Dampened streets, but not spirits for Fall Fest 2013

It looked for awhile Saturday morning as if both the Historic Downtown Dexter's Fall Fest and the 4th Annual This Run's 4 Vaughn event might, for the first time in their history, be washouts.

The rains Saturday came just as both events were getting underway. Booths downtown were covered up and vendors took shelter where they could in shops and in vehicles. Participants in Vaughn's Run remained under the canopy in front of the First Christian Church and in the Fellowship Hall.

Around 11 a.m., things began looking up. The day remained overcast, but the rains subsided. Vendors returned to their stations, and This Run's 4 Vaughn commenced. To visit the downtown area around noon, one would not have known that rains two hours earlier had threatened the day's activities.

The Annual Young Realty Pie Eating Contest, one of the highlights of Fall Fest each year, ran on a delayed schedule, but drew its usual sizable and enthusiastic crowd. Each year, Young Realty sponsors the event, awarding $500 to the winner's charity of choice in a Men's and a Women's division.This year a Children's Division was added for Dexter Dollars.

Taking the prize in the Men's Division was John Atkinson, who was challenged by Jim Fees, Justin Peden, Dave Ellinghouse, Rick Norden and Brandon Mitchell. Atkinson designated his Polar Plunge Team for Special Olympics as his charity. Serving as emcee for the event was Young Realty owner, Mark Wunderlich.

Not to break with tradition, winnings in the Women's Division once again went to the Dexter PAT organization. Kara Glaus was the winner. Challening Glaus were Deb McKay, Kim Waldner, and Shelly Reese. Dexter's PAT has been the recipient each year in the Pie Eating Contest Women's Division since the contest began four years ago.

Five contestants took part in the first-ever Children's Division this year. That challenge ended in a tie between Travis Waldner and Anna Bishop. For their pie-eating expertise, each received 25 Dexter Dollars to be spent at a participating merchant.

Once again, Tyson Foods, Inc. was on hand to provide chicken plates for a donation. Proceeds from their sales fund the Literacy Program at Southwest Elementary. That check presentation will be pictured when it takes place at the school.

The Annual Quilt Show, which is annually a part of the Fall Fest activities, was probably better attended this year than ever before. While many attendees annually make it a point to take the short walk to the Senior Center to view the quilt display, the rains this year drove more than the usual crowd inside, with several seeking shelter from the early rains at the center.

Each year, visitors to the display vote for their overall favorite. The top three quiltmakers have yet to be announced, but will also be pictured in an upcoming edition. of The Daily Statesman.

Additional photos from Saturday's Fall Fest appear on page 11 of today's paper and in the Photo Galleries here online.