Another Country Days in the history book

It was one of the coolest Country Days weekends in recent history, the comfortable temperature drawing a nice crowd for music, rides and food.

Country Days officially began Friday morning with the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast in Long Park. The temperature at the 7:30 a.m. start hovered around 50 degrees.

Even with the cold, onlookers filed into the park to eat cinnamon rolls and drink coffee, sit on hay bales and listen to music and prayers. Mayor Stuart “Mit” Landrum had to be out of town, so Mayor Pro Tem Dennis Smith spoke on his behalf. He thanked the many faith-based organizations which have made Farmington a generous and friendly place to live and do business.

Smith turned the microphone over to New Heights Church Pastor Rocky Good. He opened with prayer, asking God to provide good weather and a friendly atmosphere for the festival weekend. Good then gave a short inspirational talk he titled “Things Dad Taught Me.”

Country Days continued during the day with merchants holding sidewalk sales and banks offering snacks and refreshments throughout downtown. The carnival rides and concessions started later in the day.

The Friday night concerts brought in a crowd similar to a normal Saturday night concert. Friday night’s crowd heard Ash Bowers and Bush Hawg following the Accent Marketing/J98 Talent Competition.

The annual Little Caesar’s Moonlight Bike Ride was held late Friday night.

Saturday started out cool and rainy but as they day went on it warmed up.

The 2012 First State Community Bank Diaper Derby winners were Madison Pinson, nine month old daughter of Justin and Kimberly Pinson of Desloge, second place finisher Lauren Brewer, 11 month old daughter of Jill and Joey Brewer of Farmington, and third place finisher Macy Jean Gillam, eight month old daughter of Brittany Murray and Joey Gillam of Farmington.

The 2012 First State Community Bank Decorated Diaper winners were Addison Tedder, seven month old daughter of Stephanie Cowley and David Tedder of Doe Run, second place winner Maddison May, eight month old daughter of Brian Henson and Hannah Ingram of Farmington, and third place winner Brickee Wyatt, 11 month old daughter of Nic and Amy Wyatt of Farmington.

 The McDonald’s Country Days parade began at 10 a.m., led by the American Flag carried by the Farmington Elks Lodge. The Parade Marshall Jon Cozean and Mr. and Mrs. Country Days Kurt and Sue Bauche were joined by Farmington Mayor Stuart “Mit” Landrum.

The parade winners in their respective categories who entered were announced Saturday afternoon.

In the walking category, first place was CNM Technology Solutions, and second place was Farmington High School ROTC.

In the floats category, first place was BJC Home Care Systems, second was First State Community Bank, and third was South Brook Skilled Nursing.

The Best of Show went to Froggy 96 and Earth Mother.

Little Miss and Master contestants winners were announced Saturday afternoon. The winners were Cori Jo Proctor, daughter of Lonny and Megan Proctor, and Wyatt McDowell, son of Aaron and Kyle McDowell. They were sponsored by Canyon Concrete.

First runners up were Ally Hull, daughter of Scott and Jayme Hull, and McCoy Tripp, son of Jeff and Missie Tripp. They were sponsored by Show-Me Rent to Own.

Second runners up were Emma Schweiss, daughter of Adam and Jennifer Schweiss, and Cooper Houser, son of Brandon and Melanie Houser. They were sponsored by State Farm Insurance.

As the sun started to set Saturday night the temperatures got cooler and many showed up with blankets and wearing jeans, long sleeves and jackets for the concerts.

Before Saturday’s concert Country Day’s Queen Alyssa Welch presented Mr. and Mrs. Country Days 2012 Kurt and Sue Bauche with their official Country Days photo. Welch then introduced Eric Lee Beddingfield to the stage. He was followed by Jason Sturgeon.

Local band Route 67 opened the show for the evening.

The final day of Country Days wrapped up with Wake Up to Worship with Final Phaze Music Ministry and New Life Fellowship Worship Rally in Long Memorial Park.