HIGH POINT - Route C was covered in candy Saturday morning, as nearly every entry in the High Point Homecoming parade threw out generous helpings of sweets for the children lining the road.
But the parade was only one of several activities the small community packs into this holiday weekend each year.
A baby show in the gymnasium featured dozens of local tykes, including a set of triplets. The quilt show and art show drew dozens of local entries. Several vendors were set up under the school's shade trees.
Helen Russell and Company provided lunch-time entertainment, followed by a kids bicycle rodeo. And tonight through Monday morning, youth will be treated to an overnight Night Light event, including sports, worship, music and games.
The 23-year-old event serves both as a school celebration and a social time, said Marlene Snyder, president of the High Point Community Renewal Association.
"It's neat to overhear conversations of "do you remember when?'" she said.
Two years ago, they celebrated the school district's reorganization and since then, they've made special invitation to classes passing significant anniversaries, like this year's Class of 1955 and Class of 1965, which participated in the parade.
The funds raised by the community's largest annual event go toward community or school betterment projects. This year, the association's gift will install a new electronic sign outside the school. And, one of the earlier projects was the veterans memorial in front of the school.
Five years ago, they also added an auction to support scholarships for High Point graduates. And, an offering collected at today's community-wide worship service has, in the past, met unexpected needs in the community from transportation to fire recovery.
However, most of the people who attend the Labor Day weekend festivities may not be aware of all these other things that result from the day's fun, Snyder said.
"They're here just to enjoy the camaraderie," she said.
High Point also hosts a modest Independence Day event, again mostly for visiting, Snyder said.
While some places like Jefferson City are fairly quiet over this three-day weekend, High Point found this first weekend in September to be highly convenient for its farmers, Snyder said.
It's after planting and before harvest. Jamestown also celebrates its town festival this weekend every year, except on Monday.