By Staff
FUN IN THE SUN Kristin Roberts, left, Deanna Roberts, William Rogers, John-Mark Harris and Jacob Proctor look at wooden toys Saturday during a "Day in the Park" at Clarkco State Park. Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star
By Chris Whitaker / staff writer
May 26, 2002
QUITMAN Eveyln Redmond, an 82-year-old Stonewall resident, and her daughter, Judy Howard, say they are ready for summer.
On Saturday, they joined an estimated 4,000 people who gathered under partly cloudy skies as Clarkco State Park welcomed visitors to its 27th annual "Day in the Park."
Redmond said she has come to the unofficial summer kickoff almost every year since it began in 1975 as a way of showcasing the park's recreational features. She said she loves to meet people, talk to friends and listen to the music.
Taking a cue from her mother, Howard said she has attended every year.
William Read, who has managed Clarkco for 28 years, said fun was in abundant supply on the day of entertainment, water sports, face painting, and a playground for children. He said he enjoys seeing people come out and have a good time.
Vendors displayed a variety of items for sale, such as jewelry, candles, quilts, birdhouses, dolls, woodworks and crafts.
The Stonewall Quartet of First Baptist Church in Stonewall was among the groups performing. One of its singers, Tony Chancelor said he has been coming to the park since he was a child.
The Showstoppers, a group of 35 students ages 7 to 18 from across the state, also performed. Elaine Reed, office clerk at the park, said 'NSYNC's Lance Bass performed at the event in the early 1990s.
Don Haney and his wife, from West Monroe, La., have been selling crafts at the event for six years. They found out about "Day in the Park" when they were at the Canton flea market.
Three-year-old Olyvia McIlwain said she loved the slide. Her father, Scott, said it was their first time to come and he liked fishing at the park.
Stephen Strickland, 13, and his brother, James Smith, 9, both enjoyed swimming. Natives of Quitman, Strickland said they have been coming for six years.