Comedian Jeff Foxworthy surely would have found plenty of fodder for his redneck jokes this past weekend in Weissport.

The town’s park was converted into a Dogpatch resemblance for the staging of the 12th annual Weissport Redneck Festival.

Although there were vendors that sold french fries, popcorn and crafts like you’d find at most festivals, the Redneck Festival had a unique appurtenance with it. The main stage had a simulated outhouse next to it, competitive events had a backwoods flair, and those in charge of the festival wore fashions more associated with hillbilly wear.

Duane Dellecker, chairman of the Weissport Redneck Festival, said it is because of its uniqueness that it was so well-attended.

“This might be the largest turnout for the festival,” he said.

Because there is no admission charged, there are no figures on attendance, but Saturday night the walkway at the park was crowded.

Competitions with offbeat twists were held throughout the three-day festival, which is under the auspices of the Weissport Recreation Commission. Proceeds are used for recreation purposes in the borough.

As an example, a chariot race featured contestants racing each other with toilets on wheels. There were two-member teams, with one contestant sitting on a commode while the other pushed them through an obstacle course. Halfway through, the two team members changed position.

The redneck bean bag contest consisted of the “bags” being bras cut in half and heaved into a toilet bowl. Robert Hoffner won this event with Tammy Solt finishing second and Maureen Sweeney taking third.

“We’ve turned everything into unusual events just to have fun with folks,” Dellecker said.

Dellecker served as master of ceremonies for the events, telling jokes and relating other fun tales. He wore a red pullover shirt covered by bib overhauls with one strap down, and a fishing hat with pins (including a toilet seat pin) a feather, and a large patch stating “Hillbilly Clan No. 1.”

He was assisted by “Bubba” Mike Troutman, whose attire was bib overalls cut off at the knees, a sleeveless flannel shirt and a straw hat.

Saturday night had a big beard contest, a Mr. Redneck contest and a Daisy Duke contest, with large attendance for all those competitions.

There were three entries in the big beard contest: Jason Roeder, Jon Smith and Stanley Heydt.

Roeder, a hefty individual with a full beard that stopped an inch above his sternum, won the contest which was judged by fan applause.

Bonser, who told the crowd he grew his beard “because I didn’t feel like shaving no more,” finished second.

Heydt, in an unsuccessful attempt to sway the audience, did a little dance on stage while the voting occurred.

The Mr. Redneck Contest had two people vying for the top prize. They were Brandon Reed and Gary Reed, though they are not related. Audience applause was used to determine the outcome. The contestants were asked to share their best pickup line. Brandon said his was, “My love for you I can no longer hold in — like diarrhea.”

For the Daisy Duke contest, girls imitate — especially in their attire — the fictional Daisy Duke from “The Dukes of Hazzard” TV show.

About a half dozen girls competed for the Miss Daisy Duke honors.

Dellecker said that when the original committee met to discuss a festival in Weissport, there was discussion on possibly a Halloween event which would include bobbing for apples.

He said he felt a Redneck Festival would draw more people, and it appears he was right.

Among the benefits of the festival in past years are the construction of a 16-by-20 foot pavilion, construction of a gazebo and installation of new electrical lines and lights.

CONTEST WINNERS NAMED

The three-day Weissport Redneck Festival was held on Labor Day weekend.

Winners in the contests were:

Rednecks Got Talent II Contest: Annette Anthony, of Palmerton, first place; Shaia Fritzinger, of Lehighton, second place; Kevin Maehrer, of Lehighton, third place.

Zimmie’s Slushy Drinking Contest: Richard Rudolph, of Weissport, first place; Jeff Whitlock, of Stowe, second place.

Korniest Couple Contest: Robert & Pam Hoffman, of Lehighton, first place; Bob & Gail Maholick, of Lehighton, second place.

Redneck Bean Bag Contest: Robert Hoffman, of Lehighton, first place; Tammy Solt, of Lehighton, second place.

Best Beard Contest: Jason Roeder, of Lehighton, first place; Jon Smith, of Lehighton, second place.

Mr. Redneck Contest: Gary Reed, of Lehighton, first place; Brandon Reed, of Weissport, second place.

Daisy Duke Contest: Lindsey Newhard, of Weissport, first place; Chelsea Meinhart, of Lehighton, second place.

Watermelon Eating Contest: Emily Gombert, of Lehighton, first place; Ayden Strohl, of Lansford, second place.

Big Wheel Contest: Geno Hardy, of Lehighton, first place; Dean Gombert Jr., of Lehighton, second place; Miley Strohl, of Lansford, third place.

Chariot Race: Trevor Kline and Deb Miller, of Kutztown, first place; George Anger and Lee Beller, of Lehighton, second place; Bob Yost and Tammy Beitler, of Gilbertsville.

Wet T-shirt/Boxer Short Contest: Brian Tomitis, of Auburn, first place; Lynn Hacker, of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, second place.

Best Rack Contest: Deer Rack, Lee Hummel III, of Slatington, first place; Dear Rack: Tonya Sterling, of Andreas, first place; Lynn Hacker, of Phillipsburg, New Jersey; Debra Klipola, of Schuylkill Haven, third place.