SOUTHWICK – Southwick Days organizer Joseph Deedy said while the three-day event went off with a few hitches, it was a great weekend.
Friday was a good day until rain poured down and drenched the town 10 minutes before the fireworks display was set to go off.
“The rain date was the next day, but we didn’t realize we needed to give the company 48 hours notice to reschedule, not 10 minutes,” said Deedy.
While most spectators left, those that ducked for cover and waited out the rain were treated to the planned fireworks display.
Saturday’s highlight was the Fireman’s Parade.
“It was well attended and there were more people watching than in the past,” Deedy said.
The Southwick Boy Scouts took the top prize for their Scout-themed float. The 300-foot float consisted of canoes tied together, which the Scouts “rowed” down the parade route, while other Scouts “hiked” a mountain in the center of the float.
On Sunday, a charity car show took place alongside the annual Grill ‘N Daze BBQ and chili competition.
Deedy said the show went well, but he wants to have breakfast sandwiches and coffee next year for the car show crowd who were there for several hours before the BBQ tents opened.
“They loved the BBQ though,” said Deedy. ” All our competitors sold out of food.”
In the chili category, Smokey O’s took the top prize while Fat Dawgs came in second and American Inn took third place. Fat Dawgs came out on top in the chicken competition with Smokey O’s taking second place and Bam Bam came in third.
Fat Dawgs ruled the pork category followed by Smokey O’s and Rude Eye took third place. Fat Dawgs earned the hat trick and took first place in the beef category followed by Bam Bam in second place and Rude Eye in third.
The American Inn held onto its prize for best decorated booth.
Deedy said the food was delicious, but there were not as many competitors as in the past.
“I want to expand it next year,” he said. “It’s still a great event and I want to see it grow.”
Deedy said next year he would like the carnival to run Thursday-Saturday, then on Sunday the car show could expand along with the BBQ contest.
Deedy also wants to explore the possibility of moving the entire event from the Southwick Recreation Center to Whalley Park.
“The only problem is if people are watching from Whalley Park I don’t know where we would set off the fireworks,” Deedy said.
All in all, Deedy said Southwick Days was a success.
“This is something the Rotary does for the community and the community supported it,” said Deedy. “I am already working on next year.”
