Heat doesn’t stop crowd

Published 9:39 pm Saturday, April 25, 2009

With temperatures almost reaching 90 degrees Saturday, lemonade stands were likely the most popular sell at this year’s TroyFest.

But even the heat didn’t keep the crowds away from the event’s seventh year in downtown Troy.

“We’re extremely pleased. We have been blessed with beautiful weather and great crowds,” said TroyFest Committee Chair Stephanie Baker. “The heat takes a great toll, but we have vendors with lemonade, ice cream, shaved ice and smoothies.”

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With some 60 artists, the first-ever film festival and live music all through the day, residents had plenty more to entertain them than lemonade. Jeff Helms, of Troy, said he has been attending TroyFest for years, but this year had even more to offer.

“It seems like there’s a little more this year,” Helms said.

Others like Jeff Underwood, of Foley, came from out of town to take a part in the weekend’s events.

“My daughter is helping with this so we decided to come,” Underwood said. “It’s great.” Artists this year gave festival goers a variety of things to see, from metal sculptures, to paintings, to pottery and even “tree art.”

Sharalee Sherman, an artist who makes furniture out of tree roots, came with her husband for the first time to TroyFest this year. Sherman, who attends a different art show with her husband each weekend, said TroyFest had a wonderful atmosphere.

“I think it is absolutely delightful,” Sherman said. “There’s been a good cross section of people.”

Another first-time artist to Troy Bonnie Heinecke, who displayed steel-metal silhouettes, came all the way from Paris, Mo. to attend the festival. “I think it’s a really nice atmosphere,” Heinecke said.

Others, though, have been coming to the event since the days of Jean Lake.

“I did the show for the first time in 1984,” said Matt Brabham, of Jay, Fla. “It’s sort of a family tradition for us.”

TroyFest will continue through Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m.