Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, April 24, 2018
(ORLEANS) - The 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Orleans Dogwood Festival is off and running. A host of events and activities officially helped to kick off the event throughout the weekend.
Ashton Rose Padgett was crowned the 2018 Orleans Dogwood Festival Queen during ceremonies held at Orleans Elementary Saturday night. Padgett, a senior at Orleans High School, is the daughter of Jim and Leslie Padgett. Padgett's Court includes princesses Jenna Pearson and Victoria Albertson, Miss Congeniality Emily Jacobs, and Haleigh Johnson, was tapped as Miss Fundraiser.
John McFarland was named "Mr. Dogwood" during the event as well. Special guests at the pageant included the newly crowned 2018 Indiana State Festival Association Queen (ISFA) Alyson Gouveia as well as a number of former Dogwood Queens who were honored at a reception held prior to the crowning ceremonies.
Prior to the beginning of the event Senator Erin Houchin and Rep. Steve Davisson presented Orleans Chamber of Commerce Exec. Director Robert F. Henderson and festival organizers with a special Joint Resolution formally recognizing the Orleans Dogwood Festival on its 50th anniversary.
Tribute was also paid at a number of the opening events to the late Kate Noblitt who is considered to be the founder of the annual festival.
A record number of participants were reported to have participated in the Dogwood Pedal with riders coming in from throughout Indiana and several surrounding states. A large number were in attendance for the annual Baby Contest as well.
Orleans Postmaster Lora Daugherty said business was brisk at the Post Office throughout the morning Saturday with several residents coming in to receive their Dogwood 50 Pictorial Postmark. Daugherty added that requests for the special one-time commemorative postmark to date have come as far away as California, Washington, and Pennsylvania and Maine to name a few.
A large crowd was also on hand for the 50th Anniversary Community Event Sunday evening at Unity Hall with special guest Rodney Dillard of The Andy Griffith Show. Dillard his wife Beverly and friends shared music, stories and humor related to the classic television show and paid tribute to some of Mayberry's Values.
The 50th Anniversary of the Dogwood Festival continues non-stop through the coming weekend including the Grand Parade on Saturday, April 28th 2 p.m. downtown.
For the very latest Dogwood 50th happenings visit www.orleansdogwoodfestival.com
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