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.
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