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Independence Day
The 4th of July Festival in Carl Miller Park drew a large number of residents last Saturday afternoon in celebration of America's independence day.
The highlight of the event, organized by the El-Wyhee Business Association was the Little-Miss El-Wyhee Pageant. This year's pageant featured 14 entries, ranging in age from eight months to eight years old.
Where regular pageants would ask contestants about what they would do to change the world, volunteer emcee Jessica Smith asked the contestants about who they liked more, Hannah Montana or the Jonas Brothers.
The pageant contestants also showed off their unique talents by dancing ballet, doing the Macarena, reciting their ABC's or singing songs such as "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."
Following the talent competition, the contestants took part in a crowd-pleasing chicken dance led by the festival emcee, Ty Ridenower.
Following the pageant, the contestants received a congratulatory certificate, a red, white and blue crown and a sash that read "Little Miss El-Wyhee."
"I think the pageant went really great, we had a lot of fun and the kids had a good time," said Smith.
Along with the pageant, the guests of the festival were treated to four-wheel demonstrations by the Wild West Off-Roaders and live music from Curly Surles and the Common People.
"We're honored and privileged every year to have the opportunity to play in our hometown for Independence Day," said
Surles after his performance.
Mountain Home Mayor Tom Rist joined by his wife, Shirley, and his granddaughter, McKenzie, was in attendance for the festival. Rist served as a member of the panel judging this year's car show and crowned the winner of the "Mayor's Choice" award, Doug Mayne for his 1935 Studebaker.
"It's quite an honor, for this being my first time at the car show, and be presented an award like this from the Mayor," said Mayne after accepting his award.
For the second straight year, Crystal Gebler took home the "People's Choice" award for her 1966 Chevelle.
Other winners announced at the car show included:
* Best Truck--Robert Kentz for his 1982 El Camino.
* Best Muscle Car--John Lincoln for his 1996 Mystic Cobra.
* Best Street Rod--Sid Wing for his 1973 Dodge Charger.
* Best Motorcycle--Darren Brown for his 2005 Yamaha Warrior
* Best Paint--Corey Mayberry for his 1971 Chevy C-TM20.
The Visual Arts Committee held an exhibit featuring several pieces of art, from paintings to photography, created by such local artists such as Linda Kirkendall, Cynthia Henstock and Michaela French.
The guests at the festival chose their favorite and awarded the "People's Choice" award to Bill Trueba for his painting of a lighthouse.
Prior to the festival, the guests were treated to a pancake breakfast organized by the Mountain Home Historical Museum.
Throughout the day, children were entertained by the various inflatable bouncing houses and obstacle courses made possible by Home Federal Bank and a gaming booth provided by Willie Heckathorn of United Metals.
The Mountain Home High School Cheer Squad had dunk tank to help raise money for the squad. The cheerleaders also painted faces, and sold cotton candy and caramel apples, along with various cheer paraphernalia.
Those attending the festival were treated to an assortment of concessions and vendors throughout the park.
Independence Day events concluded with a fireworks display at the Mountain Home Golf Course organized by the Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Department.
More photo's available in Mountain Home News Gallery.