Published: August 17, 2009 08:07 am      

Gone country

Pops at the Park goes down south

It was southern, and it was hot.

About 1,500 people associated with various businesses, local governments and a slew of other organizations gathered Saturday evening at White Hall State Historic Site to celebrate “Country Nights,” which was the theme of the 27th annual Pops at the Park.

With temperatures in the upper 90s, small, hand-held fans were a popular accessory for the many who chose to brave the heat.

Students from Laura’s School of Dance served as hostesses wearing hot-pink T-shirts and hauling plastic wagons to help guests carry food, coolers and decorating supplies.

Some came in costumes, including familiar faces from the southern-centered comedy series “Hee-Haw,” such as Grandpa Jones and Minnie Pearl.

Other famous faces included Elly May Clampett from “The Beverly Hillbillies.”

Most of the tables were decorated with a country and/or southern-related theme ranging from “Tex Mex” to “Redneck Yard Art.” Several guitars were on display at a table with a “Grand Ole Opry” theme.

Approximately 111 tables were purchased at $150 each, bringing in $16,650 in funding that will be divided between the Richmond Area Arts Council,

Richmond Chamber of Commerce and the Pops at the Park executive board.

Tables are judged for Best of Show, Best Theme, Best Food and Best Blanket.

Best of Show, also called “Judge’s Choice,” was Morning Pointe assisted living facility with the “Hee-Haw” theme. First place for Best Theme went to representatives of the Madison Fiscal Court for “Knights of the Roundtable.” In second place was Marc Edwards, with a “Biggest Loser” theme, and third place was EKU Continuing Education and Outreach for its “Wild West” theme.

In the category of Best Food, the Richmond Register took home first place honors, while the Haug family won second. In third place was Nancy Robertson Realty.

The Laura’s School of Dance All Stars Team received the Best Blanket award.

Music continued throughout the entire evening, including songs from the Eastern Kentucky University Symphony Orchestra and southern-rock band “The Biscuits.”

The orchestra played patriotic songs including “The Star Spangled Banner” and “My Old Kentucky Home,” as well as songs from popular movies and television shows such as “Superman,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Star Trek.”

“The Biscuits” played a variety of country tunes ranging from “Orange Blossom Special” and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” to songs by Dwight Yoakam, Garth Brooks, The Eagles and Lynard Skynard.

The Pops at the Park event has been one of Richmond’s signature events since 1982 and was created to support the arts in the community.

Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@richmondregister.com or 624-6608.