Moon Shines on Local Festival


            Cleburne Countyians and visitors turned out in record numbers Saturday for the seventy-third annual Shine Festival, held in rural Cleburne County near the community of Floral. Event organizer Dub Stone said this year’s festival included entries from as far away as Kentucky and Illinois, as well as several local producers. The festival included a friendly competition among batches of homemade "shine” with prizes awarded for appearance, flammability, and of course, taste.
The overall grand prize went to Skeeter T. from somewhere in Independence County. First place in taste was won by Lizzie L. from Hazard County, Kentucky. First place in appearance was awarded to Bubba G. from Jackson County. The prize for flammability goes to the family of the late J.R. Smith from right here in Cleburne County. The prize money will go toward rebuilding the family’s home.
Judging for the annual event is done by a panel of volunteer judges, who are sequestered for several days up to and during the festival. The list of volunteer judges for next year’s festival is filling up fast.
The date and location of the annual festival is a closely guarded secret, available only by word of mouth among fans and followers, to avoid problems with local authorities. According to organizers and participants, no illegal or controlled beverages are sold or distributed during the annual festival, and the friendly competition is all in the spirit of fun.

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