'We did it' — Gnadenhutten Festival ruled a success
GNADENHUTTEN — Mia Brinkley,6, of Tuscarawas, won the talent show and a prize of $100 with her performance to "It's a Hard Knock Life," from "Annie."
Brinkley explained that she's been dancing for 5 of her 6 years with Legacy Dance Studio. "I like to do ballet and hip hop, too," she said. Brinkley noted that she had done the same performance at her annual recital. "I like to watch Jurasic World," she added of her hobbies.
Second Place and a prize of $75, was Isla Dotts, 9, of Stonecreek. Dotts accompanied herself on the guitar while singing a Dolly Parton favorite, "Coat of Many Colors." She is self taught after receiving the purple guitar for her birthday.
Third place was Layla Coventry, of Gnadenhutten. She received $50 for performing a hip hop dance. Fourth place was Mila Ridgway, also of Gnadenhutten, who danced to "Party in the USA" by Katy Perry.
Judges for the program were Brian Kohl, Tina Kissinger and Wendy Beamer, all of Gnadenhutten. It was sponsored by Amici's Pizza. Prior to the announcement of the winners, a short break was observed to watch some of the first runners from the Tomahawk Trot come through the square. On-lookers cheered as they ran to the finish line.
Earlier in the day, the Pet Parade kicked off the festivities as the festival opened. The event was run by the Red Rock Rebels 4-H Group and its advisor Tracey Sprowl.
Awards were presented as follows:
Biggest — (Tie) Lucy with Piper Koch, 8, and Sam with Cooper Koch,10, both of Gnadenhutten. Lucy and Sam are Great Danes;
Smallest — Loki, Harper Koch, 6, a mixed breed cat;
Most unusual — Molly, Brooklynn Latella, 12, Gnadenhutten. Molly was a Beabull. (Part Beagle/part mini bulldog);
Fan Favorite — Brutus, James Akers, Uhrichsville. Brutus is a Parson Russell Terrier and Akers is a village employee at Gnadenhutten;
Best Dressed — Maverick, Lucas Page, 7, Tuscarawas. Maverick is a goldendoodle.
Judges were Ginna Thornton, Emma Sprowl and Melody Sprowl, all of Port Washington. The animals paraded around the square as they were watched by judges.
The cutest baby contest winners were announced with Isla Ridgway,11 months, as the winner and Huntley Riddle, 3 1/2 months, as first runner-up. Ridgway is the daughter of Logan and Chelsea Ridgway, of Gnadenhutten. Riddle is the son of Brandy Adkins and Travis Riddle, of New Philadelphia.
Jr. Parade Marshals were Kenton Angel, 4, the son of Shana and Jonathan Angel, of Port Washington, and Mila Ridgway,4, daughter of Danielle Ridgway, of Gnadenhutten.
All of the contestants received goody bags and the Jr. Parade Marshals won new bikes which were donated by Commercial Savings Bank. The total raised for both contests was $4623.61, which goes to the Festival Committee.
This is the last year for Festival Chairman Hope Johnson and most of her committee. Johnson said although the storm damage to Heck's Grove Park caused a lot of last minute festival changes, things were going well.
"We did it! The changes really made it nice," she said. "I am sitting back calm and cool and really taking it all in." Johnson added that being able to cheer the runners on as they ran through the crowd was very nice.
"It has turned out very well." She acknowledged that some have stepped up for next year but many more are needed. "I will walk everyone through as will my committee members," Johnson added. "We need more support for this festival so I hope more step up."
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: 'We did it' — Gnadenhutten Festival ruled a success
