Dateline: October 13, 2005

Red Hatters win top award at Festival

By Cheryl Johnson, Clarendon Enterprise

Organizers of the 54th annual Cotton Festival in Hedley saw lots of old and new faces last weekend as a good crowd turned out for the event.

The Lioness Club kicked the festival off with their Chili and Stew Supper on Friday night.  Many out-of-town guests were present, and people enjoyed renewing old acquaintances

The Lioness Club also hosted a Quilt Show on Saturday. The winner of the quilt raffle was Dorothy Whitaker of Hedley.

A Tractor and Car Show started the events on Saturday. Blackie Johnson of Memphis was the winner of the Best of Show in the Tractor Show with a 1944 John Deer LA.  Jimmie Barlow of Childress was the winner of the Best of Show in the Car Show with a 1956 Chevy Bel Aire.

Other winners in the Tractor Show were: Blackie Johnson, first place, 1948 G. Allis-Chalmers; Bob and Carla Hoggard of Hedley, second place, 1962 Ford 4000; Leon Ward, third place, 350 Case.

Other winners in the Car Show were: Grady Melton of White Deer, first place, 1946 Ford; Redell Johnston of Howardwick, second place, 1966 Ford Mustang; Moe Albert of Childress, third place, 1957 Chevy 210.

A carnival for the children was held with lots of youngsters enjoying the activities.

The Lions Club served about 200 plates of barbecue for lunch. The Hedley Senior Citizens also served hamburgers during lunch.

The ladies of the Twilight Red Hat organization took home the Best of Show in the parade this year.  Other winners include: Floats – Hedley Lionesses, first; Hedley JH Cheerleaders, second; and Hedley HS Cheerleaders, third; Organizations – Greenbelt Water, first; Khiva Muleskinners, second; and Hedley Methodist Church, third.

The annual Hedley School reunion was held before the parade at the school.

Nicki Adams of Hedley was the winner of the Bale of Cotton given away by the Lions Club.  Jerry Hicks of Quail was the winner of the beef. Sherri Stone of Memphis won the Cheerleaders’ quilt and Dorothy Whitaker of Hedley won the Lioness quilt.

The Hedley First United Methodist Church celebrated its 100th anniversary on Sunday with a large crowd in attendance for the Sunday service.  A bell was placed in the bell tower and dedicated on Sunday also.