The 27th Annual Creek Bank Festival was held at Leeds Memorial Park on Saturday. This event was hosted by the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and its sponsors.

Nearly 200 vendors filled the park with merchandise brought in from all over the southeast.

Children could be seen playing in the bouncy house, getting a free balloon, visiting the face painting booth, pony ride, playing games and riding the train throughout the park. The hula hoop contests and mascot challenge proved to bring plenty of fun to the table. Miss Leeds Area Chandler Mordecai jumped in on the hula hoop contest and inspired the kids as they all competed for prizes.

2022 American Idol Top 11 Contestant, Tristen Gressett performed on the Creek Bank stage. This 17-year-old local singer/songwriter from Pell City performed Rock, Soul, Blues as well as everything in between.

Other performers included The WingNuts with their vintage rock ‘n roll; Erica Ryleigh with her country sound with a hint of “indy” twang; and local singer/songwriter Eric Watters; and Roy Mac, today’s living legend of Wyatt Earp.

The Creek Bark Dog Pageant brought out dogs of all shapes and sizes. Best Small Dog was awarded to Beulah which was a black Shih Tzu. Best Big Dog went to Samson, the Great Dane. Clifford, the white Terrier-Chihuahua mix, received Best Costume. Best Trick and Best Overall Awards went to Weezer, the Shepherd mix.

The Young Professionals Leeds Area brought back the Rubber Ducky Race. Six middle aged kids volunteered to be the Rubber Ducky Wranglers including Brook McDonald, James McDonald, Dylan Doig, Madilynn Johnson, Amelia Davis and Brayden Davis.

This group got to wear the official Rubber Ducky Wrangler hats that were in high demand at the festival.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in this event and the generous sponsors, Barber Motorsports Park and adr Business & Marketing Strategies, who donated prizes for the winners,” said YLPA Director Annette McGuire.

Also, in conjunction with Creek Bank Festival, the 6th Annual Cruising the Creek Bank Charity Car Show sponsored by C & C Motor Company brought in record numbers of cars, trucks and bikes to raise money for Leeds Outreach and Backpack Buddies.