The 2007 Annual Redbud Festival is now history but it may have also made History!  According to Buna Beacon editor, Melissa Swedoski's newspaper column, "It was  tremendous...what a turnout we had, and you could tell not everyone was from Buna."

 

The Parade, lead by Parade Marshal Jasper County Judge Mark Allen, was an instant success. Floats, clowns, bands and lots of beauties on superbly decorated cars wowed the huge crowd gathered along Hwy 62 from the Post Office to the School grounds. With over 100 different types of entries, the parade was a feast to behold, with many entries tossing candy and beads to the excited onlookers.

 

Buna United Pentecostal Church won the Sweepstakes Float Award with their rendition of "Roaring with Cougar Pride," as kids, animal cutouts and a bubble machine glided on an ark with a rainbow shining overhead.

 

The Redbud Royalty Float, carrying Redbud King and Queen, Don and Roanne Stanley, took first in the Civic/Organizations division, riding in style, complete with throne.  The float was built by members of the Buna Chamber of Commerce and other volunteers.

 

The Miss Buna Float, carrying Miss Buna 2006, Ashley Moore, earned second in the Civic/Organization category.  The float designed by co-ordinate, Mickey Reeves has a history of winning.  The Volunteers of the Buna Fire Department make a party out of work as they gather to apply the glitter and crown that always adorn the float.  The Buna Masonic Lodge took third in this division.

 

Miss Redbud 2007, C.J. Garsee took first in the Youth/School division.  The "Castles for CASA" float, carrying the Buna High School Agriscience department's latest playhouse, came in second, while the Dance Pointe's float carrying several lovely young dancers, took third.

 

In the Church category, Buna First Methodist Church's float with an ark built by the Buna High School Agriscience department.  The Ark celebrated their participation in "Heifer International" took first place.  Buna First Assembly of God took second with their float of Cougar Pride, while Faith Outreach Church of God took third with their puppet ministry and lots of smiling faces.

 

Lathen's Sound Machine took first in the business category, rocking the float with his smooth grooves along the parade route.

 

The Festival quickly got underway on the Buna High School grounds, as over 25 food vendors and 100 booths opened to a surge of people ready to partake in the family fun.

 

Lathan's Sound Machine continued under the main stage tent as Buna High School student Krystina Kondos warmed up the crowd with her performance of country songs.

 

At high noon, the Exotic Wings Production Bird Show opened the first of two shows to an enthusiastic audience.  With a variety of birds performing tricks, including riding a skateboard, climbing a ladder and more, handler Sonny Carlin entertained as well as passed on the message of "doing good" to all in attendance.

 

Buna High School graduate, D.J. Garsee took the main stage in the afternoon, performing her own songs as well as popular favorites to a highly charged audience that included former classmates and appreciative hometown fans.

 

As the Festival began winding down Saturday afternoon, Kirbyville resident Audi Ferguson's name was drown by Ag teacher John VanDevender and Junior High Student Council member Colby Ratcliff as winner of the "Castles for CASA" playhouse.

 

The Miss Buna Pageant won a large audience with 21 girls vying for the title of "2007 Miss Buna."  Also 7 girls ages 3 to 5 competed for the "Little Miss Fireman" title.  The Pageant is the biggest annual fundraiser for the Buna Volunteer Fire Department and has been in existence for over 50 years.  Miss Buna 2007, Melissa Jo Haynes won the crown as well as the "Miss Congeniality" award on Saturday night, along with third runner up Jessica Schneider, second runner up Chelsea Strange and first runner up Shana Sparks.  "Most Photogenic" went to Amanda McMillan.  "Little Miss Fireman 2007" was won by MaryClare Mixson Mason, as well as Most Photogenic.  Second runner up was Dusti Boudreaux and first runner up went to Tylee Rawls.

 

In the Rodeo queens contest, Jaime Horn of Jasper was named Queen, while Lauriann Beggs of Vidor wa named Princess.  KaiDee Squibb of Baytown was named Sweetheart and Jayci Robicheaux of Buna won Junior Sweetheart.

 

Special thanks go to Redbud Festival Chair, Teri Burt and assistant Kathy Griffis for the time and effort put forth in planning and directing the hard work of the volunteers that made the 35th Annual Redbud Festival a great success.  With all of the excitement still fresh in their minds, the process will start again with the next Buna Chamber of Commerce meeting.