The town of Leesburg was happy to report a successful Leesburg Day the weekend of Sept. 9. 2006 marked the 18th year for the event.

As in the past, this year’s event featured a variety of food, arts and crafts, entertainment and more. Both Republican and Democratic candidates for office took the opportunity to meet with constituents and hear some of their concerns.

“I feel like it is going to be a great day,” said Incumbent Commissioner Mark Green who is running as a Republican in the 2006 General Election. “It's a quarter until nine and there's a good crowd here already. There are a lot of vendors and exhibits set up, so I think we will have a big crowd. We are looking for a good day.”

Weiss Lake Boy Scout Troop 810 officially started the festivities by leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. They were followed by Local Vocalist Erica Crane who sang The National Anthem.



Mayor Ed Mackey then recognized Ms. Leesburg for 2006, Daisy Evans.

“Our Miss Leesburg this year is no stranger,” said Mackey. “She has lived here all

of her life. She graduated from Gaylesville High School and attended Athens College, taught school and then worked in the office of the engineering department of Republic Steel. Daisy met and married Ernest Evans. Most of us know Ernest as Johnny Evans. Ernest was raised in Leesburg.”

The Evans' have two daughters and are members of Cedar Hill United Methodist Church.

Mackey welcomed two guest speakers including Lamar Denkins, a representative from Congressman Mike Rogers’ office. He also recognized Rep. Richard Lindsey.

“It's good to be in Leesburg and Cherokee County,” said Denkins. “I love to come here. You have a beautiful county and I know you have been blessed by being residents of Cherokee County. It's an

honor for me to be here and represent Congressman Mike Rogers this morning. I know if the Congressman was here he would tell you that you honored him by electing him to be your District Congressman in Washington.”



Rogers, Denkins said, became the youngest commissioner in Calhoun County at the age of 27. He was a state representative for eight years and he has been the Third District Congressman for four years.

“He has served on three committees,” said Denkins. “These include the Homeland Security

Committee where he has served as chairman of the sub committee. He also serves on the Armed Services Committee and the Agriculture Committee. He said he is living out his dream. Sometimes when he is in Washington and in the capitol, he said he has to pinch himself to make sure it is not a dream. I just wanted to come and say that it is an honor to be your Congressman and hopefully, you will get to meet him in the near future.”

“It is always an honor and a privilege to come out on Leesburg Day,” said Lindsey. “I heard on the radio coming over that this is the 18th Annual Leesburg Day. That is surprising to me. Time flies when you are having fun doesn’t it? This is just a beautiful day. The weather is cooperating perfectly.”

Lindsey took a few minutes to praise the mayor and town council of Leesburg for the progress in the town.

“Without a progressive mayor and council, it wouldn’t be happening,” said Lindsey. “They have worked to bring expansion at Pemco, a local industry here. They were located in Baltimore, Md. and are moving their entire operation to Leesburg. There will be around 100 jobs there when that move is complete. That is a great success here for Leesburg.”

Lindsey and the town have also worked to bring another red light to the town.

“The traffic is very heavy at times,” said Lindsey. “It will be helpful when they get that traffic light installed. KTH recently expanded. The textile industry across the country has suffered greatly over the past 10 years. Many mills have closed. But Fruit of the Loom of Leesburg has chosen to keep their plant open. It is a productive mill. They say they have some of the best workers in their company here at Leesburg. So all in all, with the mayor and council and everyone pulling together and working together, there’s a lot of success happening in Leesburg and I want to congratulate you mayor and council for the work you have done. Again, I hope everybody has a great day today and if I can ever be of service to any of you, always feel free to call on me.”

Entertainment for the day included Gospel Three and Bill, Crimson Flow and Midnight Run.

The local antique tractor association had some of their best models on display which drew many observers.

“We are pleased with the turnout,” said Josh Garmany, a member of the Association. “So far we have 42 tractors here today. I think everyone enjoys seeing these old tractors run.”

Member Len Hogan said the Association now has 54 members.

“We have Wedowee and Lineville Tractor Clubs here with us today,” said Hogan. “We go to their shows, they come to ours. We’ve had a good crowd. We’ve got just about any kind of tractor you can think of.”

The Association looks forward to displaying at the Fall Festival in Centre Saturday, Oct. 7, Hogan said. They will be part of the parade and will also be on display in front of Centre Middle School and Centre First Baptist Church.

“We appreciated everybody coming out to see us,” said Hogan. “That is what we are here for to show some of the old tractors and how they work. Most of these tractors were used for farming at one time.”

Leesburg Town Clerk Jennifer Sharpe said they were pleased with this year’s event with 1,000 people or more visiting throughout the day.

“It was a huge success,” said Sharpe. “The weather was perfect. Our vendors were pleased. All of them ran out of food. Our local arts and crafts vendors reported doing real well. We heard many people bragging on our entertainment. We hope to do as well or better next year.”