Rain doesn’t dampen Hamilton Day; event draws record crowd From left, is Addie Cobb, Caylin Ferrara, Breeley Smith, all 7 years old and from Hamilton, and Megan Pope, also of Hamilton, who shows off jewelry from Cookie Lie Jewelry at the Hamilton Appreciation Day, Saturday. Cobb’s parents are Jason and Corry Cobb, Ferrara’s parents are Joey and BJ Ferrara, and Smith’s parents are Steven and Lu Ann Smith. Photo by: Luisa Porter
HAMILTON -- Rain didn't stop the people of Hamilton Saturday from showing appreciation for their community, while contributing funds for community improvements.
The 20th annual Hamilton Appreciation Day events were a success, organizers said, estimating 1,000 people graced the sports facilities at Hamilton High School, where events -- including a silent auction, live music and activities for children -- were held.
"This is the biggest crowd that we've had," said Carla Ross, a member of the committee responsible for Hamilton Appreciation Day. "The rain really has helped us, because it's not hot outside!"
Hamilton Appreciation Day began in 1990 as a way to generate funds to improve the community and school, but has since grown into an event which has raised more than $750,000 for improvements, provides recognition to outstanding citizens and an opportunity for families and neighbors to spend a day together.
"It actually makes the community closer; it builds pride," Ross said, estimating Saturday's events will raise $12,000 to $15,000, which the committee will use to install "two, big stone and brick" welcome signs at entrances to Hamilton.
In the past, funds have been used to provide computers for Hamilton's classrooms, for contributions to athletic fields, to supply air conditioning to the Hamilton school gymnasium, purchase books for the school library, provide funding for the Hamilton public library, and other improvements.
"We donate to the school and to the community, to non-profit organizations," Ross said.
This year's event featured entertainment from Dirt Brothers and products from about 25 vendors.
"It's been a pretty good crowd," said Ken Lee, of Nettleton, who helped members of New Life Covenant Church in Amory sell food at the event.
"It brings people together and everyone always comes to raise money for Hamilton," said Hannah Blair, the daughter of Ross, who owns Jumps, Kicks and Splits in Hamilton.
During the event, two Hamilton residents -- retired kindergarten teacher Sue Rhodes and James Harold Pickle, a retired leader of the Hamilton Happy Helpers 4-H Club -- were honored as outstanding citizens of the year.
Additionally, Hamilton third-grader Deidra Keaton won an art contest, with her "Fall Picnic" drawing chosen as the cover for the Hamilton Appreciation Day 2009 program.
Kristin Mamrack is a staff reporter for The Commercial Dispatch.
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LM | 9/20/2009 2:46:00 AMmark as inappropriate I thought the five "Ws" of newspaper publishing were important. One of these "W"s is where.
It would be nice to include at least a few words about history of Hamilton and where it is. I know it is north of Columbus, but maybe not everyone knows.
hamiltonian | 9/21/2009 7:12:00 AMmark as inappropriate If you live in Columbus and have ever driven north to Aberdeen or Tupelo you have gone right through Hamilton. Its just a little community, like a lot of others surrounding it, that gets over looked because of its size. I wish I could have been there Saturday. Mrs. Sue was my kindergarten teacher twenty five years ago and I will never forget her. She is the best!!!
mdc | 9/21/2009 9:59:00 AMmark as inappropriate lm, lm, lm....Has to be one in every crowd. Congrats on being "THE ONE"!
hamiltonian | 9/22/2009 1:49:00 PMmark as inappropriate mdc,
Thank you! I do my best! Get out from umder that rock you are living under and maybe you will know where places are. Hamilton has only been there for about a hundred years. Ever heard of Kerr-McGee, well that is where it is. You know its good that you have never been to Hamilton, you probably wouldn't fit in. They are down home country folks who work hard and pray harder. Not some high class bunch of goody two shoes who have nothing better to do than worry about the history and where abouts of a town. So you just stay south of the county line and worry about the history of your own hometown.
FW | 9/22/2009 9:55:00 PMmark as inappropriate hamiltonia:
This person was only making a suggestion to the newspaper, not to the people of Hamilton. I don't think he said anything about class of people, work, prayer, or even if he had been to Hamilton. For your information, down home country folk, Kerr-McGee is also located in many other states. I don't think you sound very Christian. Were you proud of how negative you were over a simple suggestion. It seems that you also have plenty of time on your hands to criticize instead of trying to do something positive. I hope you are not the spokesperson for your town. I'm sure they wish you would just pray harder and keep quite. Maybe you should not volunteer to start a "WELCOME WAGON". For all you know he may live in Hamilton.
hamiltonian | 9/23/2009 9:18:00 AMmark as inappropriate Well FW, Congrats! Now YOU are "The One."
hamiltonian | 9/24/2009 7:27:00 AMmark as inappropriate I never said I still lived in Hamilton. And look who's calling names! You can't even read. You are too stupid to see past the end of your nose much less read a map.
FW | 9/24/2009 12:48:00 PMmark as inappropriate hamiltonian: Thank You,I proudly except the honor of "The ONE". Even if you are "The Town NUT". Yes, every town has one and you are certainly Hamilton's. You have been under that rock to long, maybe a nice vacation south of Hamilton would do you good. Be sure and take a map,if you can read one, so you don't get lost in Columbus. Have a great Day!!
