By TheresaArmstrong

Reporter

tdunn@gcnnewsgazette.com

There was more than just fishing going on at Nolin Lake this past weekend where the third annual Rex Hurt Memorial NolinFest was held.

Moutardier Resort and Marina hosted a bevy of events on Friday, August 1, and Saturday, August 2 with the NolinFest in full swing.

There was a campsite decoration contest at the State Park at Briar Creek with a Hawaiian Luau, apple boobin’, hula-hoop and a piñata games on Friday night. Saturday’s events began at 10 a.m. with beach games and a scavenger hunt at Briar Creek.

There were 15 teams that participated in a Cornhhole tournament on Saturday morning at Moutardier Resort and Marina.

“We had a really great turn out,” said Nolin State Park Manager Chris Boggs. “There were a large number of people who attended at both sites.

“We had 30 entries in the bass tournament, with 20 percent of the money raised going to the Relay for Life,” said Boggs. “The fish were not biting for the kids in the Carp Derby, but they all seemed to have a good time.”

A few youngsters found tossing rocks into the water as much fun as fishing as they waited for the fireworks event later that evening.

“We are just hanging out and having fun, throwing rocks in the lake,” said nine-year-old Grayson County resident Allyson Knue.

The Karaoke contest drew 12 participants with Destiny Sanders, from Bee Spring, winning the contest.

The Anneta Fire Department supplied the food with the proceeds going to fund new fire equipment at the firehouse.

“We used to cook when theydid this before,” said firefighter and cook James Boaz. “This is the first year we have been here since they started it back but we plan to be back next year.”

The band Wisdom Road, with 12-year-old drummer Josh Willis, along with his father Pat Willis, John Glenn and Jamie Johnson, entertained the audience.

The festival ended with a fireworks display at dark on Saturday night.

“Eddie Whobery put on the best fireworks display ever,” added Boggs. “He had a grand finale then waited a few minutes, did another finale, and waited a few minutes and did a third grand finale.

“It was just a great time for everyone,” said Boggs.