SEEING RED, WHITE AND BLUE
Bullard's festival draws record attendance levels
Beautiful weather, an array of activities and topnotch entertainment -- said Teresa Adams- Wilks -- were the main reasons people showed up in record numbers for the 9th annual Bullard Chamber of Commerce Red, White & Blue festival held on Saturday.

-- Bullard Banner photos by Lori Mellinger Above, Amber Baker -- joined by her escort -- is named Miss RW&B at the Bullard chamber festival on Saturday. Below, Morgan Sharp rides with her grandparents in the parade.

Peak crowds showed up Saturday to shop, watch the parade, honor veterans and hear a top-notch lineup of entertainment.

"This was the most successful festival we've seen yet," said entertainment chair Mike Alexander. "With the help of our sponsors - especially Brookshire's - we were able to bring in some unbelievable talent."

The acts included local talent Nearly There and Lauren Alexander - as well as up and comers Rich O'Toole and Todd Fritsch.

"It's rare to have so much talent in one small town," said committee member and city manager Larry Morgan. "And Mike and John (Alexander of Nearly There) were really able to put the musical part together well."

Almost 70 vendors showed up to sell their wares.

"I was worried in the beginning - having been forced to start so late in the game," said booth chair Darline McKay. "But the response was overwhelming, and I look to see it growing more and more every year."

The local highlights included a parade, honoring of local veterans and the crowing of Amber Baker, Bullard High School senior, as Miss Red, White and Blue.

"We're just thrilled with the way things turned out," Adams- Wilks said. "And we look forward to it growing every year."

Lauren Alexander Todd Fritsch Nearly There Scenes from Bullard's Red, White & Blue Festival on Saturday with photos by Lori Mellinger and Kelly Griffith.