By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
With what officials say may have been the biggest crowd every at Fort Crawford Park in East Brewton, the July 4 celebration was the hottest ticket in town Friday.
With the day's events getting kicked off at 9 a.m. with a spades tournament, the East Brewton Civic Center was abuzz throughout the morning and into the late afternoon with entertainment and fun for hundreds of people.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was the duck race that has become an annual event for the celebration.
Winners in the race were Ludon Simmons - first place; Dr. Carl McInnish - second place; Lilly Hines - third place; and Lottie Cole - fourth place. Prizes ranged from $200 cash to the first place winner to a weather radio for the fourth place finisher.
Entertainment for the evening festivities began with Brandon Patterson singing some country and oldies tunes to a crowd gathered near the bandstand in the park.
A late afternoon shower didn't dampen the spirits of entertainers performing during the downpour.
The Heart of Dixie Cloggers tapped their way through the rain to bring out the sun by the end of their performance.
Other performances during the early evening included Lois Crenshaw, Holly Wyatt and Misty Joyner.
The headline band for the evening came from Pensacola, Fla., to help get the crowed geared up for a spectacular fireworks display.
The evening crowd was estimated at around 2,000-plus visitors to the park, officials said.