Good Ole Days Of Cannon County: The Drama Continues

The top headline on this week's edition of The Cannon Courier, which was printed Saturday and hits the streets Monday, reads "Park Place For Good Ole Days." According to Woodbury Mayor Harold Patrick, that headline is already obsolete.

Last week event organizers had decided after much deliberation that Brown-Spurlock Park would be the host site for this year's festival in case the preferred site, the grounds of the Cannon County Courthouse, is not be ready in time because of the revitalization work which has been taking place since early December.

However, officials overseeing the work have already determined that while most of it will be completed by the time Good Ole Days rolls around on May 14-15, not enough to host an event the size and scope of the festival.

And, according to Mayor Patrick, there are several issues which preclude it from being held at Brown-Spurlock Park.

Patrick said Saturday the main drawback to allowing the park to be used is that it is situated in a residential area. As Good Ole Days features musical entertainment and other shows which last well into the night both days, it would cause a disruption to persons who reside in the area.

The other problem, Patrick said, is that there is not enough parking at the park to accommodate the anticipated number of festival goers.

Patrick did note that Angela King, director of REACH, had already received permission from the town council to use Brown-Spurlock Park for some of the events associated with Good Ole Days, but not all.

REACH is the county's afterschool program which, along with the Cannon County Senior Center, sponsors Good Ole Days, which is a major yearly fundraiser for both community service organizations.

King also requested and received permission from town council to use Dillon Park. However, due to flooding problems which are likely to occur if there is prolonged rain either before or during the event, Dillon Park is not considered an optimal location.

Organizers have also considered the fairgrounds and Justin Pemberton Memorial Arena.

While it may not be known for sure yet where it will be, what is known is this: Good Ole Days of Cannon County is celebrating its 5th year with proceeds to benefit the Cannon County Afterschool Programs and the Cannon County Senior Center. The festival will be held on May 14-15 and offers something for everyone.

The festival features an array of music from country, gospel, bluegrass, and rock. There are will also be plenty of food booths, craft booths and local vendors.  The parade will take place on Saturday from 12-1pm and the theme is “Blast from the Past” which includes horse, mules, antique tractors, antique cars, floats and military. Pageants span the weekend and include the Sr. Miss Good Ole Days, Little Miss Good Ole Days, Jr. Miss Good Ole Days, Baby Show (Birth to age 5 years), Miss Teen Good Ole Days, and Miss Good Ole Days. Other events include: Dog Show, Backyard Pickin’ and Grinning, and so much more.

If you are interested in being a food or craft vendor for the Good Ole Days forms are available online at www.goodoledaysofcc.com or at the Cannon County Senior Center or REACH Afterschool Program.  Any questions regarding the vendors please contact 563-5518.

The early bird deadline for the pageants is April 16th.  Sign up early to receive the reduced registration.  Forms are posted outside of the Senior Center and my be picked up anytime or they are available for print on our website.  Any questions regarding the pageants please contact 563-5304.