Chance of rain didn’t dampen spirits at weekend event

First things, first.

Morgan Drinkard, TroyFest publicity chair, said the worries that had plagued the TroyFest committee for most of the week never materialized.

“The forecast was for rain over the weekend and people kept asking what our rain plans were,” Drinkard said. “But we didn’t have any rain plans. TroyFest is a rain or shine festival so were blessed and thankful with the great weather for the entire weekend.”

Drinkard said the crowd was estimated at about 10,000 for the two-day event.

“People come and go from the time TroyFest opens on Saturday morning until it closes on Sunday afternoon,” Drinkard said. “So we can’t get an exact count but 10,000 is close.”

The large number of people who attended TroyFest is a complement to the variety of items offered.

“From painting and photography to sculpture and small items, the committee was overwhelmed with the quality of the entries,” Drinkard said. “TroyFest featured some of the Southeast’s most outstanding artists. We could not have been more pleased.”

TroyFest offered something for everyone and the entertainment both days attracted large and appreciative crowds.

“The concert Saturday night was outstanding,” Drinkard said. “The winners of the TroyFest Songwriters Competition had an opportunity to open for the featured band, Vertical Horizon, and several of them did. Vertical Horizon is a well-known band and presented a great concert. Everyone had a great time.”

The TroyFest Songwriters Competition was a first time event for TroyFest and was very successful, Drinkard said.

First place winners in the Songwriters Competition were the Blu Jays, country/bluegrass; Lenny Trawick, inspirational; and 3 Penny, pop/rock.

Taking second place honors were Summerlyn Powers, country/bluegrass; Diane Terrance, inspirational; and Ryan Alan, pop/rock.

Third place winners were Lenny Trawick, country/bluegrass; Daniel Robinson, inspirational; and Defining Chaos, Boone Edmondson, pop/rock.

A church service was held Sunday morning at the Stephens Gazebo on the square in downtown Troy and many of the exhibiting artists attended.

“Those who attended expressed appreciation for the opportunity to attend a worship service,’ Drinkard said. “The committee believes that we should be faithful and we wanted to extend the opportunity for worship to others.”

As soon as the TroyFest Committee, which is under the leadership of chair Ron Drinkard, gets its collective breath, plans for next year’s TroyFest will get underway with the goal of exceeding what this year’s arts and crafts festival was able to accomplish.