Colony was abuzz Saturday with an energy and excitement unique to Colony Day, the town’s annual celebration. True to form, this year’s event started with a breakfast of biscuits and gravy thanks to the Colony Lions Club. It was followed by an early morning walk and run, undoubtedly scheduled at 7:30 a.m. to beat the heat.
The crowds and energy grew as the day went on, with the parade, which featured 50 entries, one of the day’s highlights. Leo and Kathy Ramsey were the grand marshals, and Brant McGhee sang a fine rendition of the national anthem.
This year’s theme was “Small town, big heart,” and that spirit was visible all up and down Broad Street. A near constant line of hungry folk waited to buy burgers from Crest High School’s junior class, which was raising money for after-prom activities. The meat was donated by Kenny Covey of Colony, owner of Diamond C Livestock and Hay.
In the parking lot of GSSB’s Colony branch, Jayden Ruth Smart, 6 years old, was selling homemade bows and scrunchies. Her goal is to raise $500 to provide beef, water and a Bible to eight families in need. She was joined by parents Rochelle and Dustin Smart and her two little sisters, Lilly and Jessie. The effort, called the Living Water Foundation, springs from inspiration Jayden Ruth found while at Vacation Bible School.
Close by, Bailey Boone, 10, was busy making freshly squeezed lemonade for passersby. The daughter of Laura and Logan Boone, Bailey started the day with the goal of selling 200 cups. How many had she sold so far? “I’ve lost count,” said Bailey, with a smile. It was just shy of 2 p.m. 
Much more followed in the afternoon, with the Terry Ellis Memorial Tractor Pull and a pie eating contest headlining the events. Things wrapped up with a supper sponsored by GSSB’s Colony branch and served by Crest USD 479 career & technical education students.
The hum of happy conversation was constant, with an occasional “It’s so good to see you! It’s been forever!” puncturing the air. No one seemed to care too much about whose float was the prettiest or who ran the fastest. Instead, Colony Day was all about some welcome time to get together and strengthen connections, both new and old. Small town, big heart, indeed.
