Bluebird Festival soars in 23rd year

Submitted by Willspoint1 on

Children of all ages, including Leann Holley and her grandson Lincoln, enjoyed the beautiful weather at the Bluebird Festival.

The Wills Point Bluebird Festival celebrated its 23rd year under clear skies on the historic brick streets in downtown April 23, bringing with it large group of games, a carnival, vendors and musical entertainment throughout the day.

Things kicked off early in the morning with the Chase McClanahan Band taking the stage shortly after 10 a.m. Other musical entertainment throughout the day included Chip Murrey & Texas Underground and the Ally Venable Band.

Community favorites, including the Wills Point Historical Society sponsored Train Show at Mitchell Hall, the Kid Zone, Bluebird Express Train and Texas Bluebird Society sponsored Bluebird Tours to Lake Tawakoni State Park also drew steady crowds throughout the day.

This year’s Bluebird Pageant was held at the Wills Point Community Center, with the crowning taking place later in the afternoon on the main stage.

2016 Bluebird Pageant winners included:

-Baby Mister: Maxwell Lemons

-Little Mister: Joseph Bass

-Baby Little Miss: Caroline Vaughan

-Tiny Little Miss: Avalyn Keeler

-Mini Little Miss: Paislee Gregory

-Young Little Miss: Melanie Mendez

-Petite Little Miss: Aris Lee

-Junior Little Miss: Cloe Ramzy

-Teen Miss: Beka Osborn

-Prettiest Smile: Jessica Bass

-Prettiest Hair: Makayla Young

-Most Photogenic: Marianna Childress

Another crowd favorite, the annual Bluebird Car Show, also returned this year with entries lining W.N. Commerce St. for most of the day.

Car show winners included (owners' names were not available as of press time).

-Top 5 (Best of Show Car): Sand Buggy, 1956 Chevy Belaire, 1969 Pontiac, 2008 Mustang GT 5000, 1966 Ford Victoria

-Top 5 (Best of Show Truck): 1989 S-10 Blazer, 1968 Chevy C-10, 1979 Dodge Little Red Express, 1985 Chevy truck, 1965 Ford Ranchero

-Peoples' Choice: 1965 Ford Mustang

-Best Hot Rod: 1963 Nova Chevy Dragster

-Best Rat Rod: 1926 Model T

-Best Under Construction: 1978 Chrysler New Yorker

-Best Motorcycle: 2004 motorcycle

The festival will once again return to the brick streets in 2017. Up to date information on all things related to the Bluebird Festival can be found by visiting www.willspointbluebird.org/.