30th Annual Cotton Festival

The 30th Annual Cotton Festival of 2017 is in the books. The festival kicked off Friday evening, June 2nd, with the competition cooks setting up, musical entertainment, exotic BBQ and best margarita judging and a cast of characters.

Michael Carubelli entertained the cooks and on-lookers Friday night.

"What blew my cover? Was it the hat? The feather? Seriously, what was it?"

" 'Seriously?' Are you kidding me, John?"

Here are the photos for Friday night > >  Cotton Festival Friday Night

The main events of the 2017 Cotton Festival began with the parade Saturday morning, June 3rd.

Firetrucks, hot rods, classic vehicles, tractors and more made their way past the crowds on Main St.

Grand Marshals lead the parade.

Followed by the Sheriff, 

and the Chief!

Link to the parade photos > >  Cotton Festival Parade

After the parade, there was volleyball competition, horse shoes, washer pitchin', vendor booths, face painting, a mechanical bull, fishing, a water slide, food and music.

Plus, 

Modern fashionistas know the importance of having your tongue match your hair color.

Activities images are here > >  Cotton Festival Photos At Large

Meanwhile the barbecue chefs worked and relaxed as they readied for the afternoon competition judging.

Rigs and cook photos here > >  Cotton Festival BBQ Competitors

Finally, with impending storms forcing the crowd in the Fire Station, it was time for the awards and prize money.

The Budweiser Girls handed out the awards.

Link to the award photos  > >  Cotton Festival Awards

A BIG "Thank You!" to the Buckholts Betterment Association who puts on the Cotton Festival, all the sponsors, the clubs and organizations, the parade participants, the vendors, the musicians and volunteers who made this special event such a success.