Maybe it’s the high gas prices. Maybe it’s the love of home. But the mid-summer events in the Potomac Highlands are bringing out the locals in droves.
This year’s Piedmont Homefest, the town’s third annual celebration without collaborating with Westernport, proved to be a success, drawing a record crowd, according to Piedmont Housing Commissioner and Homefest organizer Susie Clark.
“We’ve had a big turnout,” said Clark. “A lot more came out than last year.”
New this year was the Piedmont Idol Contest where children and adults alike performed in front of peers to their favorite tunes, vying for a trophy donated by ladies of the Piedmont Annex.
“We just let the kids come out and express themselves, have a good time, and give it their all,” said Tina Richardson, organizer of the contest. “All the money we raise goes to fund our back to school dance at the fire hall.”
To vote for an idol, residents put money in marked jars. Each penny equaled one vote and the person who had the most votes (or raised the most money) won.
All money raised will go back to the Piedmont Park and Recreation Board to exclusively fund children’s activities in the town.
The Idol contest was broken up into two age groups: Ages 5-12 and ages 13 and up.
Billy Metts won first place in the 5-12 category. Second place went to the Piedmont Airheads (Katelyn Miller & Paige Racco) and the third place winner was Cierra Dell.
The Krispy Kreme Homies, consisting of Steven Racco, DJ Hanlin, Chris Bean and Josh Amoroso, won the older group victory.
Snagging second place was Debbie Preston and third place was Steve Miller.
For the second year in a row, the Lil’ Miss and Lil’ Mr. Homefest contest was held.
Eight-month-old Emmaleigh Rose Bittinger won Lil’Miss, raising $1,616.19. The runner-up was three-year-old Teona Morales, who raised $294.93.
For the Lil Mr. Homefest contest, Trey Broadwater was awarded the crown after raising $171.01. The second place Lil’ Mr. was Colby Woodland, who brought in $7.87.
The cutest pet contest was also held, with the award going to Amber Clay’s feline, Scar, for the second year in a row.
The Hottest Firefighter contest showcased firefighters not only from Piedmont but also New Creek, with Misty Smith of Piedmont’s Company 24 raising the most money - $103.75.
Clark said all money raised through the contests will go to fund the 2009 Homefest celebration.
Additional pictures and winners of other contests will be published in Wednesday’s edition of the Mineral Daily News-Tribune on the Piedmont Herald page.