Fair on the Square offers weekend fun
'50s-style entertainment, crafts and food planned at annual event
BY GLORIA JENNINGS

The annual Rusk Memorial Day activities will begin Thursday evening with a sock hop from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 24, at the Sonic Drive-In.

The Fair on the Square is planned for 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday in downtown Rusk. The annual fair will conclude with a dance on the square from 6-10 p.m.

Members of the Rusk Chamber of Commerce expressed appreciation to James I. Perkins for the use of the Baskin's building to display prizes for student contests; Harry's Building Materials as sponsor of the Charlie the Choo Choo, Cherokee County Teachers Federal Credit Union and Southern Cherokee Federal Credit Union for the children's water slide and bounce house, Mother Frances Hospital for the rock wall and KWRW for airing the event.

Saturday's activities will begin with opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. Jennifer Carter and "Consumed," a Christian rock band will perform at 10 a.m. Mr. and Miss 1950s beauty contest will begin at 11 a.m. From 11:30 a.m. to noon there will be Lana Phillips, an American Idol winner in Houston.

From noon to 12:30 p.m. Clogging with Peggy Hugghins is planned. Terry Downs and "Peculiar People" Christian rock band will perform from 12:30-1:30 p.m. and Cheer Ethics by Stacy Bartlett from 1:30-2 p.m.

Participants at the dunking booth will include Jan Michael (Chuckie) Pate, 9 a.m.; 10 a.m.-1p.m. dignitary auction with the highest bidder dunking the dignitary; 10 a.m. Bob Goldsberry, 10 a.m.; Connie Brown, 10:30 a.m.; Mike Murray, 11 a.m.; PO Ford, 11:30 a.m; Angela Raiborn, noon; Eddie Breen, 12:30 p.m.; Steven Crosby, 1 p.m.; Anthony Holcomb, 2 p.m.; and Howard King, 3 p.m.

The Mr. and Miss Beauty Contest will have competition for girls from birth to 18 years and boys from birth to 16 years. Entry fee is $10. The winners will ride on a float at the June 30 celebration and with Santa at Christmas.

Vendors for the fair will include Marylyn Hoy Bennett, Cherokee County Democratic Club, Ted Kammel Foods, Southwest Concessions, Anna and Floyd L. Chapman, Alto Sons of Confederate Veterans, Rocky Springs Baptist Church, Ruth Goodson, J&D's Litle Cafe, Rebecca Liles Vandever, Harry's Building Materials Inc., L&R Marketing,Lu Taylor, Barbara's Jewelry, Dale W. Smith, C.R. Lester, Cherokee County Republicans, David Trotter, Twin Oaks Health and Rehab, Anna Kelso, Nelson George, The Southwest Station, Adventure II Miniature Horses, P&H Wholesale Distribution, Rusk Church of Christ, Republican Party, Ricky L. Graham, Douglas Wall, James Edward Given, JDEES Concessions, ACCESS, Patsene Kirby, Jean Hielscher, Branded by Christ-Cowboy Church, Jackie Safford, Toyboxes Plus- J.D. Hester, Pat's Purses and More, Fowler Jones, Rusk Police Department, Elite Massage Spa, Double H Company, Melinda Roberts, Jassica and Amber Cummins, Rusk Area Buyers Group, Annette Sims, Rebecca Castillo, Country Wood Crafts, R&S Telecommunications, Birmingham Health Care, Patti Wolf/Messengers of Peace, Jennifer and Jeff Humphries-Flip Flops, Hair Bows and Purses, Gourmet Nuts, Loretta Springer, Mary Kills-Silver Jewelry and Wind Chimes, Estelle Grisham-Famous Burritosa and Mexican Candy.