The 26th People Fest, held in uptown Wadesboro over the weekend, was a great success. Despite a noontime shower that sent people scurrying under tents and overhangs, crowds streamed in and out of the festival all day, braving close to 90-degree temperatures even after the rain.

"I was very pleased with the way People Fest turned out," said People Fest director Misty Harris. "The rain held off and the community came out and supported a Anson County tradition."

Wadesboro Mayor Bill Thacker welcomed everyone to the event, which started 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. "We're glad you're here," he said. "We hope you have a good time here in uptown Wadesboro and enjoy the day."

There were lots of moon bounces and inflatable slides for the kids, as well as the Fun Bus, a full-sized school bus whose seats have all been removed and walls and floor carpeted and padded, and fun fitness equipment added. Kids lined up to experience the bus again and again. The Fun Bus's interior changes according to the event it's at, and for People Fest, it included padded floors and walls with a punching bag, basketball goal and trampoline, as well as a slide to exit out of the back door. There were also pony rides and free books courtesy of the Anson County Partnership for Children.

For adults, the Wadesboro Police Department had a device called the "Seat Belt Convincer," which hurtled those over 18 quickly toward a stop, illustrating what it's like to be in an auto collision.

Local acts the Natural Reaction Band, Chris Marks Band, Krossfire, Matthew Gibson and Flat Out Bluegrass played on the BB&T Stage on the Square, while local legends Borderline performed a reunion concert at Ray Shelton Ballfield Saturday night.

"The Borderline reunion concert was amazing," Harris said. "The band sounded just as great as they did 20 years ago!"

Of course, there was also a variety of festival goodies like hot dogs, funnel cakes, caramel apples, cotton candy, popcorn and much more.

In conjunction with this year's People Fest, the N.C. Cooperative Extension hosted the Anson County Ag Fair, on display in the Leavitt House. Crafts, canned goods, ag products, photography, art and handicrafts were all on display, and prizes were awarded for the top entries. 

The fair was sponsored by Pee Dee Electric Membership Cooperative and held in partnership with the Anson County Historical Society.

The Anson High School Homecoming Parade was also a part of the People Fest festivities. Winners were: first place— Anson New Tech; second place— Anson County Booster Club; third place— Wadesboro Elementary; most school spirit winner— Anson New Tech.