This year’s Dixie Day drew many people from Kosciusko County and the surrounding area today, Saturday, July 31. InkFreeNews photos by Phoebe Muthart.

By Phoebe Muthart
Staff Writer

The weather was ideal for the Dixie Day Festival, Saturday, July 31, in North Webster. With temperatures hovering in the mid-70s, the temperature was perfect for this small Kosciusko County community that drew large crowds.

Family-friendly activities took place throughout the day, which kicked off with the Dixie Day Dash 5K at the North Webster Town Park. The theme of the race was “Sailors and Mermaids.” The race’s runners went through residential areas and along Webster Lake before coming back to the finish line, where the 5K started.

Throughout the late morning and early afternoon, many arts and crafts vendors displayed their goods at the Dixie Day art fair.

Also available throughout the festival was a variety of delicious food offered by various vendors. These culinary delights included hamburgers, corn on the cob, pizza, and barbecue as well as refreshing drinks such as fresh-squeezed lemon shake-ups. There was also live music for people to listen to while they ate.

Car Show Results

On the Mermaid Festival grounds, truck, car, and motorcycle enthusiasts enjoyed the array of vintage and newer models.This year’s car show had 40 entries, said Chris Trowbridge, the show’s organizer.

“This is a lot better turnout than last time. It is much bigger than the last event,” he said, adding the nice weather had a lot to do with the turnout.

Taking home honors for “Best of Show” in the car division were Chris Meek of Minneapolis for his 2007 Pontiac “Sorrari” in the 2001-2021 class; Ed and Tammy Boggs of Warsaw for their 1984 Hurst/Olds in the 1980-2000 class; Bill Wagoner of Elkhart for his 1970 Ford Mustang in the 1959-1979 class; and Marvin Galbreath of Syracuse for his 1937 Chevy in the pre-1959 class.

In the truck category, “Best of Show” went to Charles Rush of Pierceton for his 1976 Ford Bronco.

The “Best of Show” truck, a 1976 Ford Bronco.

“Best of Show” in the motorcycle division went to Samantha Pearish of Syracuse.

Samantha Pearish is pictured with her “Best of Show” motorcycle.

Derik Green of The North Webster Lions Club cooked up hamburgers at Dixie Day today.

Katie Tom gets some help with her corn on the cob from Karen Dawson, left.

The “Best of Show” car went to this classic, a 1970 Mustang.