Tobacco farmer Ronnie Lunsford of Prospect Hill has diversified his planting. At the event, he sold brilliantly-hued chrysanthemums from topaz to red, and there were lots of takers. Crafts and artwork ran the gamut from Halloween and autumn-themed baskets to painted and decorated concrete stepping stones. Men played horseshoes on the grounds near the entrance. Bob Hillman, executive director of the chamber, said he was pleased with the turnout Saturday despite the threat of rain.
People look forward to it, and they deserve it.
A steady crowd filtered in all day Saturday and an overall total of about 25,000 was expected. A record 93 crafters descended on Town Square. They are return crafters with a receptive audience at the Hoedown. Petty crafts a stool or wooden paper towel holder while Mrs. Petty adds her touch with a painted duck or other theme. Her specialty is dolls.