The opening of the

Weissport Redneck Festival on Friday night started folks' Labor Day holiday weekend on a fun note. By 5 p.m. the food stands were selling barbecues, turkey on a stick, roasted corn and jambalaya. For dessert, there was ice cream, funnel cake and cotton candy.While some stopped by for the food, others were checking out the t-shirts, novelties, jewelry, purses and country home decor.Kiddie rides were busy for the young set and a Redneck Karaoke and a Redneck Puppet Jamboree comedy show saw many folks sitting on hay bales after sampling the food."We're here for the fifth year," said Duane Dellecker, coordinator. "You know we have rules here. You're here to have fun, but you have to close the door on the outhouse."Dick Gross, resident artist, was selling his best Redneck fire starters, along with a combination of signs and artwork,Even the vendors get people in the mood by bringing their interpretation of lawn mowers and Redneck swimming pools.It really is in the interpretation to see (stuffed) bunnies in a cage and a push lawn mower attached to a bicycle.But then it's that sort of silly fun that brings crowds back every year to see the locals perform in the contests.Saturday will open with the Zimmie's Hot Wing Contest, where the local restaurants try their best to win the "Rednecks Say Best Wings in the County."From there its Rednecks Got Talent, Korniest Couple, The Junkman's Contest, I Luv My Mummy Contest, and ending the evening with the crowning of Mr. Redneck and Miss Daisy Duke. Banned from the Ranch will entertain from 6 to 10 p.m.Sunday's events are watermelon eating contest, big wheel contest, chariot race, and a tug-a-war, with the festival ending with the best rack contest.Funds raised at the festival support the Weissport Recreation Committee. The committee has supported a local playground and gazebo in the park, plus other recreational activities for the children of the community.