Abbi Hancock named Little Miss Viola Valley

By Janice M. Howard / Style Editor for the Southern Standard

Abbi Hancock, 5-year-old daughter of Tim and Ami Hancock, flashes her winning smile after being named the first Little Miss Viola Valley.

As a highlight of the annual Viola Valley Homecoming Celebration, Abbi Hancock, 5, daughter of Tim and Ami Hancock, was named the first Little Miss Viola Valley after her sweet smile and overall appearance captured the attention of pageant judges. First runner-up was Kelsey Laine Gross, 4, daughter of Brad and Donna Gross with Melissa Nicole Blanton, 4, as second runner-up and Emily Bouldin, 6, third runner-up. Melissa is the daughter of Amanda Creek and Emily’s parents are Peter Bouldin and Dena Foster.

The well-received “On the Road Again” show, originating in Viola some 28 years ago, returned to the stage Friday night. Among those performing questionable talent as a take-off on popular entertainers were Viola’s version of the Soggy Bottom Boys and Bill Underwood as Ray Stevens, who brought children from the audience for the singing of “Everything Is Beautiful.”

The parade took to the street at 9 a.m. Saturday with former collegiate coach Johnny Majors serving as grand marshal. Those lining the parade route also saw the Warren County Pioneer Marching Band, antique automobiles, horse-drawn carriages, and other motorized vehicles such as a utility jeep pulling a “Clampett” style trailer loaded with household goods and a sign that boasted, “Coming Home to Viola – Center of the Universe.”

Celebration activities included a fish fry and barbecue supper, mini petal pull, lawn mower pull and 27 classes in the Mule Show. There were displays of world champion race boats by the Outboard Drag Boat Association, vintage cars, a modular train and gas engine, antique hand tools, farm equipment; horseshoeing and sheep herding demonstrations; and jewelry and crafts booths.

River Chase Posse had an old timey shoot out on town square. Rhythm Express Cloggers, Monte Swann, Silver and Gold Band and others performed at the gazebo while attendees meandered around the park or relaxed in chairs under the shade trees for a bit of music and conversation.