April in Edom 2008 a great success
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

Nathan Straus Photo The Texicans, an old west re-enactment group, in the middle of a scene one might expect to see in the old days.

The small arts community of Edom, just north of Brownsboro, received nearly 10,000 people over the weekend. The reason was the town's annual April in Edom street fair, and the number of visitors was estimated at 7,500-9,000.

Robin Marshall, chairman of April in Edom, said visitors came from all over to visit Edom during the street fair.

"Some came from Tyler, some from Dallas and even from Henderson," Marshall said.

April in Edom, which ran on April 19 and 20, featured dozens of vendors set up to sell their wares in downtown Edom. The lively atmosphere was enhanced by live singing throughout the parade.

In addition, there was a series of performances put on by the Texicans, a group that performs old west shows.

For the kids, there was a pair of trains running throughout the fair; one for the little kids and one for older children and adults. There was also a kids' area with inflatable attractions and pony rides.

Finally, there was a pet parade where those who brought animals could show them off. The winner of the "Most Un- usual Pet" prize was 5th grader Texas Desselles, who brought several chickens to the parade.

"The pet parade and the auction went real well," Marshall said of the day's events. "All the vendors donated something to the auction, and it raised a lot of money for April in Edom and the fire department."

Marshall added the 2008 fair was better in every way than the 2007 fair, and by a wide margin.

"It was easily 75 percent better," Marshall said. "Advertising was good, and the media worked with us real nice; I think that's part of what made it a success."

Marshall said a few minor changes would be made for next year's event, such as the position of the portable toilets, but nothing major would need to be fixed.

"From the vendors' perspectives, " Marshall said, "they liked the crowds and sold a lot of items. Some vendors even wanted to reserve space for next year."

Visitors to East Texas enjoyed the small town atmosphere and the variety of booths," Marshall noted. Restaurants also provided variety, and the weather was perfect.

The event served as a boon to the community. Marshall said she believed the restaurants received 25 percent of their annual sales just for the weekend.

"It really gives a big boost to the economy," Marshall said.

The April in Edom sponsors were: Edom Bakery and Grill; The Shed CafØ'; First State Bank of Ben Wheeler, Edom Branch; Town and Country Properties; Stuck on Sports, Advertising Specialists; Hurt and Berry LLP, Law Firm; Edom Water Department; Blueberry Hill Farms; The Chandler and Brownsboro Statesman; Edom Veterinary Service; G-Man Trash Collection Service; Edom Methodist Men; Potters Brown; Lamb's Antiques; Edom Volunteer Fire Department; Ole Home Place Gift Shop; East Texas Auctioneers, Wayne Macy; Primrose Bed and Breakfast.

Also up for thanks from the April in Edom committee are: The family of Gladys Saylors; Kerry and Carolyn Hargrove; Margaret and Cletus Hutchins; Dwayne and Ann Collins; Kenny and Cindy Edwards; James and Mary Golden; Tim and Carolyn West; John Pipes; Pat Jordan, security; Mark Wood, security; Richard Mabry, His Music Ministries; The Golden Girls, Brownsboro High School; Lauren Alexander, singer-entertainer; Stephen Pipes, singer-DJ; Dianna Dawn, singer; Texas Dirt Band, entertainment; Peyton Neill; Lynn Warren; Linda Williams; Stephanie Swanson; all vendors and merchants who donated to the live auction, as well as those who purchased the items.