Future of Loblolly Days is in doubt

To the editor:
Bryant Loblolly Days has been scheduled for the first weekend after Labor Day since the early 1970s.
Highlighting — past years events include the landing of the Samaritan helicopter, visits from Ronald McDonald, the landing of a skydiver, hot air balloon landing, the country queen contest, tractor pulls, horse pulls, baby contest, pet parade, cow patty bingo, a parade and many other inexpensive or free events. It has been the goal of the committee to provide a weekend of low cost enjoyment.
Last year’s theme was “Duck Dynasty,” including a “Duck Dynasty” cast look-alike contest. What fun.
This year committee members are struggling with the issue of “are there enough of us on the committee to put together a 2015 Loblolly Days event?”
We will miss the help of both Kathy Davidson, previous president, and Janet Davidson, previous treasurer. After many years they have resigned from the committee. We will miss their help as well as the help from their families and friends.
At the most recent Loblolly Days meeting only seven members were present — this includes three new members — causing us to ask ourselves “are there enough of us on the committee to put on the festival in 2015?”
It seems a shame for a weekend of inexpensive/free enjoyment to come to an end. Loblolly Days does not come together by itself. It takes months of planning and dedication from committee members. However it is also fun and rewarding work.
We are urging anyone interested in helping or anyone wanting to join the committee to contact president Scott Schoenlein at (260) 729-1127, treasurer Diane Schoenlein at (260) 997-8380 or secretary Nancy Davidson at (260) 997-6111.
Thank you in advance.
Diane Schoenlein
Nancy Davidson
Loblolly Days committee