Market, run draw large crowds

Published 12:27 am Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Artist Rik Long, who was a vendor, talks with local photographer Robert Evers.

Artist Rik Long, who was a vendor, talks with local photographer Robert Evers.

Organizers pleased with annual events

Organizers were extremely pleased with the success of Saturday’s Three Notch Market and sMiles for Megan 5K.

Chairwoman Tina Rogers called Three Notch Market the best in its seven-year existence, while 5K chairwoman Kay Maddox said turnout was phenomenal.

Andalusia native Michael Kelley, left, performs with his band.

Andalusia native Michael Kelley, left, performs with his band.

The turn out from the community was the highest I’ve seen over the seven years of being involved with the market,” Rogers said. “I was very pleased and wish I actually had a head count. I know the Tisdale Street was busy from 9 until 1. I believe partnering with sMiles for Megan was in both groups’ best interest. The community came to be a part of the run to carry on a dream of a precious young lady and then stayed and visited with us.”

Maddox said a total of 504 people participated in the 5K and Kids’ Fun Run. This is the event’s second year, and the first time its been held in conjunction with Three Notch Market.

“We logged 257 runners, 180 walkers, 45 virtual participants, and 22 Fun Run participants for a total of 504,” she said. “It was a huge success, and we couldn’t have done it without our community’s involvement.”

Winners of the 5K are listed in today’s sports section.

This group of volunteers from the Opp High School SGA lined the 5K route with encouraging and amusing signs Saturday morning. Right Former UA running back

This group of volunteers from the Opp High School SGA lined the 5K route with encouraging and amusing signs Saturday morning. Right Former UA running back

Rogers said two new additions to Three Notch Market – a children’s art contest and activities for children – also helped with turnout.

“The art contest was probably my favorite,” she said. “Even the pieces that didn’t win were great. Seeing the community enjoying the day with their families is worth the work that went into putting market together.”

AJWC gave away two beach trips Saturday. The first was a weekend trip. Shoppers at the market won a chance for the trip with every $10 spent with vendors. Jennifer Dansby was the winner of that trip.

AJWC also sold $1 raffle tickets for a chance at a week-long beach trip, which was won by Steven Prevett.

AJWC still has some of this year’s Market T-shirts available. The shirts, which are $20, feature Roger Powell’s art interpretation of Three Notch Market, they may be purchased at the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce building.

Maddox expressed her thanks to all who supported the run.

Siran Stacy crosses the finish line.

Siran Stacy crosses the finish line.

“I would like to thank the wonderful race committee and all the volunteers for their hard work and dedication to this worthy cause,” she said. “Thanks to Mayor Johnson and City of Andalusia for the use of their facilities. Thanks to WAAO for their live remote and publicity prior to the event. Thanks to all of the local businesses for their donations of door prizes, water, and other services that made this such a huge success.  Megan would be so proud of her community.”

Proceeds of the sMiles for Megan event benefit the Megan Kelley Smiles Foundation, which provides financial assistance to young adults with cancer.

 

 

 

 

 

roger-powell

Roger Powell, right, who was the featured artist for this year’s festival, visits with his sister.

Hundreds of participants in the sMiles for Megan 5K pause for a moment of silence Saturday morning as balloons are released in memory of the teen, who lost her battle with leukemia in February of 2015.

Hundreds of participants in the sMiles for Megan 5K pause for a moment of silence Saturday morning as balloons are released in memory of the teen, who lost her battle with leukemia in February of 2015.