Farmerettes senior captain Harmoni Williams waits in the rain with her squad on Farmersville Parkway for the start of the 46th annual Old Time Saturday parade Saturday, Oct. 3. Ian McVea/The Farmersville Times

Farmersville’s 46th annual Old Time Saturday celebration was soggy, but it didn’t wash away the crowds as residents and visitors braved the wet weather for the community’s fall tradition.

Despite the conditions, the turnout kept downtown busy as visitors made their way among vendors and activities throughout the day. Approximately 200 vendors filled streets and parking lots or found shelter under the Onion Shed during the daylong event, which featured a parade, contests, food, entertainment and activities.

The Old Time Saturday parade drew 53 entries, while several competitions crowned winners during the celebration.

In the Little Mr. and Miss Farmersville competition, Anson Bates and Haldey Stiles took first place. Brayden Batt and Raelynn Shugart placed second, followed by Laken Welborn and Harper Lewis in third.

Judy Brandon was crowned the Silver Centennial Citizen.

Jacob Smith was the Centennial Square winner, while Clay Dalheim won the Little Mr. and Miss raffle.

The day’s competition also included the Old Time Saturday 5K, with Jacob Pruitt of Mineola finishing as the overall male winner and Jannet Gonzales of Fate taking the overall female title.

The Rib Rumble brought its own competitors to Farmersville, with Albert Bravo of Grand Prairie taking the championship. Farmersville’s Joshua Butler finished second, and Buddy Randall of Wylie placed third.

The Farmersville Historical Society also weathered the daylong showers, operating its downtown booth while welcoming visitors to an open house at the historic Bain-Honaker House Museum on College Street. The museum offered tours and a silent auction, while the group’s downtown booth featured its annual quilt raffle.

The annual celebration is one of Farmersville’s largest community events and is supported by numerous local organizations. Lead organizations this year included the city of Farmersville, Farmersville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Farmersville Chamber of Commerce, Farmersville Centennial Inc., Farmersville ISD, IOOF Oddfellows Pride Lodge 228 and Farmersville Rotary Club.

City officials estimated the crowd at between 3,000 and 4,000, although an official attendance figure was still being determined following the event.

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