From homemade cakes up for auction to a display of old photographs and other memorabilia from Achilles School, Sunday afternoon served as a celebration of the small-town virtues of Guinea, as members of the Gloucester community gathered at the Abingdon Ruritan Club in Bena to celebrate Guinea Heritage Day.
Guinea Heritage Day is a precursor to the Guinea Jubilee, which began in 1979 as a four-day celebration of the Guinea community of lower Gloucester County. This year’s festival will be held on Sept. 23 and 24 at the Ruritan Club grounds. The Jubilee has evolved into a nonprofit organization committed to giving back to the community through scholarships, cultural activities and the development of a museum.
Sunday’s program included an announcement of this year’s Guinea Jubilee grand marshal, as well as the unveiling of the 2016 festival poster.
Grand marshal
Capt. J.C. West Jr. of Hayes, a lifelong waterman and avid workboat racer, was named this year’s grand marshal.
West, who will turn 69 later this month, has been working the waters of the Chesapeake Bay for the past 52 years, and is still an active waterman today. West’s passion is workboat racing. The winner of many races, he has been twice honored by the Harborfest Workboat Race Committee by having his boat, the Kelly Lynn, featured on event T-shirts.
Winning poster
Photographer Paul Blais was named the winner of this year’s Guinea Jubilee Poster Contest. This year’s print shows the workboat Connie Lynn tied up at dock. Artist Germaine Curry received honorable mention in the contest.
The framed #1 print of the winning photograph was auctioned off, with proceeds going to support the Guinea Heritage Museum. Proceeds from the cake auction also benefitted this cause.
Guinea Jubilee Pageant
The Guinea Jubilee Pageant was held later that day, with Elizabeth Simmons crowned as this year’s Miss Guinea Jubilee. Other members of the 2016 Guinea Jubilee Pageant court are:
Rebecca Wagner (Young Miss Guinea Jubilee), Kaylin Amaral (Junior Miss), Jordan Schacht (Preteen Miss), Lauren Capone (Little Miss), Adrianna Nichole Bercot (Mini Miss), Catelyn McPherson (Tiny Miss), Aubri Robbins (Toddler Miss), Ida Jane Schacht (Wee Toddler Miss), Elsa Ruth Koehler (Baby Miss), Amelia Hewitt (Wee Baby Miss), Rilee Musgrove (People’s Choice Winner), Breanna Dixon (Miss Congeniality), Nikki Zimmerman (Grand Ambassador), Elizabeth Gill (Junior Grand Ambassador), Irelynn Renfro (Best Eyes), Sayde Belt (Best Dress), Aura Griggs (Prettiest Hair), Tessa Carteret (Best Smile) and Emori Whiting (Best Personality).
The winners of the Achilles Elementary School Student Art Contest were also recognized on Sunday. The students’ artwork will be featured in this year’s Guinea Jubilee program. The first-place cover winner was Alexis Cruz. Other winners were Lucas Woolridge (fifth grade), Jacob Goins (fourth grade), Kaelyn Hodgeson (third grade), Haley Thomas (second grade), Julian Cockburn (first grade) and Sabella Leicht (kindergarten).
The Guinea Jubilee will be held from 3-10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23, and all day on Saturday, Sept. 25, beginning with the signup for the Crab Walk/Run and Shad Run at 7:30 a.m.
For a full list of events, visit www.guineajubilee.com.