BESSVILLE FESTIVAL SUCCESSFUL LAST WEEK

This small, hidden community may be just a ghost of yesteryear, as borrowed from the opening sentence in chapter 19 of the book, "Bollinger County: 1851-1976," but the 15th Annual Bessville Festival is a yearly gathering of family and friends who have ties to the historic community.

About 300 people showed up to celebrate the event Sunday, including the 172 trail riders who brought horses to explore the route where the old railroad ran through.

Some new activities were added to this year's agenda, including a greased pig contest for children and a crosscut saw contest for anyone interested in cutting wood the old fashioned way.

Bob Long, organizer of the festival, reported a good turnout for the annual celebration, which features all the traditional assortments of a town picnic.

Lots of food, music, games and prizes were offered, and partakers of the festival were weary after the day-long celebration.

A horseshoe tournament was also featured during the afternoon, which drew in participants form the surrounding communities.

In concluding the fun-filled day, awards of recognition were given on behalf of three individuals who were instrumental in planning the festival.

Jerry Dowd, Guy SIckles and Russell Greer, each of whom has passed away, were remembered for their hard work in planning the annual Bessville Festival.Awards were presented to the widows of the three men.

"The awards caught the ladies by surprise," Long said. "We felt the men should be remembered for their service and dedication for keeping the community together.