MOUNT VERNON — September’s First Friday event featured some special awards and recognitions.
At the main stage on the square, Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis presented the 2008 Volunteer of the Year awards to individuals who unselfishly gave of their time to help build and shape the community. The recipients include David Bouchard, honored for his service on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mavis said the next awardee, Jim Earnest, a volunteer on the Mount Vernon Planning Commission, has helped make sure the city is “structured, stable, secure and looking good.”
Allan Helser was recognized for his service on the Shade Tree Commission and Phil Samuell was commended for the seven years he has spent spearheading the renovation the B&O Railroad Depot.
At ThePlace@TheWoodward, young contestants and their families awaited the naming of the 2008 Little Miss First Friday Queen and Princess. The summer-long competition, sponsored by the Mount Vernon News, started with a question-and-answer session in June. In July, the girls decorated a T-shirt in a patriotic or summer theme, and August’s event was a talent show.
Eva Hawk, 9, was crowned the 2008 Little Miss First Friday Queen. The daughter of Michael and Kathy Hawk, she said she liked the talent portion of the contest the best because she got to put on a magic show.
The 2008 Little Miss First Friday Princess is Alexis Beeman. She, too, liked the talent show segment — she danced as Cinderella with her father. Alexis is the daughter of Jennifer and Leroy Blankenship and Brent Beeman.
Because the scores were so close, said event organizer Krystal Drye, the judges — Rebecca Jenkins of First-Knox National Bank, Heather Darnold, Mount Vernon City Schools, and Kay Culbertson, publisher of the Mount Vernon News — had a very hard time picking the winners. Therefore, all the rest of the contestants could be considered runners-up. They are: Queen candidates Bethany Snyder, Makenzie Saunders, Courtney Melick, Morgan Pryor, Danielle Sant, Michaela Houck and Veronica Morgan; and Princess contestants Vivian Hawk, India Allar, Katie Saunders, Michelle Sant, Marissa Houck and Callia Lemay.
Each received a certificate, tiara, Frosty coupon and flowers from Flowers for You. The queen and princess also received a savings bond and will be participating in this year’s Christmas parade.
Other First Friday activities included live music by The Colin John Band, playing “Extreme Blues,” and adoptable dogs being shown by volunteers from the Knox County Humane Society.
The First Friday Cruise-in on South Main Street continued with the “Gallery of Classics” on South Main Street. The cars on display included hot rods and muscle cars such as an El Camino and a Road Runner.
Several new art displays downtown included an exhibit, along with live music, at Focus Studio Gallery on South Main and Gambier streets; Sue Ann Simon featured at the North Main Gallery; and Thom Pagniano, the Knox County Art League’s featured artist at the B&O Railroad Depot. The Root Art Gallery also has a new art exhibit in September which features Dan Gerdeman.
Little Chihuahua Antiques and Fine Art hosted a live auction at The Buckeye Candy Building featuring treasures from Ruth Bemis. Live music there was provided by local talent Christina Axelrod singing and playing acoustic guitar.
