Southside Youth Festival is Fun for All Ages

By Mary Sansone, Southside Messenger Staff

Children, teenagers and adults all got together at Hooper Park in Crew, Va. for the ninth annual Southside Youth Festival this past Saturday, Sept. 21. The threat of rain did not stop this event from filling the park with fun and laughter from the festival goers of all ages.

This festival is put on every year by Janice Ragan and her husband, Willie Ragan, in hopes of letting kids know “They can have a party without drugs and alcohol, and always to keep kids safe and let them know that there are people out there who care about them,” according to Janice Ragan.

Despite the weather, there was an incredible turnout at the Youth Festival. There were small children running around and having fun, as well as teenagers hanging out together. Parents were able to talk amongst each other as their kids took part in the provided activities.

“I think all ages, even the older ages … enjoy coming out, too. I’ve had some [adults] that have come out without kids … They said they wanted to come out and see what’s going on. So it is fun for all ages,” said Janice Ragan.

Children lined up to climb a rock wall and to have their faces painted. There were also some inflatable, bouncing castles that were quite popular among the smaller children. A clown was even present at the event, making balloon animals for anybody who wanted one. Many children even wandered around “Toyland” where they could choose some toys to take home with them. These toys were gently used donated toys from the community.

There were three contests taking place at the festival, as well. They were Adam’s Art Contest, Kim’s Poetry Contest and Dylan’s Music Contest. People could bring submissions for Adam’s Art Contest and Kim’s Poetry Contest with them to the festival, but contestants had to register in advance for Dylan’s Music Contest.

Judged by Debbie Quinn, the winners of Adam’s Art Contest were as follows: in third place was Mary Rash and second place went to Jewel Moore. The first place winner was Zach Cook.

Judged by Shelly Murphy, the winners of Kim’s Poetry Contest were as follows: in third place was Patrick Castle; coming in second place was Anna Stinson. Jewel Moore took home her second award for the day, coming in first place.

The main event at the festival was Dylan’s Music Contest. The MC was Pastor Dave Muckel, and the judges included Annette Norwood, Dave Clements and Edgar Critzer. The judges gave out scores to determine the winners of the music contest. Extra points were given to those singers or bands that performed original music.

There were thirteen acts competing in the music contest, including Cali Foster, Ryan Williams, Jeremy Stinson, Kaylee Cox, Aaron and Zachary Dalby, Jewel Moore, Dakota Turner, Walking Alive, Daniel Wilkerson, Hannah Armes, Bonnie Warden, Kaylee “Tink” Bliss and Hokunani Womack.

Janice Ragan said, “I was shocked because a few weeks ago we didn’t have any [signed up].”

Coming in third place and going home with $250 was Cali Foster. In second place, earning $500, was Hokunani Womack. Then, taking home the grand prize of $1000 was Dakota Turner. Turner performed some original songs that definitely had a country feel to them.

Overall, the ninth annual Southside Youth Festival was definitely a success. Janice Ragan summed up the event saying, “We had an awesome turnout. Everybody [was] smiling; everybody [was] having a good time.”