BELPRE - Although attendance seemed to be down early Friday night compared to Thursday, the Belpre Homecoming generated plenty of excitement for people of all ages at Civitan Park.
The Little Miss and Little Mister Belpre pageants took place, along with other events Friday.
There was no shortage of cute and adorable children when the kindergarten and first-graders took the stage. New awards were given out this year, such as the most photogenic and the fan favorite who raised the most money.
Article Photos
Junior Miss Belpre 2011 Brylee Weekley, right, awards the Little Mister Belpre title to Aiden Boyer as Miss Belpre 2011 Mercedes Trescott looks on. (Photo by Mandi Cardosi)_
The winner of fan favorite was Alana Jo Cooper, of Belpre, who raised $200 in sponsorship money. Most photogenic for the boys was the winner, Little Mister Belpre, Aiden Boyer of Little Hocking.
The winner of the Little Miss Belpre Homecoming title was Grace Sprout, of Belpre, who shyly accepted her awards, which consisted of a crown, sash and gifts.
All of the contestants held nothing back when it came to their smiles and personalities. First runner-up Chase Maze and winner Boyer shared in the prize of a toy truck.
Maze expressed interest in his fellow pageant contestant's truck, because it was bigger than his. The crowd chuckled as Maze pointed out the difference in truck size. Boyer seemed to enjoy posing and walking for the audience.
President of the Belpre Lions Club Jack Coram was selling water, soda pop, frozen candy bars on a stick, and raffle tickets at the Homecoming. Coram said the drawing for the raffle will be held at the Apple Butter Stir-off at 4 p.m. Oct. 4.
Tickets are $10 and first prize includes $300. Second prize is a $200 gasoline card, and third prize consists of a $100 grocery card.
The Lions Club is teaming with Ruby Tuesday on a club fundraiser. Patrons can bring the Lions Club flier to the restaurant Sept. 9-11 and 20 percent of the purchase will be given to the organization, in the name of the Secret Santa event.
Friday's events included a car show. John Miller, of Vienna, had a Corvette to show, and Bobby Davison, of Belpre, was showing his car as well. The two are longtime friends and had been coming to the Homecoming for several years together.
A group of girls sat together to watch the pageants and wait for Casey James, "American Idol" alumnus, to perform Friday. The spectators were natives of Belpre and anticipated a night full of fun and activity.
Today:
