Residents braved this summer’s last heat wave with Sno-cones and funnel cakes at the second annual festival on Sept. 19 in Mineral Springs.

Janet Ridings, assistant town clerk said, “Last year, we did it because the town turned 15 years old and everyone had a great time, so we decided to do it again.”

Thirty-six booths lined the grass next to the town’s offices, where crowds of people perused handcrafted fall décor, walking sticks and bird houses. Boy Scout Troop 18 paraded llamas from Honeysuckle Llamas Farm up and down the field – children stopped to pet them while parents took pictures. Children also enjoyed a play area on the town office’s front lawn, where they hopped in a bounce house and played games such as knocking over a pyramid of cans for prizes.

Town officials and service members all participated in the event.

Mayor Rick Becker manned the microphone, hosting the event. Council members handed out free raffle tickets for prizes such as free pizza from Fox’s Pizza Den and discussed the construction of the new park. Mineral Springs Volunteer Fire Department showcased an engine, allowed kids to explore the engine and a Safety First fire training mobile home.

Union County Sheriff’s officers mingled with crowd and one deputy volunteered in the dunk tank along with Councilman Jerry Countryman.

Entertainment was provided by Parkwood High School’s Marching Band and a cappella group Rebel Clef, as well as the Helms brothers performing bluegrass music.

Toward the end of the day, Becker called council members forward with shovels in hand for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Mineral Springs Downtown Park. The park has been in the works since last year and received the final approval at town council’s April meeting.

The one-third acre park will include a fountain, walking paths, senior exercise equipment, children’s playground, picnic tables and benches. This project will cost the town $127,000, including the design.

Becker said they expect the park to be completed by next year’s festival and will serve as the centerpiece for all the action.