By Bridgette Smith

Special to the Tribune

Petersburg Proud Day was a success in 2013. The day kicked off with a 5K run and a one-mile fun walk. Everyone started the course with smiles on their faces, and smiles of satisfaction and relief were on faces as the run and walk finished. Congratulations to Clint Neal who was the first runner over all. He finished the 5K in 19 minutes 19 seconds. We awarded an honorary metal to Gina Tincher who ran in memory of Jimmy Shaddy who was killed in an accident the week prior to the run. Thanks to all the locals and folks from surrounding communities who got up early to come and participate in this year's 5K and one-mile fun walk.

Tom Dixon opened the evening with an hour-long set of current country songs and singles from his album "Kick Start This Party." For those who haven't had the privilege of meeting Dixon and hearing him sing are missing out. Tom has recently moved to Petersburg from New Hampshire, and is making an impact already. We are so glad that he has decided to call Petersburg his new home.

The Classic Car Cruise In kick started our Sock Hop. Petersburg had 27 cars join us for the evening. All kinds of makes and models of classic cars came. This year's cruise in was dedicated to the memory of Jerry Thornton. His grandson Justin Davis and wife Barbara Thornton drove his truck at the front of the pack and set the mood for the evening.

While folks checked out the cars and ate our famous pork loin sandwiches the Sock Hop games were beginning. Hula Hoop contests for adults and children, a bubble gum bubble blowing contest, dress up contests, and, a favorite two years in a row, "Name that '50s Face" were enjoyed by all. Thanks to the Lion's Club for bringing games out and manning them to help with the kid's games that went with the armband. Thanks and appreciation goes to Gayle Forry for building and painting our Carnival funny face photo boards; Madalyn Hart, Rebecca Hart, and Terry Bedwell for helping us with our food tent; and to all of the Parks and Recreation Committee's parents, spouses, and children for falling in and helping where we needed you. It truly takes a village to get things accomplished. We can't wait to Rock around the square again.

Thanks to all who came out to make this night a night to remember. This is Petersburg Parks and Recreation's biggest fundraiser. Parks and Recreation is funded by donations and money that is raised by the committee. Petersburg Parks and Recreation's committee's main objective is to provide activities and events for Petersburg's citizens of all ages, as well as to keep Morgan Park clean, current, and a pleasant place for everyone to enjoy. Petersburg Parks and Recreation recently purchased playground equipment and it has been installed at the Community Center on High Street. Now there is a park on the opposite side of town for folks to enjoy. Thank you for helping to make our efforts of cleaning up our town and giving our citizens places to enjoy outdoors easier by supporting our events.