Founders Day, traditionally an occasion to commemorate Wesson history, was a celebration of town life and a bourgeoning new post-pandemic normalcy this year.
It was an event-filled evening and day on April 30 and May 1 with a band concert, a variety of musical entertainment, a Glow Run/Walk, art walk, arts, crafts and flea market; car show and snacks, refreshments and meals.
The Wesson Chamber was the primary sponsor of the event with support from Co-Lin, Trust Mark National Bank, Curves of Brookhaven, Dumps Restaurant, the Town of Wesson, Pike National Bank, Wesson Fire Department, Yeagers Auto Sales and the Bank of Brookhaven.
The Chamber crowned Karnryn Bridges, a Wesson High School (WHS) junior, the 2021-22 Founders Day Queen. Bridges, who plans to attend Co-Lin to pursue occupational therapy. Her involvement at WHS has encompassed Science and Beta Clubs, yearbook staff, First Priority and color guard. She has been recognized of academic achievement, is active in Clear Branch Baptist Church and has volunteered at Wesson Public Library and King's Daughters Medical Center, where she assisted with COVID-19 vaccinations. Her parents are Mike and Lori Bridges and grandparents are Bob and Pat McCreary.
The Chamber also presented an appreciation plaque to Dr. Steven Liverman for his service to the organization as a member.
Overall winners in the 5K Glow Run were Truman Poole (male) and Christie Barber(female). The first, second and third place in four age category were Truman Poole, Mason Ashley and Brayden Arbough in the under 20 division; Dalton Rushing, Yerri Wolfe and Blake Smith in the 21-35 division; Christie Barber, Brian Norwood and Beth Hutchinson in the 36-50 division; and Nelson Thames, Patty Jackson and Anna Mason in the 51-over division. The 5K Walk first, second and third place winners were Brendon Duguid, MacKenzine Martin and DaMonica Brown.
In the car show, Patrick Clark with a 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo was the Participants Choice winner and David Mobile with a 1960 Chevrolet Apache was the Chamber Choice winner.