Meadows Valley Farmers Market Celebration & Kids Carnival
A special July 4 kids carnival and parade was added to the regular New Meadows Community Farmer’s Market schedule this year. The event offered a fantastic local way to celebrate during the day. Organized by Twylia Siegel and family with support from many volunteers, the event included carnival games, a watermelon eating contest, walking parade and prizes.
As the 10:00 a.m. start time approached, Devin and Samantha Buys drove a Torch Towing Truck into the park from which they hung an American Flag. The walking parade would later stop here to say the Pledge of Allegiance before continuing their route.
As kids and their families arrived, they were greeted with a cheery scene. Vendors offered a variety of wares as usual, but the added element of games, a raffle tent and a prize booth brought fresh smiles to many faces. At the Banjo Orchards booth, kids could answer historical questions or play a game to earn prize tickets. Across the park there was even more fun with a bounce house and balloon dart game, safely separated of course.
After a decent crowd of children had arrived, Siegel started giving assignments for flag bearers and candy throwers and putting everyone in order for the parade. She even recruited some parents along the way. They began up a pathway of balloons and colored cones and all through the market cheering and singing. Later on, the balloon pathway was host to both jump ball and three legged races. A watermelon eating contest ensued with medals for the winners.
Watermelon wasn’t the only thing available for eating. Mark & Sherry Peterson gave their time to serve hot dogs, popcorn and drinks. Brown’s Mountain Market and Subway donated pizza and sandwiches respectively to the volunteers. Tracy Osborn ran the raffle booth where guests could win a sweet treat. Many hands came together to make this event a success.
The event was put together with great care, so it was not surprising when Siegel’s daughter Abby told us her mom has been planning the event for more than a few months. She shared that Twylia “truly loves dedicating herself to this community” and that “It was beautiful seeing everyone come together” for the event.
