Get Ready for Founders Day No. 8

Photos from Founders Day 2019 – Horses are a welcome sight in any parade. Former honorary mayor Harmon Milam welcomes newly appointed honorary mayor Wendall Kennison. Photos by PJ Martin

By P J Martin

Editor

The Herald-News

Mark your calendars for next Saturday, May 3^rd, for the 8^th annual Summer Shade Founders Day.

Each year, the little town of Summer Shade comes alive with the ever-growing event featuring new vendors and, of course, returning vendors as well.

The open mic returns this year to showcase local talent, and there will be a house band. The band is set up in the fire station where the ladies have the concessions set up and serving some delicious food. So, everyone can sit and enjoy the food, listen to the entertainment, and catch up with friends.

Speaking of music, the Freedom Fellowship Praise Team will be at Cash’s Old Store providing great music as well. For the old timers, that is the former Earl Froedge’s Store building.

Offering sweet cooling treats will be food trucks Sweet T’s Lemonade and Tropical Breeze.

The car show is a big hit and last year had over 65 entries. They are located just up the hill at Park’s Panel and Processing (the old Summer Shade school location). Trophies will be awarded.

The parade will be a bit later in the day this year around noon and the theme for this year is Derby Day. So, get those Derby hats ready ladies!

Each year has its very own t-shirt design and those are a must-have item.

There are inflatables for the kids, a tug-of-war contest, and adult games as well, such as the log sawing contest and hay bale toss.

In 2022, Founders Day was special as Ms. Margaret Vibbert, who turned 104 that year, was named the honorary queen of Summer Shade. This very special lady of Summer Shade lived to the age of 106.

Each year, a new honorary mayor is elected, so don’t forget to vote. Some of the previous honorary mayors are Harmon Milam, Wendell Kennison, Janice Turner, Dale Rowlett, Mark Parke, Ron Underwood, and Tommy McMurtrey.

On May 3^rd, travel on over to Summer Shade and enjoy the day.