Rhonda Griffin, Journal Editor

BLADENBORO — A crowd of people turned out under skies that cleared to reveal a warm, sunny day for the Beast of Bladenboro Festival on Saturday. The event started in the early hours of the morning with a pancake breakfast, and the festivities continued throughout the day as friends and neighbors gathered in honor of the tale of the Beast.

Berry Lewis, one of the event’s coordinators, was pleased with the turnout for the second annual festival.

“We’re going to have to do things differently next year,” Lewis said while standing among the crowd of visitors. “We’re going to have to close down some streets. We’re running out of places to put vendors.”

Various singing and dancing acts provided live entertainment on the main stage during the day while guests roamed through the booths of food, crafts and other goodies. A brightly-painted horse-drawn buggy provided rides along the streets, along with a smaller ride called “Traxx the Train.”

Children squealed with glee as they played among the bounce houses, slides and rides, and more than one corner held groups engaged in marshmallow shooter wars.

Shiny cars and trucks showing off many hours of hard work were a big hit among viewers of all ages during the car show. Various prizes and trophies were given to the many who entered their works of labor.

Smiles and laughter abounded as residents and visitors greeted each other and enjoyed a day of fun and entertainment together.