Confection connection

By Bob Stuart

Published: July 25, 2008

STUARTS DRAFT – Today’s fifth annual Sweet Dreams Festival promises to be bigger, and perhaps better, than ever.
Approximately 119 vendors will line up at Stuarts Draft Park today while children enjoy free rides and visitors watch a hot dog eating contest and a Little Debbie Look-Alike contest.
Artist Lisa Geiman has painted special art to commemorate the event, and a letter-writing contest was held to honor the sweetest teacher. The contest winner will be announced today.
While the event pays tribute to Stuarts Draft’s confectionary connection represented by both Hershey’s Chocolate and McKee Baking plants, it has grown beyond the borders of Augusta County.
“I’m seeing a lot of people coming from across the mountain in Albemarle County,” said Stuarts Draft Postmaster Kevin Blackford, one of the committee members who organizes Sweet Dreams each year.
Blackford said he is keeping his fingers crossed that the day is dry and comfortable.
Carnival rides will be available to keep young children entertained. And for adults, there is a bungee run for the first time.
That amusement will complement the rock climbing wall, said Kathy Stout McQuain, the assistant director of the Augusta County Parks & Recreation Department.
Both McQuain and Blackford said this year’s vendors include more crafts.
Among those setting up Friday afternoon was Stacie Ross, of Waynesboro, a maker of jewelry, bags and other crafts.
“This is the first time I’ve ever done this, so I don’t know what to expect,” said Ross. “This gives me a chance to show off what I can do.”
Ross said she has been making jewelry for a few years, but has only recently gone to events like Sweet Dreams.
Sweet Dreams starts at 9 a.m. and continues until 5 p.m.

If you go
Sweet Dreams stage schedule
* 9-9:30 a.m. – letter-writing contest winner and opening comments
* 10:30-11:15 a.m. – bubble gum bubble-blowing contest
* 11:15-11:30 a.m. – Heaven Mountain Band
* 11:30 a.m.-noon – Heaven Mountain Band
* Noon-12:30 p.m. – Little Debbie Look-Alike Contest
* 12:30-1 p.m. – Little Debbie Look-Alike Contest
* 1-1:30 p.m. – Hot dog eating contest
* 1:30-2 p.m. – Hot dog eating contest
* 2-2:30 p.m. – Mark Hackley
* 2:30-3 p.m. – Mark Hackley
* 3-3:30 p.m. – Mark Hackley
* 3:30-4 p.m. – Jon boat drawing
* 4:30-5 p.m. – results from baking contest, 5K race, horseshoe tournament and softball tournament