By Katie Holland

Staff Writer

GARLAND — Smiles were abundant in the small Sampson County town on Saturday as its residents celebrated the annual Rotary Fair with a parade and dozens of booths for people to share their crafts and indulge themselves with homemade food.

Sandy Norris, president of the Garland Rotary Fair, noted that she felt about 3,000 made their way to the town for the day’s events, and anyone who went could see people huddled around the food and crafts booths enjoying just about anything that the fair had to offer.

“We have the most vendors we have ever had,” said Norris, who counted 30 before the fair started.

In addition to booths, there were also some slides and games to entertain the children.

As Norris looked out and saw smiling facing combing through the crowd, she noted, “It is really beautiful out here.” She noted how great the weather was with no sign of a rain cloud in the sky.

But, with the blue sky came the hot sun that led to beads of sweat saturating the skin of guests. With this, most fair-goers were ecstatic to see one booth that was dedicated to serving free lemonade to visitors to quench many thirsts.

The booth, which was sponsored by the Garland Baptist Church’s Girls in Action group, happily donated and served gallons of lemonade to the festival goers.

Tammy Cashwell, one of the leaders of the group, stressed that by supplying something to the people, they were, in fact, teaching the young girls in the group the importance of giving.

“It is all about love and giving and sharing. We are teaching them that they can minister to the people,” said Cashwell.

And while they served up pink lemonade, a few Sampson visitors found their way to the multiple booths.

Magnolia resident Doris King came simply because she wanted to buy some of the crafts and jewelry being sold.

“You can buy some pretty stuff here,” said King.

The festivities ended later in the evening following the street dance.