In fact, the sheriff said the second festival is already planned for next year on April 22. He said the goal for next year's event is to sell 1,000 tickets. The event will be held at the American Legion building on American Legion Road outside Roanoke Rapids with more outdoor events, he said.
“Because of your generosity, we are able to donate $8,282 to seven groups that benefit children throughout Halifax County.”
The recipients this year are:
Doris Mack of System of Care of Roanoke Rapids; Mildred Moore of the Scotland Neck Education and Recreation Foundation; Carolyn Battle of the Lincoln Heights Community Center; Archie Lynch of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School; Marshania Barnes of Roanoke Rapids High School Project Graduation; the town of Hobgood playground project and Pittman Elementary School PTA.
Chester Williams of the Pittman Elementary PTA said proceeds from the event will allow two more students to attend a trip to Washington and the White House. A total of 40 students are going, he said.
Williams said the children are learning civic responsibility and plan to present suggestions to the president on how to improve rural education.
Battle said she plans to use the funds to “pay down” on a new building for the Lincoln Heights center. She said the organization is currently operating out of a house it is quickly outgrowing. The organization also plans a playground and garden. “We don't have room to have camps.”
Moore said plans at the Scotland Neck center call for renovation of equipment and new playground equipment.
Mack said the funds she received will go to help her summer program, which gives children who have been suspended from school a place to go.
Project Graduation, said Barnes, was started in the 1990s to give high school graduates a safe haven after commencement.
The project graduation funds, said Angie Acree, will help the program with entertainment expenses. The RRHS graduation is June 10.
Lynch said the tribal school plans to use the funds to upgrade its computer system.
Hobgood Mayor Danny Flannery said the funds will help take care of a parking lot to complete a playground project behind the fire station, one of the requirements of the grant funds the town received for equipment.
Flannery said the grant funded swings, a jungle gym, and slide with child fitness features as well as fitness equipment for adults and a walking track. “This way we can take care of the parking lot.”
Tripp said he also plans a concert in October with Steve Owens to benefit the Boys and Girls of Halifax County as well as the John 3:16 Center in Littleton.
Halifax County Board of Commissioners Chairman Vernon Bryant thanked Tripp for Saturday's event. “We thank the sheriff for the vision he had to put this together.”
Said Mack: “I am happy to say the sheriff comes to the rescue.”
