Sesquicentennial Family Fun Day, Concert & Laser Light Show Draws record crowd to County’s 150th Birthday October 1, 2007 – Cleveland, Georgia – White County’s 150th Birthday Celebration drew in a record crowd Saturday for the Family Fun Day, Concert and Laser Light Show at Universal Chevrolet. The day-long celebration included something for everyone and concluded with a performance by country/bluegrass recording superstar, Ricky Skaggs and the first ever laser light show in White County. “It was a fitting celebration of our County’s History, but more important it brought people together, neighbors, friends and our children, for a fun day to share as a community, said Maria Jurado-Flynn, Chairwoman of the event. “All the hard work that went into the planning by our Committee Chairs paid off and we were blessed with beautiful weather to enjoy the fruits of their labor.” The Agriculture area, chaired by Gilbert Barrett included a petting zoo with everything from dairy cows to a Burmese Python. Turner’s Market brought out a wide range of produce to sell and an exhibit of antique tractors was a favorite for young and old alike. The agriculture competitions drew many competitors for Tree ID and Food Preservation, but the scarecrow competition was without a doubt the most exciting competition. Classrooms from local schools competed for top honors by demonstrating their creativity and imagination in these beautifully themed scarecrows. The Family Fun Day was sponsored by Habersham Bank and the White County Meth Task Force coordinated the kid’s activities and arts & crafts area, with proceeds going to support their program in White County. Heather Boswell who recently joined the Meth Task Force, chaired this area and to her credit, did an outstanding job. Children were lined up all day to take their turn on everything from the rock wall and bungee jump, to the purple dragon bounce house. The arts & crafts area was a great representation of local arts and crafts vendors. Mitch Simpson, owner of Universal Chevrolet and a big fan of country western and bluegrass joined forces with Jeff Hunt, President of Community Bank and Trust to sponsor Ricky Skaggs. People started arriving even before the gates opened to stake out a place in front of the stage with their lawn chairs. “People here love bluegrass,” said Mitch Simpson. “Every time we put on a concert they turn out early.” Simpson has been holding bluegrass concerts in his Pickin Barn for years and has become well know for his love of music. Those who came for the music were not disappointed. Ricky Skaggs put on a first class show that was worth the wait. The Mustangs were the opening act for Ricky Skaggs and by the size of the crowed, they too had a following. Other entertainment included Gina Gailey who kicked off the live entertainment at 3:00 pm and Freddie Way who took the stage at 4:00 pm. The evening was topped off by the first ever laser light show in White County, which was sponsored by United Community Bank. An exciting point in the evening was the drawing of the 6 winning tickets in the Cleveland Better Home Town Ultimate Raffle. The winners were: John Palmer who won the Whisky Jug donated by Chattahoochee Antique Mall, Steve Eldred who won the Ne’ Qua Courthouse Ornament donated by Little Bit of Everything, Breanna Gibboney who won the Red Peavy Guitar donated by Cleveland Music Center, Joe Cosner who won the Treasure Basket donated by Yonah Treasures and Elisa Freeman who won the David Meaders Face Jug from Nix Hardware. The Steering Committee for the White County Sesquicentennial wishes to thank all of the sponsors, committee chairs, committee members, volunteers, churches and the community for supporting this special celebration of White County’s history. A special thanks goes to David Murphy, Director or Emergency for White County who chaired the public safety committee and to all the first responders who ensure the safety of the event, thank you all. White County Sesquicentennial Sponsors: Universal Chevrolet, Community Bank and Trust City of Cleveland, White County Government, White County Chamber of Commerce, Cleveland Better Home Town, Regions Bank. Habersham Bank, United Community Bank, Blackstock Vineyards Winery, White County Rotary, Mountain Valley Community Bank, Sautee Nacoochee Center, Habersham EMC, Farmer’s Exchange, Truett-McConnell College, Nix Hardware, White County Historical Society, White County News, Georgia 105.1 and WRWH 1350AM Cool River Tubing, Golf Car Central, Stepping Stone Farm Competition Winners: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1ST Place Winner White County Intermediate School Ms. Auten’s 5th Grade Class “Old School – New School” 2nd Place Winner Mount Yonah Elementary Ms. Cain’s 1st Grade Class “Angel Scarecrow” 3rd Place Winner Mount Yonah Elementary Mrs. Heyken’s Special Ed Class “Growing a Special Cop of Kids” Honorable Mention Mount Yonah Elementary School Ms. Johnson’s 5th Grade Class “Yonah Bear” MIDDLE SCHOOL 1st Place Winner White County Middle School FFA Class “Ms. Agatha” HIGH SCHOOL 1st Place Winner Ninth Grade Academy Ms. Vandiver’s FBLA Class “Business Student” 2nd Place Winner White County High School FFA Class “Desperado” Thank you to all of the supporters of the Sesquicentennial Celebration. White County Sesquicentennial Celebration “Celebrating the Past – Embracing the Future”