Bell FFA Shin-dig draws hundreds of supporters

By Carrie A. Mizell

The bidding was fierce Saturday evening as hands shot up in the air in an effort to buy the tastiest and most creatively decorated cakes at the annual Bell FFA Alumni sponsored, Shin-dig.
After enjoying a meal of smoked chicken and pork provided by the Alumni and a wide array of side dishes that ranged from zipper peas to macaroni and cheese, as well as homemade desserts, the auction got underway and ultimately raised $2,795 for Bell FFA activities.
The cakes, which were entered in a decorating contest, were all prepared and decorated by Bell FFA students. The contest was divided into two categories: FFA was one theme, while hunting and fishing was the other. Winners of the FFA cake contest were: Shiloh Ripley – first place; Desiree Holstein – second place; Kailey Roux – third place. Honorable mention went to Cindy Nobs and Chelsea Myer. Winners of the hunting and fishing cake contest were: Wade Thorton – first place; Danielle Holstein – second place; Cindy Nobs – third place. Honorable mention in this category went to Tray Roux and EvanWilson.

Winners of the FFA cake contest were:
Shiloh Ripley, first place; Desiree Holstein, second place; Kailey Roux, third place.

Winners of the hunting and fishing cake contest were:
Wade Thorton, first place; Danielle Holstein, second place; Cindy Nobs, third place.

A drawing was held for extra prizes and the winners were Hannah Hurst and Shiloh Ripley. Zander Shaffer drew the winning names. Everyone who entered a cake in the cake decorating contest was eligible to win extra prizes in the drawing.
Wade Thorton’s first place hunting and fishing cake drew $200 at the auction. Thorton’s cake was purchased by Drummond Community Bank. Shiloh Ripley’s first place FFA cake brought $85 at the auction courtesy of County Commissioner Kenrick Thomas.
Geri Wilson made a beautiful coconut cake with 7 minute frosting that was auctioned off to benefit Dixie County High School’s longtime ag. teacher Matt Cravey. After much bidding the cake was purchased by Gilchrist County School Superintendent Don Thomas for $310. A number of individuals contributed add-ons which brought the total to $936. Bell FFA students were also selling tickets for the Matt Cravey benefit BBQ, which will be Saturday at the Suwannee River Fairgrounds.