Neelyville R-IV School offered a day full of family activities and contests Saturday at Tiger Fest.
Neelyville Superintendent Heather Black said Tiger Fest was started after the city’s Harvest Festival was canceled.
“Anyone in the school can open a booth and we also open it up to the community as well,” she said.
Throughout the grounds, there were different vendors along with school organizations such as FFA, and kindergarten classes offering fundraisers to the community.
Neelyville High School senior Libby Maple showcased her electric guitar skills during a performance for the talent show portion of the festival.
She said for her, “It’s less about the performing and more about the art.
“It’s hard to let off stress and the guitar playing helps to release some of that.”
Libby Maple’s mother, Tara Maple, said she was proud of her daughter and thinks a lot of it came naturally to her.
“She has learned a lot of this on her own,” Tara Maple said.
For sixth-grader Warden Moyer, Tiger Fest offered an opportunity to showcase Sandy, his bearded dragon, for the pet pageant.
“I have had her for about two years,” he said. “She’s very lovable, energetic and she loves to roam. She eats crickets and worms and pellets.”
The winner of the pet pageant went to Wobbles, a feline companion belonging to Naddison French. Wobbles was born without the use of his hind legs but that did not seem to phase him as he crossed the stage during his pet walk.
The day concluded with Neelyville Student Representatives choosing Mr. and Miss Tiger Fest 2023.
Each class and organization in grades 7-12 named their representatives for Mr. and Miss Tiger Fest. They were presented on stage wearing a sash naming the class or group, and each one introduced him or herself and answered a question. The selection was based on grades, poise and other criteria.
Winners for the junior high category were Mr. Tiger Fest Prince Eli Stotts and Miss Tiger Fest Princess Alicia Barker. Winners for the high school category were Mr. Tiger Fest King Elijah Dollins and Miss Tiger Fest Queen Hope Fluech.
A full photo gallery can be viewed at https://www.darnews.com/gallery/42715