Children ran out into the street to greet “Smokey the Bear” during last Friday night’s parade in Rural Valley. The Iselin Fire Department brought Smokey in celebration of his 70th birthday of being a spokes-figure against forest fires.
The 30th Annual Shannock Valley Community Festival concluded this weekend with the largest attendance in the history of the event.
The event was held July 25-27 on the community park grounds in Rural Valley. It included a Chili Cook-off, 5K Walk/Run Race, Mountain Bike Race, Corn Hole Tournament, and a Car Show presented by the Shannock Valley Car Club.
This was the first year for a Dog Race. Owners could enter any breed of dog weighing between 15-35 pounds. It was also the first year for a Power Wheels Derby for children in two age categories: 3-5 and 6-8.
The Festival included music by the Instromatic Grin Band (Jim Libengood) playing a country mix of music, the Rock’n Scientists Band (Joe Moore) with pop and rock music, and the Jentz Band playing classic rock.
The Senior Sensations, a group of senior citizen line dancers, gave a Saturday morning performance.
The parade was held Friday evening down Main Street in Rural Valley. Parade Announcer Joe Weister said there were nearly 70 units in the parade this year.
“The last couple of years, we have been averaging about that amount. We have a good group coming out. We appreciated everyone that joined us this year,” he said.
A large number of families lined the side of the street. The parade went very slow in order to give time for interaction with children. Many units threw candy out to the kids. Iselin Fire Department from West Lebanon brought out Smokey the Bear that drew children into the street for a hug and a photo by Mom and Dad’s cell phone. Black Bull Steakhouse and Saloon also had a person in costume as a cow that stopped the parade for pictures with the youngsters while servers brought sample platters of steak on a stick to give out to the crowd.
“We try to get (kids) involved because they are our future,” Weister said. “Probably 20 years from now, they will be running the parade themselves. We’re glad the parents bring them out to enjoy this event.”
Festival Co-Chairperson Pam Steffey said the festival has seen steady growth over the 30 years it has been held.
“From the very beginning when it started with the Rural Valley Fire Department, it has grown from there. We see people coming together and sticking together for the community doing something that is benefiting the people here,” Steffey said. “Every year there has been a change. It continues to be a great event for our community. It pulls everybody together. There are a lot of people that come out just for the parade then they continue on down to the festival grounds.
The sky lit up with fireworks at the conclusion of the festival on Saturday night.
Steffey said that plans have already begun for next year’s festival. Information will be available on their website at svcfestival.com