Sillee Willee the Clown waves to the camera as he stops to talk to Brittany Lewis, left, and Dakota Chisholm. The two girls were waiting to go on a ride at last year's Cypress Festival in Pocomoke City. (File photo)Spud gun and more debuts at Cypress fest
By Jenny Hopkinson • Staff Writer • June 10, 2010
POCOMOKE CITY -- It takes Denise Wagner less time to explain what isn't new at this year's Cypress Festival than what is."When I looked at some of the things they had done in the past, I thought, 'Why would you want to go?' Especially if you don't have small children," Wagner said. "There wasn't anything appealing to the teenage crowd, or young adult or even the older crowd."But not this year. Under the guidance of Wagner -- who became the executive director of the Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce last October -- the 35th annual Cypress Festival may almost be too big for the downtown park that shares its name.
POCOMOKE CITY -- It takes Denise Wagner less time to explain what isn't new at this year's Cypress Festival than what is."When I looked at some of the things they had done in the past, I thought, 'Why would you want to go?' Especially if you don't have small children," Wagner said. "There wasn't anything appealing to the teenage crowd, or young adult or even the older crowd."But not this year. Under the guidance of Wagner -- who became the executive director of the Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce last October -- the 35th annual Cypress Festival may almost be too big for the downtown park that shares its name.
"We walked (the park) yesterday and we have the layout sketched out," Wagner said. "We are going to be full this year, but it will hold us all."The Pocomoke Idol contest, car and bike show and fireworks will take place as they always have.
Twenty-three craft vendors -- more than ever before, Wagner said -- will join an expanded food section and additional rides, including a Ferris wheel.
In the annual Duck Derby, eight hundred new plastic toy ducks will replace the existing flock, which have been floating down the Pocomoke River from bridge to bridge for 20 years. Picking the winning duck comes with a $400 first-place prize.
Several new events that will highlight the river have been added. A potato gun challenge will require individuals to launch spuds from air cannons to a target floating in the water. Contestants in the Big Fish will try and land the largest catch from the pier at Cypress Park."I wanted to bring attention to one of our most beautiful resources, which is the river," Wagner said. "I think we forget about the river and its beauty, and not take advantage of it.
"The festival will also feature live music, a tug-of-war competition and a Saturday morning 5k race through downtown.Wagner is optimistic that the expanded festival, with its quirky events, will draw people from all over the area who perhaps wouldn't otherwise come to Pocomoke City."I really want us to grow and I want the Eastern Shore to become a jewel," she said. "I'm trying to shine a spotlight on us, because everyone runs over to Ocean City and forgets
If you go:
WHAT: Cypress Festival
WHAT: Cypress Festival
WHERE: Cypress Park, Pocomoke City, MD
WHEN: Thursday, 6-10 p.m.; Friday, 6-11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
COST: Thursday $2; Friday and Saturday $3
From the Worcester County Times
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