Downtown Fourth festivities a roaring success

The ‘Race for the 4th’ Fourth of July celebration downtown crossed the finish line in first place this year with its race-themed celebration in honor of The Great Race pit stop in McMinnville on Monday.

It was a special event for several local residents who took home some ‘race winnings’ for coming in as one of the top three in a couple of competitions with an automotive slant.

One of the highlights of the day had to be the scavenger hunt which had participants scurrying around town trying to locate former automotive businesses, according to Heritage Alliance board chairman Jimmy Haley, who said the idea fit right in with the ‘Race to the 4th’ theme.

‘They were trying to match old car dealerships, gas stations and parts stores with what is there now,’ Haley said. ‘Like, Kell Dodge was where Security Federal is and Puckett Motors was where McMinnville Electric System is now. They had to go up and down the street and look for the clues on buildings and put down the current occupant and what the previous business was.’

‘ Coming in first in this competition was David Britton, who won a $20 gas card from Heritage Alliance, a $50 gift certificate at McMinnville Flower Shop, a $25 gift certificate from Highland Rim Music, and a $30 gift certificate at Moore’s Office Supply.

‘ Grant Womack took second place, receiving a $15 gas card from Heritage Alliance, a $30 gift certificate from McMinnville Flower Shop, a $15 gift certificate from Highland Rim Music and a $20 gift certificate at Moore’s Office Supply.

‘ Coming in third was Brenda Woodlee, taking home a $10 gas card from Heritage Alliance, a $20 gift certificate from McMinnville Flower Shop, a $10 gift certificate from Highland Rim Music, and a $15 gift certificate at Moore’s Office Supply.

Local businesses were also challenged to get creative with some race-themed window decorating. Taking honors in the ‘Race to the 4th Window Decorating Contest’ were:

‘ First place ‘ Flower Basket with a great race theme, including the ‘Great Race’ movie playing on a TV in the window and a classic car made out of flowers, among other floral arrangements.

‘ Second place ‘ Victorian Rose with a motorcycle, dolls with a racing theme, antique car replicas.

‘ Third place ‘ Grizzell’s Jewelry with a race track including historical blurbs and information.

First National Bank and Edward Jones received honorable mentions in this competition.

‘It was a good Fourth,’ Haley said. ‘I think everything went well and smooth. I think everybody had a good time.’

Haley said the Pinewood Derby was a popular event, while around 60 people took part in the cemetery tour.

‘Everything just kind of tied together,’ Haley said. ‘There was a big crowd for the Great Race and then for the Fourth of July. I think everybody enjoyed looking at the windows, there were a lot of people strolling up and down looking at the decorations, so it all went pretty well.

‘Main Street and Heritage Alliance want to thank all those who took part and helped sponsor the event,’ Haley said.