Nazareth Children’s Home will celebrate its 102nd birthday Saturday with its annual Fun Fest on the grounds of the children’s home.
This year, organizers are dedicating the event to the memory of Salisbury firefighters Victor Isler and Justin Monroe, who died fighting the Salisbury Millwork fire in March.
A special observance takes place at noon Saturday. Nazareth board member Flynn Menius will introduce Salisbury Fire Chief Bob Parnell.
Two other speakers will make comments, followed by the Fireman’s Prayer, Eddy Taylor performing the “Firefighter Song” and Pastor Mike Shoaf offering a prayer.
Taylor will then lead those gathered in singing “God Bless America.”
In addition to solemn moments, “we have great food all day including turkey legs, bloomin’ onions, BBQ, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, pastries, popcorn, lemonade, drinks, slushies, funnel cakes and old fashioned pineapple sherbets,” Linda Benge, a longtime Nazareth leader, said.
The calendar of events goes something like this:
– 7 a.m., breakfast.
– 8 a.m., craft fair and car show begins.
– 10 a.m., welcome and prayer by Nazareth President and CEO Vernon L. Walters Jr.
Crescent Cloggers and Rowan Aero Modelers will perform.
Butch Maddox will act as DJ all day.
– 10:30 a.m., Nikki Goodman and Christy Trexler.
– 11 a.m., Darrell Connor and the Chosen Few and alumni meeting in the gazebo.
– 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Buddy Poole of WSAT 1280 AM will broadcast live from the Fun Fest.
– Noon, firefighter tribute and Lyerly family reunion at Goodson Shelter.
– 12:30 p.m., Uncle George the Magician.
– 1 p.m., The Chapeleers.
– 1:45 p.m., Dimensions Dance Art.
– 2:15 p.m., Darrell Connor and the Chosen Few
– 2:45 p.m., Roy Gaddy as Elvis.
– 3:30 p.m., Marty Vanderlip, 2007 winner of Charlotte’s “Give Me The Mike Contest.”
– 4:15 p.m., Southern Faith.
– 5 p.m., raffle for 2008 Honda Civic, 32-inch Sony flat-screen, LCD HDTV, New Sony Playstation/Motorstorm Pack, new handmade quilt courtesy of Pilgrim Reformed Church Women Quilters and $200 Nazareth Outlet gift certificate. Also 50/50 drawing.
Through the day, people can participate in silent auctions for baskets filled with goodies of all kinds.
At 10 a.m. June 15, members of the community will gather for a 10 a.m. worship service at Nazareth Community Church in the Leonard Chapel. Pastor Shoaf will lead the service.