Debbie McKinney and Darcy Shurtlff kick up their heels on the Judges’ Choice winne in the Parade. (Paula Roy photo) PHILLIPS — The Phillips Old Home Days 2010 theme was “Good Times, Good Friends, & Good...” Friday, when the 52nd annual Old Home Days Parade wound its way through town, “good weather” could have filled in the blank. The perfect summer day, complete with blue skies and sunshine, fully made up for the deluge that drenched parade-goers last year.

Of the 56 entries, 16 were recognized with prizes from this year’s panel of judges. Tony Pinkham’s log cabin was named Most Original, with second and third prizes in this category going to Marie Pillsbury’s float promoting the weekend’s bathtub races and to Edgewood Manor. The Chinese Dragon representing the Phillips Public Library claimed Most Beautiful honors. Second place in this category was to Raynold Ross, third to the Class of 1960.

CLOCKWISE from top left: Facepainting - Suzy Sanders’ Wonderland drew 400 youngsters this year. Face painting was one of the attractions. Floozies - Dennifer Searles tames the bull, cheered on by Nate Morris, Shawn Holmes, Dan Shurtleff, Rob Toothaker and DJ Campbell. Their float, “Cowboyz and Their Floozies” won the Judges’ Choice award. OHD Royalty - Pictured are Dexter Cook, Evan Abbott, Starr Galusha, 2009 King Jonathan Andrews. Absent from photo, Queen candidate Keshia Fournier and 2009 Queen Samantha Poland. (Paula Roy photos) North Franklin Snowmobile Club took first place in the Funniest category, followed by Leon Cushman’s entry, and Tucker Sills. Youth winners were the BIG FISH by Travis Roderick and family, Bryce Werzanski and Evan Reed, who were also having good fishing, and Sandy River Cash Fuel with more happy fishermen.

This year’s pull truck convoy was in memory of Donny Fournier. First place in this category went to Jordan Lumber with Black Gold. Keisha Fournier’s Green Hornet claimed second prize, and Barry Redlevske with All My Overtime was third.

Judges’ Choice was awarded to Good Times, Good Friends, and Good Unforgettable Memories, the Cowboyz and Their Floozies, featuring Dennifer Searles on the “bull,” surrounding by “floozies,” DJ Campbell, Rob Toothaker, Dan Shurtleff, Shawn Holmes and Nate Morris. Dancing girls were Debbie McKinney and Darcy Shurtleff. Alli Dyke and “the boss” Sandi McAlpine were also on the float. Scott McAlpine was the driver.

Ribbons and cash prizes were awarded by the Phillips Chamber of Commerce. If any winner has not yet claimed their prize, contact Janet White at 639-2817 to make arrangements.

Following the parade, spectators gathered before the grandstand downtown to honor the Phillips High School Class of 1960, Honored Person Rosalynne Walli, and Old Home Days Royalty.

State Representative Tom Saviello presented legislative sentiments to the 60- year class members present. Copies will be sent to others. The class roll is Sandra Campbell Carson, James Carlisle, Lorraine Dunham Gordon*, Gerald Ells, John Flagg, Elsie Huntington Laplante*, Terry Kenniston, Ronald Leavitt, Dona McMinnmam Whittemore, Evangeline Oliver Prescott, Madeline Sargent Warren, Frank Savage, Steven Smith, Susan Thurlow Gagne*, Arthur Witham, Shelia Voter Campbell, Michael White*, Carolyn Whorff Rinaldo, and Leeland Toothaker* (* indicates deceased).

Rosalynne Walli, a lifetime resident of Avon, also received a sentiment from Saviello. OHD organizers chose to honor Walli as “a great asset to her community. Volunteering throughout the years, she is always ready to lend a hand whether it be to a neighbor or her community.”

Rosalynne has one son, Randy, and one grandson, Nathan. Over the years, she was employed at Forster’s Manufacturing in Dryden until its closing and later at the plant in Strong. She worked in the little restaurant that was once part of Phillips’ Main Street, adjacent to the grocery store last owned by Steve and Martha Fenno. She was also an Avon consultant for many years. Currently a private care provider, Walli also works for Franklin County Memorial Hospital and Sandy River Nursing Home.

Just one example of Walli’s faithful service to her community is her volunteer efforts at the Annual Ellis Chicken BBQ and Bean Hole Bean Supper. She has assisted at that event every one of the 52 years since Old Home Days was started back in 1958. You could find her there again this year.

Candidates for the 2010 Old Home Days royalty were Keisha Fournier and Starr Galusha for Queen and Evan Abbott and Dexter Cook for King. Titles were earned by selling the most tickets for the annual chamber of commerce raffle. Starr Galusha of Avon and Dexter Cook of Phillips earned this year’s crowns. Miss Galusha sold 733 tickets. Beside her crown and sash, Starr earned 25 percent of her sales —$154. In the absence of last year’s Queen, Samantha Poland, Starr was crowned by her mother, Melissa. Cook sold 544 tickets and earned $117. He was crowned by 2009 King Jonathan Andrews.

The Street Dance on Main Street, with music by Dreamin’ Big, ended Friday’s festivities.

Evan Abbott sold 504 tickets, earning $63.90. Keisha Fournier sold 261 tickets, to earn $43.

Events continued throughout the weekend. Saturday’s features included the Paul G. Whittemore Road Race, the Lumberman’s Competition at North Franklin Park, the Bicycle Races, Marie Pillsbury’s Bathtub Races on Toothaker Pond, and Horse Pulling. The Toothaker Pond Association hosted a free picnic in the park by the bridge at noon.

The ever-popular Frog Jumping Contest, sponsored by 5K Pizza, boasted 49 jumpers. Carter Ross’s contender jumped 77 inches, claiming first prize and a $100 cash prize for his manager. Senna Reid’s jumper was second with 75 inches, earning $75. The $50 third prize went to August Brown’s hopper, 72 inches.

The highlight of Sunday’s activities was Bob Parker’s Children’s Parade. Twenty entries rivaled Friday’s event for originality and crowd pleasing. Winners were named in five categories. The Funniest entry was Shirley Whittemore for her pirate ship. Bathing Beauties Kyla, Nevah, and Brookelyn were Most Original. Carrie, McKayla, and Jordan Morgan, Fun in the Sun, were Most Beautiful. Parker James and Haley Armstrong rode Parker’s Railroad to claim the prize for Cutest entry. Judges’ Choice was to Good Friends, Good Times, and Good Luck, starring leprechauns Ashlene Daily and Robin Masterman hauling Lily Bachelder in the pot o’gold at the end of the rainbow.

The Bill Robichaud Memorial Volleyball Tournament, the Duck Derby, and the Truck Pull, a new addition to Old Home Days this year, rounded out the week of celebration.

Parade winners

Most Original — 1st Tony Pinkham, 2nd Marie Pilsbury, 3rd Edgewood Manor. Most Beautiful — 1st Phillips Library, 2nd Raynold Ross, 3rd Class of 1960. Funniest — 1st North Franklin Snowmobile Club, 2nd Leon Cushman, 3rd Tucker Sills. Youth — 1st Travis Roderick & Family, 2nd Bryce Werzanski and Evan Reed, 3rd Sandy River Cash Fuel. Pull Truck Convoy — 1st Jordan Lumber with Black Gold, 2nd Keisha Fournier with Green Hornet, 3rd Barry Redlevske with All My Overtime. Judges’ Choice — Sandy McAlpine.