WESSON – Wesson’s birth was celebrated Saturday by hundreds asyoung and old alike enjoyed the festivities of the 20th annualFounders Day.

“It’s been fun. The boys are having fun. It’s a good familyday,” said Terry’s Jeff Chapman, who joined the celebration withhis wife Ashley and sons Jordan, 4, and Kaydon, 2.

The Chapmans visited Founders Day to watch Ashley’s sisterparticipate in the parade. It was their first visit to the event,but said it wouldn’t be their last.

“There’s a lot to do,” Ashley Chapman said. “Terry doesn’t haveanything like this.”

The parade was a highlight for many of the kids. Emergencyvehicles, horse riding clubs complete with wagons and carriages,political candidates, non-profit organizations and many othersparaded down Highway 51 in celebration of the town’s founding.

Jordan Chapman, bedecked in beads passed out during the parade,said he really enjoyed seeing the horses.

“I did, too!,” shouted his brother Kaydon Chapman.

Highway 51 was lined with vendors selling a wide variety ofwares from woodcrafts to food.

Jerry Carter, of Wesson, was helping in the Sylvarena BaptistChurch booth selling several food items.

It was their unique offering of gator-on-a-stick that wasdrawing the most attention, however. It was the third year thechurch had offered the treat, and business was brisk.

“It’s been going good, about what we expected,” Carter said.”Normally we sell out.”

Item vendors were also pleased about the turnout.

Leah Sanderson, of Waynesboro, and Robin Ladner, of Brandon,were concerned about sales at their jewelry booth early in the day,but only a few hours later called it a successful day.

“It got a lot better,” Ladner said. “We’re selling a lot morenow.”

A variety of events were held throughout the day to entertainvisitors, including Deal or No Deal-style games, portraitcaricatures by Mississippi artist Ricky Nobile and the secondannual Backyard BBQ Cook-off.

The event culminated Saturday night with performances by localartists.