June circus visit to help fund SummerFest

ROYAL CITY - The Royal City SummerFest Committee has announced that the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will come to town in June and share proceeds with the committee.

"Two years ago, the circus receipts almost paid for the cost of the Friday night fireworks," committee member Leslie Fanning said.

Fanning noted a couple of volunteers will be needed to do greeting at the two shows scheduled for June 8.

In other SummerFest news, Fanning announced the first committee meeting of the year will be held on Thursday, Jan. 24, at City Hall at 7 p.m.

According to Chairperson Cara Hoyt, the SummerFest theme for this year will be Royal Renaissance. The festival will include an all-day program by the Knights of Veritas and an art show, in addition to the traditional activities.

Fanning noted the Amazing Race has been dropped this year in favor of a scavenger hunt organized by the Knights of Veritas.

SummerFest is always held the second weekend in July. This year's dates are July 12-14.

Hoyt has a strong support team for planning, including:

• Friday night chair, Mario Godoy.
• Saturday breakfast, Gayle Bender.
• Booth chair, Sherrie Rodriguez.
• Fund raising, Leslie Fanning.
• Secretary, Tiffany Workinger.
• Mailings, Peggy Vipond.
• Parade, Julirae Castleton.
• Ping Pong Drop, Mary Jane Spragg.
• Friday night BBQ, Michael Christensen.
• Bookkeeper, Hollie Fanning.
• Art Show, Nancy Grant.
• Run Royal, Dana Hebdon and Ashley Frank.
• Insurance, Heather Jenks.
• Grant, Kelly Collins.

In addition to events organized by the committee, the Lions Club is expected to have its car races on the same weekend. The Royal Golf Club often has a SummerFest tournament.

"Although many of the Saturday positions are filled, we still need a Saturday chairperson to oversee activities on that day," Hoyt said. "If you are new to the area, or would like to meet new people, don't be shy to step up."

There are also several small duties for which help is needed. Some do not involve the actual weekend but are done ahead in preparation.

The website for SummerFest is www.rcsummerfest.org. There is also a FaceBook page for Royal City SummerFest.