EAST NEW MARKET — After a day of tornado watches, severe storm warnings, and high winds, on April 27 the sky cleared, the sun came out and while it was breezy, nothing deterred the celebration of this year’s East New Market Community Day at Friendship Park.

The traditional pet parade was adorable as usual and the hat parade had more entrants than ever. Music, food, and good company offered a day of fellowship for the 25+ attendees. Cotton candy, a bounce house, toe-tapping music, a corn hole tournament, and great food including hot dogs, chips, soda, and the mayor’s special barbecue were on the table.

Before the pet show and hat contest started, the Rev. George Ames opened the festivities with a prayer. Mayor Caroline Cline took over the microphone and introduced the 2019 pet show and hat contest judges who included: Hurlock Councilman the Rev. Charles Cephas, Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage board member Marlene Lashuk, and Connie Wilson whose son is well-known Judge Brett Wilson.

The pet show was the first event. Mayor Cline said, “If a dog wants to do a trick they can stop and do a trick because there will be a prize for the best trick.” With her typical humor, the mayor added, “Walking isn’t a trick. It may be a trick for some older people but not for the dogs.”

Contestants included: Black poodle Harley; tiny Roxie and her sunglasses with a second wee little friend; rescued Pomeranian Tiny Dancer; Sissy, part Jack Russell Terrier and part a fuzzy unknown; and Weebay, an adorable Boston Terrier dressed as a cheeseburger this year topping last year’s lobster costume; and Reese and Shadow Fenstermaker, two wriggly, rescued pups.

The judges made their decisions. Awards included: Largest dog, Harley; smallest, Tiny Dancer; best dressed, Roxie in custom designed eyeglasses; best behaved, Sissy; best costume was Weebay, the Boston terrier; best of Show were the Fenstermaker pups who received a prize basket donated by Dr. Donna Flaggs.

Dr. Flaggs’ dog, Sissy, was a model for the rescue community. She was hit by two cars on the same day and was in very serious condition when she was brought to Cabin Creek Animal Hospital where she was nursed back to health and adopted by Dr. Flaggs and her family.

The mayor announced another contest: The youngest and oldest attendees. She said, “Who will admit being the oldest person here? Anyone over 60…over 65…over 70…over 75…over 80 and can ambulate…over 82…over 83…over 90 and not on a stretcher?” The sole winner was nonagenarian Jerry Wilson.