CENTERBURG — A little rain couldn’t stop the festivities Friday evening at the Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival in Centerburg. Although a thunderstorm skirted the southwestern corner of the county, the bulk of the rain slid off to the south, and the crowds turned out to splash through puddles and enjoy the festival.
The Heart of Ohio Women’s Club’s Little Miss Liberty/Little Uncle Sammy pageant had a record number of contestants this year, according to entertainment director Candy McCracken.
“This is a record number of entrants, twice as many as we’ve ever had, with 17,” McCracken said.
The contestants raised money at 1 cent per vote, amassing over $5,300 to support the festival.
Mikayla Hinton was named Little Miss Liberty, out of a field of 11 competitors ranging in age from 4 to 6. Mikayla is 6 years old and is the daughter of Jarrod and Amy Hinton of Centerburg. She is involved in dance, horse-riding, swimming, Daisy Troop, cheerleading, soccer and playing piano. She hopes to be a teacher some day. When McCracken asked her what she’d like to teach, she said, “Math.” Mikayla received the crown from last year’s winner, Nevaeh Smith.
Bradon Gamble was named Little Uncle Sammy. He was the winner out of six contestants, and was crowned by last year’s winner, his brother, Adam Gamble. He is the 4-year-old son of Mark and Angel Gamble of Centerburg. He enjoys playing in his sandbox, playing with toy tractors, and riding his bike and horses. Bradon said he loves pizza, popcorn and cookies, and wants to ride in the parade.
The famous 1950s and ’60s doo-wop group The Skyliners performed immediately after the pageant, supported by a seven-piece band, performing several of their original hits as well as other favorites of the era. Despite the wet bleachers, a large crowd gathered to listen and cheer the band vocally and with some spontaneous dancing.
The Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival will continue today. If rain interferes, events will fall back to Sunday.
Today’s activities include a parade, which kicks off at 11 a.m. Parade lineup begins at 10 a.m. at the Church of Christ.
