BY MAGGIE DIGIOVANNI
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
PHOTOS BY BOB EALUM OR SUBMITTED
The Eclectic Cotton Festival opened with three hundred vendors and a huge crowd attending though overcast skies attempted to put a damper on the fun.
Miss Minnie Johnson and several ladies from the Eclectic Senior Center presented three baskets to be raffled. For football fans, Alabama and Auburn baskets vied for the most dedicated fans, while a third basket labeled the Neutral Basket tempted the non-sports fans. When asked how long she had been attending the festival on behalf of the seniors, Miss Minnie chuckled before answering.
“I was here when it first started, which was a long time ago,” she said.
Behind the senior table Betty Coker and Donna Parr set up their covered wagon with the String Alongs, a band of ukelele players who entertain three times a day at the festival. They have become a favorite.
Tending the sidewalk table of free books, young Ama seemed to have everything in hand, but when asked if anyone was helping her, she quickly gave everyone credit.
“My Nana, Ms. Betty and my family,” she spoke before shyly ducking her head and moving back to stacking books on the table. Ms. Betty stepped in at that time to comment, “If you want to lead, you have to read!”
No matter what a person’s interest might be, the Festival covered it all. From a working sluice for panning for treasures to delicate wood carvings made with a chainsaw, the artists were everywhere. In between homemade jellies, and raffle baskets, veterans collected donations to build a wall of names in Veteran Park. Until now, most costs for the park have come out of the veterans’ pockets, however, the price of the newest project runs too steep, so they are asking for help from the town.
Monica Harrison, of Millbrook, traveled to set up her gumbo tent! Known as Monica’s Spoon and Bowl, the business sold out of product by noon.
Michael and Elijah Corbin, with the help of Laura Beth Green, came up with the “Panning for Treasure” idea from a vacation in North Carolina.
Michael said, “I tried it and liked it. With money left over from vacation, my own sluice with bags of dirt that sold at $10 a bag became a reality. Each bag is guaranteed to hold uncut jewels or possibly fool’s gold that the purchaser must pan through their bag of dirt to find. It seemed to fascinate young and old alike. No one knows if a true treasure rests among the dirt, but many are willing to try.”
Old favorites like Eclectic the Beautiful with their cooking flavorings and Sugar and Spice Bakery with luscious items in every baking category returned, while so many new vendors arrived that Main Street had them spread out well past the Courthouse. The Pecan Orchard presented little more than space to walk free this year.
Bama Air Dogs gave demonstrations of their prowess at reaching impossible heights to grab a plastic circle or a bag while elsewhere the Tiniest Dog Contest came up with a winning miniature Chihuahua.
Jake Jones, a phenomenal artist with the chainsaw presented carvings of all sizes. The smaller pieces made people wonder how formed them into art.
“I always painted and drew, but about six years ago, I wanted more of a challenge. I won second place in a Mississippi competition with it two years ago,” he said. Looking around, I could understand why he won. For those interested in his work, he can be reached at jakejjones2118@gmail.com (334)412-3228
Swings are popular in the South, but how many own a chicken swing? Jeff Hollon does them all, whether building for people or animals, he’s got the touch. You can reach him at Maverick Roots Woodwork (334)202-9530.
A delightful young woman, Chloe Waley, brought her own brand of candles to the festival, with unique names like Sharp Dressed Man and Tropical Oasis. A particular favorite was “No Calories” which smells like luscious sugar cookies. Of course, she counters that with the “Bite Me” candle. In other words, no matter what your mood, Chloe can fulfill your candle dreams. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081687315367
For the young and the more “with it” older folks, Tanya Hammil presents one-of-a-kind treasures at her Steam Crafted Curiosities. Fascinated with her work, the question had to be once again, “how did you get into such an unusual line of work?”
“I fell in love with the Harry Potter series of books, and eventually saw a book on steam punk items. It was love at first sight. Now, everything I see, I want to turn it into steam punk whether it is jewelry or other items.”
Picking up an interesting trunk, fully punked out, she added, “I made this trunk from toilet paper rolls, added plastic, bottle caps and anything else that might fit. I have a Facebook site at www.facebook.com/steamcraftedcuriosities “
As a topper to the day, OGB’s Little Rippy’s Fresh and Tasty Grand Opening was today. Friendly folks, such as Charlotte Rippy, Shelby Cranford, Lais Swaney, Marie Rippy, Makayla Tucker, Lillian Taylor, Teri Rippy and Leslie Connell, are happy to help scoop up your favorite flavor of ice cream. Don’t forget to look around at a nice selection of non-food items while you wait. An offshoot of the Original Grace Boutique, it promises the same great service as the original store. Check them out on Kowaliga Road behind Original Grace Boutique.
Mayor Davenport seemed to be everywhere during the festival, but he stopped long enough to commend Carmen Winslett for leading the way in bringing the festival together.
