The Perrinton Festival Committee announced its winners of the Name the Festival Contest. The festival was previously named Perrinton Centennial when last held in 1987. The winning title for the revived celebration is “Perrinton Summer Fest,” submitted by three residents. Pictured from left to right are contestant winners Robin Reeves (far left), Zach Bates (middle), and Brenda King (far right). Also pictured is Perrinton Council and festival committee member Kendra Blair (back middle). (Courtesy photo)
 

In 1987 the Village of Perrinton held its annual “Perrinton Centennial” for the last time.

More than two decades later and thanks to the village council and a few citizens, the yearly celebration will be held once again.

This time, the festival will dawn a new name, the “Perrinton Summer Fest.”

At a meeting held in November the village council discussed the possible return of the festival, and decided that a contest would be held to name the event.

The title was chosen from a list of 32 different entries submitted to the festival committee.

Winners of the naming competition were Robin Reeves, Brenda King, and Zach Bates. The three Perrinton residents each submitted the same title for the revived festival.

As of now, the festival revival is still in the beginning stages of development, but event spokesperson Cheryl Hyman said the committee is looking into events that could be featured.

These events include carnival rides, a car show, and sporting tournaments.

“The goal is to try to get people together, bring family and friends together,” Hyman said. “It will also help new residents get to know the community.”

Village President Doug Antes said he also felt it was something the village needed.

“People really need something to identify with,” he said. “It (the festival) hopes to enlighten the community.”

Three fundraisers have been set to help with the planning of the festival, which is tentatively scheduled for the weekend of August 6, 2010.

On January 23, a “Winter Grilled Chicken Dinner” will be held at the Rainbow Inn on Robinson Street beginning at 4:00 p.m.

The cost will be $6.50 per dinner and will include chicken, a baked potato, corn, and a roll. There will also be take-out and curb-side service for those unable to stay.

A chili cook-off is scheduled for February 27 at the old VFW Hall on Robinson Street.

Two competitions will be held during the cook-off.

The first will be an on-site cook-off where contestants will have cooking stations set up at the hall.

The other will have contestants bring in previously made chili to be judged.

The judging will take place from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Immediately following the judging the chili will be available for the public to taste for themselves which is the best.

The committee is also working on a pancake breakfast and fishing derby to help raise funds.

There is not a scheduled date for the event as of yet but is expected to be held in mid-February.

Proceeds from each of the events will go towards funding the 2010 “Perrinton Summer Fest.”

“As we progress with the planning of the ‘Perrinton Summer Fest,’ the festival committee has been really pleased with the community involvement and enthusiasm for the event,” Hyman stated.