By Bob Cox, Mountain Valley News staff
Gabby George just conducted his 25th consecutive Pioneer Days auction and by all reports it appears to be another successful endeavor.
“We started all this with a trailer full of stuff in the parking lot,” said George following the auction. He was still bragging a little the next day as he talked about the prize-winning rhubarb pie, which sold for $40.
The pasta dinner and the auction were held on June 11 in the historic Crawford School that is now a community center. Proceeds from the auction each year is used to finance the fireworks at the conclusion of the Pioneer Days celebration.
Early Saturday morning found dozens of people lined up for the Crawford Fire Department’s famous breakfast, which was little more than over with before they started making hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch.
The park was lined with the typical vendors, most of who were set up and ready to bargain and barter before the parade started at 10:00 a.m. A sudden turn in the weather sent many of the spectators back to their cars or houses for extra jackets and sweaters, but they were not to me denied the parade. While a few drops of rain fell, at 9:54 the wind died down slightly and the parade began at precisely 10:00. With over 50 entries, there was no doubt the parade, like the auction was a success.
The Crawford American Legion provided the display of colors, carried by a military jeep. Then came the dignitaries. Grand Marshal Ann Linman was born and raised in Crawford. She sat proudly atop the obligatory convertible and waved at the crowd. Ken and Donna Spenser reign for the year as King and Queen. Ann Bennett sat well in her saddle and waved her bright blue cowgirl hat as she rode down the street. And Crawford’s Sweetheart Teri Pittman popped a “wheelie” in her wheel chair as she went by the judge’s station.
“Half the town was in the parade,” said Larry Ribnick. The town has about 400 residents, so it was obvious that a lot of people came to see.
As usual, in parades of this kind, the politicians showed up too, throwing candy and handing out informational packages. Sheriff McKee was even handing out colored beads.
As the last float passed the judge’s stand it began to rain. The crowd dispersed quickly, but many returned 90 minutes later during another weather respite to watch the now-famous outhouse races. The weather continued to give and take during the day, but spirits could not be dampened. As evening approached rumors began to circulate that the fireworks may have to be postponed.
By 9:00 p.m. it was evident that the rumors were unfounded. “This is great fireworks weather,” said one Crawford fireman. “We don’t have to worry about starting any fires this way.”
And what a fireworks display it was. The shells bursting above Crawford Reservoir, reflecting off the water and off the clouds above rival any display in the area.
Andy and Heather Reid, from Columbus, Ohio, came to the area to hike into the Black Canyon, but got rained out and found themselves huddled under a blanket on the shore of the lake. “This is so cool. I have never been this close to fireworks before,” Heather said.
So, the day and the celebration came to an end, but before the last shell burst over the lake, everyone who knows about Crawford Pioneer Days knows that next year’s celebration is already in the planning stage.
