One of the colorful floats in the Arbyrd Watermelon Festival parade. Staff photo by Trina Bell [Click to enlarge]

The City of Arbyrd struggled early in its plans to host its annual watermelon festival, as well as its parade, due partially to the effect of the economy's current recession.

Mayor Lonnie Gibson, Jr., announced early that the city was having a hard time getting sponsors and volunteers to help with this year's festival. "Times are just tough right now," Gibson said at a previous council meeting.

Motorcylists contribute to the attraction of the parade at Arbyrd. Staff photo by Trina Bell [Click to enlarge]

"The economic crisis that's effecting so much of our area businesses is putting a hurt on everyone," he said, as he explained to his council, that he was having a hard time getting people who are willing to travel any distance to help in the city's festivities."

During the month of June Gibson announced that the city would only be hosting one night of events and festivities, instead of its usual two to three days of events.

In spite of its lack of participation, the City of Arbyrd did pull off yet another spectacular Watermelon Festival parade, with nearly 100 entries turning out to help the city continue its annual mega-parade.

City, county and state police join the City of Arbyrd in its annual Watermelon Festival parade. Staff photo by Trina Bell [Click to enlarge]

Entries included the city's local police, as well as those from neighboring cities including, Hornersville, Cardwell, Senath, Leacheville, Ark., the Dunklin County Sheriff's Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Joining the police, fire and rescue squads were a large group of motorcycle riders, farmers, who displayed their farm equipment, and those who love to show off their prize possessions, the antique car and truck owners, who cruised slowly down the main drag behind the bikes. This year's parade marshals were Max and Glenda Lou Higgins.

Luckily for the City of Arbyrd, the Aug. 5, 2008, Primary election is around the corner. Candidates who have filed for the upcoming election were invited to join the city, not only in its parade, but they were also given a time slot after the parade for an opportunity to address the citizens of Arbyrd in order to explain each one's reason for running for said election.

Max and Glenda Lou Higgins are the parade marshalls for the City of Arbyrd's 2008 Watermelon Festival Parade, held Friday, July 11. Staff photo by Trina Bell [Click to enlarge]

Immediately after the parade, residents and parade participants were invited to meet at the city park for the "Politicians On The Stump." That's where each election candidate was given a few minutes to talk directly to those in attendance and explain why they would be the best candidate for the job.

After the politicians addressed the crowd, it was time to wind down with some country music from one of the area's favorite country music bands, the Ben Brand Band, but not before getting a dose of old-time country music from Don Osment and Bill Hurst, also known as "Double Trouble."

"It turned out to be a good festival although it was just one night," Gibson said. "In doing that, we were able to pack a lot of fun and entertainment into one fun-filled night here at Arbyrd. "We had a really good time."

The City of Arbyrd extends its thanks to all who helped in making its 2008 Watermelon Festival parade a success. "None of this would be possible if it wasn't for our wonderful neighboring towns, county and state officials, as well as our local supporters," Gibson said. "It's always a group effort."