By Danielle Rush
RUSSIAVILLE — Seth Parvin is a true cowboy.
He loves his John Deere tractors and his Papaw’s horses. He loves to ride his Papaw’s tractor and pony, and he likes a cowboy hat.
So it seemed appropriate that Seth, age 2 1/2, was chosen as Wrangler of the 2009 Western Days Friday.
The queen, princess and wrangler contest kicked off the annual festival under sunny skies, though rain threatened throughout the evening.
The occasional clouds did not keep the crowds away from the season’s first festival. Small children sat on the ground enjoying their corn dogs, while bigger kids rode the rides and played games on the midway. Nearby, vendors under tents showcased their wares, including fleece blankets, wood carvings, bead jewelry, princess halos and food galore.
Lynsey Sharp, 18, who finished her last day at Western High School Friday, was crowned festival queen, with a rhinestone tiara perched on a cowboy hat. Contestants in the royalty contest put out boots around town to collect money, at $1 per vote.
Sharp said she participated because it’s been a tradition for girls at Waddell’s IGA, where she is a cashier, to be in the contest. The 2008 queen, Brandy Deardorff, is her co-worker.
“It’s a fun thing to be part of the community,” Sharp said. “I just love the closeness of the community and I wanted to be a part of it.”
Festival Princess Andee Fetterhoff, 5, came dressed in a blue cowboy shirt and denim skirt, with a blue and white lace ruffle, and cowboy boots, her nails painted a matching blue.
Other competitions Friday included cake walks, a bubble gum blowing contest and a tortilla throwing contest.
Festival planner Pat Sipes said vendor space sold out more than a week in advance of the festival. She expected greater than usual attendance because of the economy keeping people closer to home.
Carole Shelby came from Kempton with her cousin and her cousin’s nephew, who is nearly 2. Her cousin had the boy for the day, and brought him to play in the bounce house.
She said she usually comes to the festival every year and “I think it’s a nice family experience.”
The festival continues today and Sunday.
• Danielle Rush is the Kokomo Tribune education reporter. She can be reached at (765) 454-8585 or danielle.rush@kokomotribune.com.
