Another Exciting Carnival Is Shaping Up
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Sam Bryan (center) comes off the starting line in the 2022 Mechanics Bank 3K Run/Walk ready to compete with the 2019 and 2021 winner of the race, Charlie Dawson (far right). Both runners will return this year looking for the win in a race that will be extremely competitive.
DAVE’S WORLD
By David Howell
I have been working on stories for our Watermelon Carnival section and it looks like another exciting weekend is in the works. Chamber President Tonya Eubanks reports there will new events this year including a fashion show in the park Friday evening. The show will be at the gazebo in City Park at 5 p.m. and contestants are asked to be there by 4:30. The six watermelon-themed categories include Mommy & Me, Designer’s Choice, Festive Friends (two or more model together), Kids Category (10 and under), Preteen Plus and Adult Category.
If you are interested in entering, a link to an entry form is accessible on the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page or you may email Vickie Person (teacher3us@yahoo.com). There is no cost or entry fee to participate.
Tonya also shared details about another new addition this year, the “Touch A Truck” Saturday morning from 8:30 to 10:30 in the parking lot at City Hall. The list of trucks so far includes a dump truck, fire truck and wrecker with more expected. She also shared there will be food vendors downtown. They will set up to sell Friday and Saturday under the magnolia tree in Railroad Park.
There is also excitement building with long-time events including the Mechanics Bank 3K Run/Walk. This is a unique race as it brings out the locals and visitors who put on their running (or walking) shoes once a year for the carnival event. It also attracts competitors who hit the circuit, competing in the big runs across the state.
I talked to last year’s winner, Sam Bryan, and he has been training hard and is looking forward to defending his title. Sam is 17 and has a twin brother, Tristan Bryan. They attend Regents School in Oxford and compete in track events including the one mile and two mile run, the 4×4 and 4×8 relay races. The brothers are ranked eighth and 12th statewide in their age group. Many readers will know their father, Forrest Bryan, who grew up in Water Valley.
For Sam, last year’s win was especially sweet because of the respect he has for Charlie Dawson, another strong competitor, who won the 2019 and 2021 races. The two are friends, train at the same place and enjoy the competition.
Charlie told me he kept a slow pace during last year’s race with Sam right on his trail. When it came down to the end, Sam had a little more “gas” left in his tank and passed Charlie for the win. Charlie, my lifelong friend and classmate, also said he wasn’t having his best day.
Charlie is excited about returning for this year’s race. Like Sam, he is also predicting a win. He is just a few weeks shy of his 48th birthday, but shows no signs of slowing down. He told he is running almost 70 miles a week and is training harder than ever.
Last year’s winning time for the 3K race was nine minutes and 46 seconds. Both of the top competitors said they are looking to shave a lot of time off that finish in this year’s race. Sam is looking to finish below the 9:15 mark. Charlie, who enjoys good-natured competitive talk, said he is looking for a nine minute or less finish. His winning time in the 2019 carnival was nine minutes, 27 seconds.
There may be other competitors to give those two a run for their money. Mechanics Bank race director Keith River has his money on his six year-old grandson Arden Larson.
“He told his mom he was going to win it,” Keith shared last week.
We can make this prediction – you better be at the finish line at 7:39, nine minutes after the start of the race to see who is leading the pack!
