show, which showcased many styles of cars and motorcycles from throughout the region.

A Snak Shak-sponsored hot dog eating contest took place in the gazebo at 3:30, where winner Justin Parker, of South Point, finished 12 hot dogs in 11 minutes and 54 seconds to claim the championship belt, a $25 Snak Shak gift certificate and a Snak Shak T-shirt.

“There have been a couple moments in my life that have defined my career,” he joked after winning. “This was my defining moment on my path to world domination.”

Batman and friends were also in the “Kids’ Zone” from 5-7 p.m. and Boy Scout Troop 115 conducted four ceremonial flag burnings throughout the day.

“We have a great team with People for the Point, great music and great volunteers,” Finley said.

Live music was played on the stage all day with 2014 contestant of The Voice Cody Wickline headling at 8:30 p.m. and fireworks bringing the day to a close at 10:30 p.m.

“It’s well worth all the work that the group puts into it,” Chris Smith, president of People for the Point, said. “To see the community come together makes it well worth it.”