COLERAIN – Hundreds gathered in the light rain Saturday morning to celebrate the annual Greater Wynn’s Grove Community Fair and Parade.

While the light showers delayed some events, it didn’t dampen the spirit of the estimated crowd of more than 400 people who enjoyed a typical fair atmosphere at the Greater Wynn’s Grove Church facility. The event is sponsored annually by the Greater Wynns Grove Community Development Center.

Bishop Thomas E. Lee, the executive director of the center, welcomed the crowd to the opening ceremonies.

“We are glad to see everyone out here with us today,” he said. “This is still the day the Lord has made, so let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Lee then led the crowd in prayer and thanked God for the event and for those who were in attendance.

Returning to the crowd, he said the day was an exciting time and that he hoped everyone enjoyed the event.

“We welcome all of you here and want you to have a good time,” he said. “Our purpose is to get the community together and just have a good time.

“Many times, young people don’t have the money to go to the state fair,” he continued. “This is our way of bringing the state fair to Wynns Grove, North Carolina.”

The 23-entry parade took a two turns around the walking track at the church and featured a several guests, including Rep. Annie Mobley who served as Grand Marshall.

Also featured were Bertie County Sheriff John Holley, as well as Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob Square Pants, Miss Greater Wynns Grove, Sharon Lee, the Zodiac Wheels, Psalms 150 Drum Line and Capeharts Auto Detailing.

Following the parade, Rep. Mobley talked about how excited she was to be part of the festivities.

“It is always comforting to me how you welcome me,” she said. “I enjoy the fellowship that goes on.”

Holley echoed the thoughts.

“I am honored to be here and I bring you greetings on behalf of the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office,” he said.

Two candidates for the District Court Judgeship were also in attendance. Vershenia Moody Balance and Luther Culpepper spoke to the audience and expressed their gratitude for being part of the celebration.

The coordinator of the Community Fair was Brenda Chamblee and she said the event went off well.

“I was pleased to see so many people out, especially considering the weather was rainy,” she said.

Chamblee said the Greater Wynns Grove CDC has been staging the event for more than 20 years, but it has grown bigger over the last decade.

In addition to a fair atmosphere, there is also an emphasis placed on healthy living. Included as part of that effect is a booth which offers fruit and other healthy snacks.

The children at the event also released balloons which carry a message urging those who find them to exercise at least 30 minutes daily. Chamblee said one of those balloons made its way to Pennsylvania a year ago.

In addition to healthy living, there are also play places for the children including many blow-ups that allow them to play. There is also an abundance of food.

“We do this to bring families together for a fun activity,” Chamblee said. “Some kids may not get to a fair or carnival so we want to do this for families.”