By Kimberly McMillian
Correspondent
DAYTON, Tenn. – The rodeo might be coming back to the 64th annual Strawberry Festival in 2011, organizers say.
And, hoping to interest younger crowds, organizers proposed adding a contest that features pop-culture guitar games and a talent show – either “Rhea County’s Got Talent” or “Rhea County Idol,” organizers said. The format would be oriented toward music, rather than extreme “talents” posing a liability risk that are featured on television.
Many festival attendees asked organizers to “bring the rodeo back” after its absence this year from the festival, Strawberry Festival coordinator Randy Wells said.
The committee hired Guinness world champion “escapologist” Mario Manzini for this year’s festival.
But attendance for Manzini’s performance didn’t cover the cost of bringing him to Dayton, organizers said. And his “Giant Steel Milk Can” escape soaked the gymnasium floor at Rhea Central Elementary School.
Damage was covered by Manzini’s insurance company at no cost to the county, Mr. Wells said.
Members of the festival committee also talked about what kind of concessions should be sold at the rodeo after a debate arose about whether they’d lost revenue on the event in previous years.
Chamber member Anita Hicks suggested pizza slices and Southwestern food from area restaurants for next year’s rodeo concessions, along with chips and candy.
Mr. Wells said, “The committee is looking at options for concessions” and other vendor options.
He said that, as well as bringing entertainment to the community, the festival needs to earn a profit so it can support next year’s event and community businesses.
The Distinguished Young Women, formerly Junior Miss, scholarship program will be on April 30. In a June 2010 news release, JM’s leaders announced the change to alleviate misconceptions that past winners had encountered.
Other festival events will include a cake and pie contest, family fun night, a block party and a parade.
For more information, log onto www.tnstrawberryfestival.com