Posted: Thursday, August 6, 2009 9:10 pm

CornFest 2009 will claim the attention of area fun-lovers during the month of September.
Events will begin with beauty pageants the weekend of Sept. 5 and Sept. 12 and will include a knock-your-socks-off Airport Extravaganza Sept. 13.
Later that week, on Sept. 16, the Business and Community Luncheon will honor three outstanding Obion Countians and the area’s young artists will have a chance to showcase their talent in the annual Chalk Art Contest, set for Sept. 17.
The CornFest parade will get things moving that same day and the annual tennis tournament will be in full swing Sept. 18-20.
Closing things out will be the CornFest barbecue cookoff at the fairgrounds Sept. 25.
And on Sept. 19, there will be a whole day of fun for the entire family — with most of the action in the area of Kiwanis Park in downtown Union City.
Wheels in Motion
Bright and early that Saturday morning, families will be encouraged to break out their wheels — the kind powered by real human legs — and take part in the “Wheels in Motion” event. There are no trophies or prizes because this is not a race, just an opportunity to enjoy some healthy and fun family time. Children must be accompanied by an adult as they leave Kiwanis Park at 7 a.m. and follow a pre-posted route in the northwest area of the town. Riders will pedal to the Industrial Park on that side of town and will sail past Goodyear.
When families feel the need to take a break and refresh, they can find goodies at the Obion County Career Technology Center on North Fifth Street in the industrial park. In addition to treats for hungry and thirsty participants, there will be T-shirts and water bottles donated by local businesses for give-away.
For more information, call Heather Kendall at 885-7171 or 592-1422.
Pet Parade
The Pet Parade will get under way at 9, with adults and children welcome to show off their non-human friends.
Prizes will be awarded for cutest, best costume, most obedient, most unusual, funniest, owner/pet most look-a-like and pet-less child in costume carrying a stuffed animal.
All participants will receive participation ribbons. Pets in the Park T-shirts will be given to the first 50 entries.
Animals must be restrained and controlled at all times and children younger than 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Pets are the sole responsibility of their adult owners.
Owners will also be expected to clean up after their pets.
Contact Lynn Glover at 446-9091 or Glenda Chrisp at 885-8330 for more information.
‘Creative Chair’
Silent Auction
Individuals, businesses and organizations are encouraged to use lively imaginations in designing unique chairs to be offered at the Art in the Park event. “Artists” may use paint, mosaic, fabric and more to make the crowd sit up and take notice.
Recliners are discouraged for this event, but ladderback, Adirondack, new or antique chairs are acceptable.
Those interested may place their silent bids throughout the day until 5 p.m.
For information, call Penny Autry at 335-2300.
Art in the Park
Antiques/collectibles, ceramics, fiber art, paintings, water colors, photography, jewelry, mixed media, metal work, pottery, wood and more will be displayed and offered for sale by artists and artisans throughout the shady walkways in Kiwanis Park, beginning at 9 and continuing until 5 p.m. Those interested in showcasing their creative talents are encouraged to contact Mrs. Chrisp at 885-8330 or Mrs. Glover at 446-9091.
Tyson Feed
Barbecue — and lots of it. That’s what Tyson will be offering in the area near the park from 11 until 2 — or until there simply are no more plates. Volunteers will be serving up the South’s favorite cuisine with delicious sides and a variety of bands will add a special musical kick to the “saucy” eating adventure.
For more information, call Andrew Blair at 886-4700.
Pumpkin Decorating
With Jr. Auxiliary
Young artists don’t have to bring anything but their talent and imagination to the pumpkin-focused art fun in the park kicking off at 11 and continuing until 3. Members of Junior Auxiliary of Obion County will be on hand to oversee all artistic efforts and encourage budding Rembrandts.
Bed Race
Make up your bed to catch the judge’s attention, attach the big wheels, assemble a fleet-footed team and enter the third annual CornFest bed race down East Church Street next to Kiwanis Park. Teams of five, with four runners and a single rider, will be competing for prizes, beginning at 1 p.m.
For more information, call Mrs. Chrisp at 885-8330 or Mrs. Glover at 446-9091.
Corn Eating/
Shucking Contests
Bring hearty appetites and nimble fingers to these fun contests at Kiwanis Park at 2 p.m. For more information, call Mrs. Chrisp or Mrs. Glover at the numbers listed above.
CornFest Idol
Do you have what it takes to make it in the big time? Find out at the CornFest Idol competition for youth and adults at 3 p.m.
Jared Hamlin has information about the contest. Contact him at 592-1079.
‘Run for the Pig’ Race
Enter your cousin! Provided he’s fleet of foot enough to catch one of the four-legged porkers and hang on for dear life. For more details call Mrs. Chrisp at 885-8330 or Mrs. Glover at 446-9091. The fun will begin at 4 in the afternoon.
Make it a CornFest celebration Sept. 19 and invite the kinfolks and all your neighbors. Good times are almost guaranteed.
Published in The Messenger 8.6.09