Winnsboro Spring Festival
by
Maryann Miller
Saturday morning it didn't look promising for the Winnsboro Spring Festival. It was cloudy and storms had been predicted for most of the day. That didn't keep too many folks away, however.
Sue Hitzemann from Jan's Antiques said that they had 51 vender spaces sold and all but four showed up. "A few called to say it was raining where they were and they wanted to know if we were still having the festival. I told them the sun was shining here, so come on."
They did. And so did a lot of people who enjoyed the entertainment, the arts and crafts, and the food, both Saturday and Sunday. "One food vender told me this was the eatingest crowd he'd ever seen," Sue said. (below right)
The annual 2-day festival, which used to be called Woodstock in 
Winnsboro and was sponsored solely by the Winnsboro Area Merchant's Association, was changed to a spring festival because that opens the venue up to a lot of different things of interest. "With Woodstock we pretty much had to stick with music," Sue said. "People seem to enjoy coming downtown for more than just music. They like the different arts and crafts, and of course, the food.."
She also said that WAMA had been looking for a group or organization to partner up with, and the Raiderette Booster Club stepped up. "It worked out well. They had the man power and we had the experience."
The Raiderette's and their parents were on hand both days selling baked goods, doing face painting, and helping with the fourth grade science project. The students put messages in balloons that were then released. The purpose of the project is to see how far the balloons will go. "They already got one response back from Arkansas," said Missy Duke, booster club treasurer. "There are prizes for the balloons that go the farthest. And the class with the most responses
Before the weekend, the Raiderette's raised money to buy the balloons and pay for prizes, then helped the students put the messages in the balloons and get them ready for the big release. "The girls really worked hard to help organize, not only the science project, but other aspects of the festival," Missy said. "But they had such a good time, it really wasn't like work. They really enjoyed the time spent with the young students."
The profits from the festival will go to the Raiderette's Booster Club. The final tally on what was made is not in yet, but Missy said the Raiderette's made about $800.00 from their booth alone. The money will be used to pay for many of the expenses the drill team has for camps, competitions, and equipment.
One of the food venders, Hall's Backyard BBQ and Catering, came from the Dallas area. Owned by John and 
Marilyn Hall, the business is brand new. "I started doing barbeque on the weekends because I wanted something different to do," John said. "I'm in an office all week, so it is good to be outside and doing something I enjoy.
"I was cooking just for the family at first, then neighbors and friends started asking me to cook for special events. After a while, we decided that we could make a business out of it, and we are all having a ball." (John is pictured here with his wife and their son, Josh.)
Just down from that booth was the Fair Meadow Farm Goat Dairy display. Carol Pinckard, who owns the dairy with her husband, John, said they are the only licensed Grade A raw goat milk dairy in East Texas. When asked how she came to be in the goat dairy business, she laughed. "That's a long story," she said. "I grew up outside of New York City and my family says that someone stole Carolyn and put someone else in her place."
The short version of her story is that her husband is from Texas and he brought her here. They have had goats since 2003, but only started getting serious about creating a business since 2007. Carol home schools their three daughters, Jessica, 16; Christine, 13: and Mary, 10; so they all make time during the day to take care of all the details of milking and caring for the goats. "We all love animals," Carol said. "And we enjoy working together."
One of the greatest thrills for Carol is when a young mother calls to say her baby gained a pound after drinking the pure goat's milk. For babies that have an allergy to milk from cows, goat milk can be a good substitute. In addition to selling milk, the farm also sells soaps and lotions made from the milk. "Many people don't know it, but goats' milk is good for your skin," Carol said. "It is a natural skin emollient and rejuvenator."
William Joyner and Gabriel Tipping were showing folks the unique crosses made from glass and wood. William held 
up one of the crosses and read the inscription on the back, "These crosses have been made from broken alcohol bottles and glasses. They represent the lives that Jesus has restored through His sacrifice."
The crosses are made at the Family Prayer Center in Overton through the Rehab Ministry. "The pastor's wife came up with the idea," William said. "And the residents made the wooden frames, then I create the individual crosses."
The Family Prayer Center Rehab is a faith-based program, much like Morgan's Mercy Mansion in Winnsboro, and they have a good rate of success. Gabriel is one of those success stories. He is from Utah and is just finishing the program. "I was ready to do this," he said. "And the program has helped me a lot. I'm glad I came."
The two-day festival had ongoing live entertainment.
Dale Cummings "The C" (L) performed from 9:30 to 11:30 on Saturday and Randy Lindsey and Heather performed from 12-2 on Saturday.
Josh Davis from Sulphur Springs performed by 1-3 on Sunday.
People of all ages came to enjoy the festival, and many folks brought 
extended members of the family. David Wossum of Winnsboro brought Max. When Mayor Carolyn Jones asked what Max does, David laughed. "He consumes lots of food and chases squirrels." (L-R: Mayor Carolyn Jones, Max and David)
Sue and Missy both agreed that this was the best year ever for the festival, and they are confident that it will just get better and better.