As the final people were lingering on the Potato Fest Field, I heard the request several times, “We should do this again. This was really fun.”

A handful of attendees had just finished a wacky Bocce Ball Tournament held during Community Day in Savannah Saturday, June 14.

Even though Aggie Arliss and Pat Stevens appreciated the $25 gift certificate from Barnes Boys for gas, Chuck and Cathy Carmen will enjoy the free meal at South Main Street and Bill and Jeanne Ball will enjoy their meal at Crusoe Island Cafe, which were the prizes they collected for winning the tournament, I am sure it will be the fun and laughter that I heard that will be remembered for a lot longer.

At 12:30 p.m. when several boys and girls arrived on the field with their bicycles, it was with the hope that this year they would place in the bike races.

Michael Larsen again placed first in the Bike Races for 9- to 12-year-olds with Wyatt Austin placing second and Jordan Black placing third. Brittney Weaver and Gentry Brooks won honorable mention. Kevin Mahoney placed first in the 6- to 8-year-old category, and Patrick Mahoney and Mairead Mahoney placed first and second in the 5 and younger age category.

They too left feeling really proud of their efforts and vowed they would be back again next year to improve their time. Dakota Deyo assisted me with the Saturday bike races.

Much earlier that day, folks came from all around to chat with the neighbors and friends they have not seen for a time, while they waited for that good buy during the equipment auction that took place at 9:30 a.m.

We gained four beautiful hanging flowering pots for a great price. But like most auctions, it is the friendly conversations that added to the thrill of an auction along with a hot dog or some fries from the concession stand.

As people were arriving for the auction, Kris King from the Clyde-Savannah Varsity Club kicked off the first Coach Beauter 5K race. Although the number of entries was slim, they set off and ran the race in great times, and all left feeling good about their new accomplishment.

The money gained will help to provide a trophy award to a student who excels in baseball, which was just one of the sports that Coach Beauter helped us conquer.

At 10 a.m. a parade marched through the streets of Savannah with the Clyde-Savannah Elementary band playing and Girl Scouts, businesses, old cars and floats proudly showing-off their presence in Savannah.

The Girl Scout Troop under the direction of Tracey DeSantis carried the names of more than 60 individuals that live in Savannah that are older than 80 years of age. These “Savannah Treasures” have done so much to help develop the families and community of Savannah, and we are thankful that we can recognize their efforts in this manner.

Each of those individuals was sent a note of appreciation stating that they will be represented in our Savannah Treasure March.

All the fifth graders from the Savannah Elementary School signed a post card, which was tied to a helium balloon and launched at the end of the parade. At Potato Fest in the fall, we will announce how far they traveled.

Once on the field, visitors discovered the cake raffle. It featured more than 35 cakes and goodies from some of the best cooks around. Thanks to Bonnie Donk and her crew of volunteers who made sure visitors won the cake of their choice before leaving.

Bonnie was also responsible for the American flags that were placed in front of every house in Savannah for the weekend, celebrating both Community Day and Flag Day.

Savannah's own magician, Michael Amico, kept everyone guessing with his magic, after the announcement of the winners to the photography and stamp contest.

Elizabeth Jones won with her pictures, and Erick Graham placed honorable mention. These pictures will be on display in the Savannah Bank for the rest of June for all to see. These pictures look like something right out of the National Geographic Magazine.

The theme for this year's Stamp Design Contest was turtles since Savannah has a high number of turtles around in its wetlands. Lauren Secor placed first and was the first person to receive a canceled stamp along with a cash award.

One hundred stamps were created and will be sold by the Savannah Chamber of Commerce.

The stamp has a turtle sitting on the bank of a pond with a sign that says Crusoe Island near-by. Alix Cunrow won second place and Kelsey Zimmerman won third place.

Honorable mention went to Alicia Homan, Brittney Weaver and Brooke Green.

Other features for the day were the bounce house and children's games, which was enjoyed by many children. The Dunk-in Booth, which was enjoyed by many adults, saw many get wet. Over in the tractor track, Greg Hurley and the Central New York Garden Tractor Pullers, Inc. featured a Mini-Tractor Pull. It is amazing what they do. Kurt Arliss won the 50/50 raffle and gained more than $50 for the day.

Several people enjoyed watching Fritz Loomis from Savannah as he meticulously carved an owl from a log at his chainsaw demonstration. He had some great carvings surrounding his tent.

The Savannah Fire Department held an open house at their fire hall along with a rummage sale sponsored by the Fireman's Auxiliary.

They also helped with the traffic protection needed for the 5-K race and the parade along with the traffic going in and out of the field.

In downtown Savannah, 15 vintage cars were parked for people to admire and remember the days when they rode or drove something similar. There was also a farmers market, and local restaurants served special foods. And people all over Savannah had fun going to everyone's yard sale.

That was the biggest draw for the whole day. But again it was the conversation for the day with neighbors and friends that made it a special time.

Savannah may be small compared to some of our neighboring towns, but we are big into community. We would all agree that Savannah is a great place to live and raise our children.

Community Day is just one way we show we care about what's happening in Savannah.

Carol Spellman proudly lives and writes from her home in Savannah. You can reach her at spellmanjc@tds.net