Danny Federico
Reporter3@riverbendnews.org
Branford celebrated Independence Day on Monday, July 4, with an explosive festival. Already expected to be larger than previous years, the event—organized by the Branford River Reunion Committee—lured plenty of foot traffic onto the Suwannee River Greenway with approximately 88 vendors showing off an assortment of arts, crafts and delicious foods.
“Everyone I talked to said they had a great time,” said Peggy Terry with the Branford River Reunion Committee. “The weather was hot, but overall it was a good day.”
The festivities kicked off with the Rotary Club of Branford hosting its annual Duck Race at Ivey Park. Festival goers lined the Suwannee River as a waterfall of yellow was created by approximately 2,380 rubber ducks were dropped into the water from the Frank R. Norris Bridge. Out of the many ducks that made their way down the river, a total of 83 winners were announced.
“I think it all went fairly well,” said Rotarian John Lacquey. “We had around 75 people donate money and prizes. We were able to sell 2,380 tickets this year, which is the most we've sold since pre-Obama days.”
In addition to the Duck Race, the Suwannee River Elite 12u Crotts team was selling 50/50 raffle tickets. The winner of this drawing, Eva Tenney, received half of the money collected, while the other half went to towards the Suwannee River Elite 12u team's expenses to attend the World Series at Panama City Beach.
After the Duck Race, festival goers made their way across the street to the Greenway, where the Branford River Reunion Committee had their first-ever Corn Hole Tournament, which was sponsored by Lafayette State Bank, as well as their Watermelon Eating and Watermelon Seed Spitting Contests set up. The winners of the Cornhole Tournament were Tom Carver and Brayden Thomas, first place; Sunshine Dick and Samantha Faulkner, second place; and Anthony Allen and Richard Jack, third place.
For those who have an interest in hot rods and vintage vehicles, the Fourth of July festivities even included a newly implemented Car Show. Vehicles, both old and new, lined the parking lot of Land Watermelon Sales and even the parking lot of Branford's Town Hall. Trophies were presented to Mike Harris for both First Place Best in Show and for Second Place People's Choice; Bryan Cribbs for both Second Place Best in Show and First Place People's Choice; and Jerry Coker for both Third Place Best in Show and for Third Place People's Choice.
Then, at 6 p.m., everyone began to scout out the shadiest spots on Main Street to watch the annual Fourth of July Parade, of which Gary Barrs was the Grand Marshall.
Following this, Nashville recording artist Faith Jackson took to the stage, surrounding the Greenway with catchy country tunes. Attendees of all ages were then able to participate in the Bedrock Derby, which began at 7 p.m. A brief lull in activities allowed festival goers to enjoy perusing the various booths and enjoy some sweet treats before the fireworks show began at 9:30 p.m.
The Branford River Reunion Committee would like to extend a huge thank-you to the following sponsors: Ash Grove; Town of Branford; SunStop; Anderson Columbia; Branford McDonald's; Scaff's Branford IGA; Land Watermelon Sales; Waste Pro; Triple W Logistics; Lafayette State Bank; Soul Shine Studio; Parts City/GRE; Branford Coin Laundry; Sandhill Graphics; Keg Room; Preferred Pinestraw; Subway; Capital City Bank; North Florida Pharmacy; Busy Bee; Suwannee River Ace Hardware; J&J Gas; Suwannee Valley Electric and Daniels Funeral Home.
“I feel like our committee worked hard to grow this festival and bring new and exciting things that everyone would enjoy,” said Stacey Griffith with the Branford River Reunion Committee. “We made it a day full of events! Even though it was a hot day, for the most part everything went smoothly. We are looking forward to making next year even better!”