By Mike McClure

This year’s Apple-Scrapple Festival was dedicated to local healthcare workers and first responders for their work during the pandemic over the past year and a half. Last year’s event was cancelled due to COVID-19, so this year marked the 29th year of the Bridgeville festival.

Bridgeville Commission President Tom Carey said the festival’s committee dedicated this year’s event to local healthcare workers, EMTs, members of the fire and police departments, and the Bridgeville Senior Center.

The Woodbridge High School Select Ensemble sings the National Anthem at last week’s Apple-Scrapple Festival opening ceremony. Photo by Mike McClure

During last Friday night’s opening ceremony, emcee Jimmy Hoppa paused for a moment of silence to honor first responders who lost their lives last year in service to their communities.

“Their commitment is what makes them miss birthdays and anniversaries and cancel vacations. They do it willingly because of their commitment to you,” said Hoppa.

“When you call, we are there,” Bridgeville Fire Company President Matt Smith said. “We’re truly honored that the festival committee chose to honor first responders this year.”

Smith honored a member of his department who suffered a serious accident on Aug. 13 when responding to a call to assist with traffic during a storm that did damage to trees and homes in the town. Charlie Peterson was driving down Redden Road at 40 miles per house when his car hit a tree which had just fallen in the road. He was taken TidalHealth Nanticoke and then later Christiana Hospital, where he stayed for 10 days.

Smith presented a plaque to Charlie and his wife Kay. Charlie, who was at the festival with his family, was also on hand to mix the batter for the fire company’s oyster fritters, which were on sale at the company’s stand.

Atkinson places first in Apple-Scrapple invitational scrapple sling

Blades Mayor Robert Atkinson placed first in last Saturday’s Apple-Scrapple scrapple sling with defending champion Bridgeville Commission President Tom Carey placing second. Georgetown Mayor Bill West won a shootout with Seaford Mayor David Genshaw to finish third.

Other contest winners were:

Ladies Skillet Toss- 18-40: 1. Rachel Hovermale, 2. Megan Clabaugh; 41+: 1. Cheryl Williams, 2. Lisa Wolf; Best Style: Natalie Teat; Over-All Winner: Ceci R. Adkins

Kids Apple Toss: 3-5 year olds: 1. Jade Stevens of Bridgeville, 2. Ashton Sears of Harrington

6-8 year olds: 1. Nathan Martinson of Salisbury, 2. Roman Barletta of Bridgeville

Little Miss Apple Scrapple- winner: Clara Gillespie; Apple of our Eye, Interview winner: Emelia Dykes; Hog Wild, Talent winner: Clara Eldridge.