(Aug. 11, 2016) The streets of Snow Hill were full to bursting last Saturday, as it seemed the entire population of the town — and then some — came first to see a parade of farm equipment, but stayed to experience the small town’s premier summer festival.
The event began with a parade of tractors and combines, which hit downtown just after 11 a.m. Hundreds and hundreds of people were already lining the streets, and the vendors were already active when the combines arrived, awaiting their blessing.  
Several speakers were featured, including Mayor Charlie Dorman, County Commissioners Ted Elder and Jim Bunting, Capt. Willie Dykes, Charlie Hoober, founder of Hoober farm equipment, and Kenneth Holt, Maryland Secretary of Housing and Community Development.
Steve Hales acted as the emcee, and Rev. Andy Frick, of Whatcoat Methodist Church, delivered the blessing.
Frick invoked Genesis 1:29, but spent more time regaling the crowd with a story about a recent visit to Washington D.C., and his enthusiasm for returning to the lower shore.
Frick said after two weeks in the nation’s capital, he “grew weary of white concrete and black rubber tires,” as well as the “out of control” intensity.
It wasn’t until he passed through Easton along Route 50 that he said he began to relax.
From there, the Michael Christopher Band took over, with Nick Haglich to follow, adding a backdrop to the event that then became all about vendors, activities, displays and catching up.
In addition to the speakers, Delegates Mary Beth Carozza, Charles Otto and Carl Anderton as well as State Sen. Jim Mathias were present, along with the mayor and council of Snow Hill.
Pearl Street was transformed into a kids’ area with a bounce house, soybean pit and petting zoo, while a block north on River Street, featured many of the vendors and food service areas.
“It’s a nice turnout with the speakers, and the crowd is overwhelming,” one of the event’s founders, Becky Payne, said. “I want to thank the vendors and volunteers who showed up — thank goodness for all the volunteers.”