Jackson takes home Hollerin’s top prize

SPIVEY’S CORNER — Larry Jackson was happy to take home the hardware Saturday night after hollering at the top of his lungs.

The big moment came after Jackson competed with eight other contestants during 2015 National Hollerin’ Contest, an annual event which raises money for the Spivey’s Corner Volunteer Fire Department. For Jackson, becoming champion meant a lot to him since the competition was loud and tough. On stage, several family, historic and folklore stories were told to a large audience.

“It’s great,” Jackson said. “I really appreciate it. There was a lot of competition and I was very fortunate to win.

In recent years, Jackson participated in the contest but did not come out on top. In 2014, he was the first runner up behind reigning champion Tony Peacock. Saturday’s accomplishment marked his ninth time winning the championship.

Along with the men’s portion, the event also included categories for whistling, conk shell blowing and hollering for youth. Sheila Frye was named the 2015 Ladies Callin’ Contest champion. She has held on to the title for several years. The first runner-up was Ivy Hinson.

“I was so excited to win again,” Frye said about participating in the event. “I’m very excited to compete with Ivy. She came into the women’s contest last year and it’s great to compete with her.”

Frye’s performance was dedicated to her husband’s friend and neighbor, James Baylock.

“I hollered with a heavy heart today, but I wanted to dedicate this to him,” Frye said.

Men’s National Hollerin’ Contest

• Winner – Larry Jackson

• 1st Runner-Up – Tony Peacock

• 2nd Runner-Up – Jim Grastie

Ladies Callin’ Contest

• Winner-Sheila Frye

• 1st Runner-Up – Ivy Hinson

Jr. Hollerin’

• Winner – Cage Bullard

• 1st Runner-Up – Ben Bullard

Conch Shell Blowin’

• Winner – Brian Bullard

Whistlin’ Contest

• Winner – Jim Grastie

Larry Jackson competes in the 2015 National Hollerin’ Contest and was crowned the champion.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_Hollerin-Winner_1.jpgLarry Jackson competes in the 2015 National Hollerin’ Contest and was crowned the champion.

During the 2015 Hollerin’ Heritage Festival, Sheila Frye became the champion for the Ladies Callin Contest.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_Hollerin-Winner_2.jpgDuring the 2015 Hollerin’ Heritage Festival, Sheila Frye became the champion for the Ladies Callin Contest.

Mary Jackson enjoys participating in a homemade biscuit making demonstration during the 2015 Hollerin’ Heritage Festival.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_Hollerin-Winner_3.jpgMary Jackson enjoys participating in a homemade biscuit making demonstration during the 2015 Hollerin’ Heritage Festival.

Tricky metal: Doug Tompkins, a blacksmith, shows children Buddy Monds, 11, and Tristen Heise, 7, a trick with metal links during the Hollerin’ Heritage Festival. (Chase Jordan / Sampson Independent)

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_Hollerin-Winner_4.jpgTricky metal: Doug Tompkins, a blacksmith, shows children Buddy Monds, 11, and Tristen Heise, 7, a trick with metal links during the Hollerin’ Heritage Festival. (Chase Jordan / Sampson Independent)

Horsing around: Gary Sessoms displays horses during the Hollerin’ Heritage Festival.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_Hollerin-Winner_5.jpgHorsing around: Gary Sessoms displays horses during the Hollerin’ Heritage Festival.

Tommy Autry enjoys spending time with his grandson Wyatt Autry, 2, during the Hollerin’ Heritage Festival.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_Hollerin-Winner_6.jpgTommy Autry enjoys spending time with his grandson Wyatt Autry, 2, during the Hollerin’ Heritage Festival.

Cliff Ireland, of the Sampson County Amateur Radio Service, demonstrates ham radio operations during the 2015 Hollerin’ Heritage Festival.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_Hollerin-Winner_7.jpgCliff Ireland, of the Sampson County Amateur Radio Service, demonstrates ham radio operations during the 2015 Hollerin’ Heritage Festival.

Attendees of the 2015 Hollerin’ Heritage Festival observe a tar, pitch and turpentine demonstration by Tarheel Boys and Linda.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_Hollerin-Winner_8.jpgAttendees of the 2015 Hollerin’ Heritage Festival observe a tar, pitch and turpentine demonstration by Tarheel Boys and Linda.