East Shelby Church celebrates old-fashioned fun

Photos by Tom Rivers

SHELBY – Phoebe Allen, 6, of East Shelby rides a horse that is led by Leah Sheelar. There were several horses available for rides today at Old Tyme Day at the East Shelby Community Bible Church.

The church celebrated its annual old-fashioned festival today, and a few thousand people were served pie, hot dogs, popcorn and candy – all for a penny.

The church also treated people to wagon rides, candle-making, horseback rides and many other activities that were light on technology.

Sandra Snyder of Medina stays busy making popcorn, which proved a popular snack even on a hot and humid day.

Lydia Miller, 9, of Albion shows her skills in walking with stilts.

These “townspeople” showed up at the town meeting agitating for women’s rights. They include, from left: Brie Olsen, Olivia Doberstein and Becca Nigro.

The church brings to life the West Jackson Corners hamlet for Old Tyme Day and the community held a mock election for mayor.

Here is one of the ballots for mayor. Each candidate ran an energetic campaign during the festival today, delivering stump speeches and passing out propaganda.

Alice Root, a volunteer with the church, has the pies ready for the crowd. The church served up 285 pies – more than 2,000 slices of pie altogether.

The pie and everything else were only a penny today.

Doug Fairbanks of Arkwright in Chautauqua County leads this wagon ride.

West Jackson Corners was full of people and activities by the church on East Shelby Road.

Erik Olsen, pastor of the church, leads the town meeting at West Jackson Corners.

Susanne Keryk, left, and her daughter Karen made flowers and animals out of balloons. Susanne’s son Keenan was also a balloon artist.