SPIVEY’S CORNER — It was a fun filled exciting event on Saturday in Spivey’s Corner at the 43rd Annual Hollerin’ Contest. Approximately 500 folks attended the event which included an antique farm equipment exhibit, a car show, a Kid’s Zone, the 50’s South Band, the Carolina Breakers, and of course the National Hollerin’ Contest.

The spectators definitely got their money’s worth in all of the divisions, especially the men’s contest which had 10 contestants, each vying for the trophy. In the end their were three to receive trophies which were second runner up: Kevin Jasper of Mocksville, first runner up was Tony Peacock of Siler City, and the winner was Larry Jackson of Dunn.

Larry Jackson grew up on a farm and is well accustomed of hollering. “I’m carrying on a family tradition and it’s been a wonderful day,” said Jackson who is from Dunn.

Others competing were Virgil Street, Leroy Seabrooks, Tim Johnson, Warren Lisk, Chris Mears, Kenneth Ash, and Hollering H. Man who is from Austria.

The ladies event had four contestants with Tracy McLamb taking first runner-up and Sheila Frye of Lillington finishing in first place. McLamb is a 6 year competitor and won the prize three years and first runner up for three years. She hails from Autryville and is a Sampson County native. Frye is a six time winner and has competed for nine years, she too is from Sampson County. Other contestants were Heather Branch of Roseboro and Jennifer Beltrame.

In the teen hollering contests Casey Clark, of Spivey’s came in first runner up and Ivey Hinson, of Fayetteville was the winner.

The Junior Hollerin’ Contest had five people running which included Emily Jackson, Madison Branch, Sadie Johnson, and Jared Farmer. Sadie Johnson of Fuquay Varina was first runner up and Emily Jackson of Roseboro won the contest.

The conch shell contest had two people competing. Toma Hodges finished as first runner up and Michael Kucera and Lez Bromfield won the contest.

Joey Warren of Clinton is in his fourth year as serving as DJ/emecee of the National Hollerin’ Contest. Warren said this year has been one of the best and we had a great turn out.

All in all it was a wonderful day for everyone despite the heat, shared one spectator. The food was simply delicious, as well as the entertainment. The hollering contest was definitely the attention grabber, it has been rich in tradition for over 40 years in Spivey’s Corner, commented another member of the crowd as the dispersed to return home.