The fun began at first light on Saturday with a well-attended pancake breakfast for early risers at the 60th annual White Hall Founder’s Day celebration. The morning meal was sponsored by the local Lions Club and FBT Bank & Mortgage.
At 10 a.m., one of the region’s largest parades made its way through downtown, ending up at White Hall City Park. In addition to the large number of floats, antique automobiles, local dignitaries and politicians along with horsemen and horsewomen riding in the parade, the Bulldog Flight Formation Group made multiple appearances flying over the route with decorative smoke streaming from their homebuilt aircraft.
As large crowds mingled among the 75 booths and vendors lining park sidewalks, a full lineup of entertainment began at 11 a.m. on the lawn in front of the John H. Terry Amphitheatre stage. The White Hall High School ROTC presented the colors prior to the WHHS band playing a pair of rousing numbers.
At 11:30 the six piece ensemble, Marybeth Byrd Music launched a one-hour set, starting the program with a gospel number she invited the audience to sing along with.
Other musical acts on the roster were Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band from 12:45 to 2:15, along with a variety of solo singers performing from 2:30 to 3:30 that included Matt Wilkerson, Elias Gasaway and Shelby Huber.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Other presentations for the crowd’s enjoyment were WH Middle School cheer squad, and Middle School dance team, White Hall Star Steppers square dance group and Diamond State Paw Spa Grooming obedience demonstration.
White Hall Mayor Noel Foster said, “We have the best weather and a great turnout. I can’t say enough about our Chamber of Commerce board and volunteers. It takes a village to put something together this large and make it this kind of success.” In an afterthought he added with a grin, “I ordered the weather.”
Commander of the White Hall High School ROTC program, Captain Brian Hutchinson said, “Our cadets enjoy being here and participating in the parade and flag presentation. It gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment.”
White Hall Chamber of Commerce Vice President Barbara Summers echoed Mayor Foster’s remarks on the great weather and attendance. She added, “We have seven carnival rides, two game trailers, 75 vendors, 10 food trucks and a stage full of talent!” This is her 11th year helping continue the 60-year-old Founder’s Day celebration tradition.
In 1898, a small community sprang up near a local watering hole known as Crenshaw Springs. A whitewashed Crenshaw Springs School House was built soon after. White Hall came by its name from that whitewashed building that served as the local church, school and meeting hall.
The White Hall City Park was completed on June 1, 1966 and has served as home of the annual celebration ever since.
The White Hall High School marching band led the Founders Day parade and launched the afternoon’s entertainment at the John H. Terry Amphitheatre in City Park. (Special to The Commercial/Richard Ledbetter)
A respectable number of horses and riders brought up the rear of the blocks-long Founders Day Parade on Saturday morning. (Special to The Commercial/Richard Ledbetter)