Ding, Ding - Round 2. Second Day of Benedum Festival a Success Story
By Julie Perine on July 15, 2012
As of 3 p.m. Saturday, the Bridgeport Lions Club had roasted and sold 200 chickens at the Benedum Festival. The grill wasn’t the only thing that was hot.
With the sunny skies that were hoped for day two of the festival came afternoon heat. Kids made their own breeze by hopping aboard Gambill Amusement attractions and parents watched in admiration - with a lemonade or shaved ice in hand.
“This is the first time she has ridden an amusement ride,” said Laura Smith about her young daughter who chose a cobalt blue fish as her chariot.
Calleigh Morgan opted for Cartoon Headquarters’ “Fun Zone,” winding her way through a Disney-themed obstacle course while her stepfather Chris Dawkins looked on. His wife Angie found a shady spot alongside the fence.
Others sought refuge from the sun while enjoying their favorite festival treats.
Vendor Angela Oliverio said cheese fries, funnel cakes deep-fried Oreos were among best-selling foods.
Nearby vendor booth, A & E Snacks, reported that Italian ice and strawberry shortcake seemed to be most popular items.
Michelle Allen said she didn’t mind the heat so much. She preferred it to rain, she said. She and her husband Brian were enjoying the afternoon with their 2-year-old son Isaac. Their plans were to go home and take a late-afternoon rest, then return for evening entertainment and fireworks.
The first two afternoon concerts went off without a hitch, but the storm clouds brought challenge for The Chris Hendricks Band and the fireworks. Eventually, both shows went on, said Festival Chair Tim Brady.
“It may have rained, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. All in all, we had a successful festival,” he said. “The music was excellent and our fireworks were incredible.”
Brady extends appreciation to Parks & Recreation employees, police officers, firefighters and volunteers who braved the elements to ensure safety for festival attendees.
Tina and David Harding and their 5-year-old son Luke were among satisfied customers.
The bounce house was fun, Luke said. And the steak sandwiches, shaved ice and funnel cakes were favorites of his parents.
“We had a really good time,” Tina Harding said. “It was a great day.”
The afternoon also featured a car show, cupcake contest and all-day bingo. Earlier events of the day included a fishing derby at Hinkle & Deegan Lakes, a 5K and a pet parade, with more than two dozen canine participants.
Photo Gallery: Benedum Festival Day 2
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