Moon Pie time again in Bell Buckle

They are having a ball in Bell Buckle -- and on Saturday, everyone is welcome to join in the fun at ht RC-Moon Pie Festival.

This year's Synchronized Wading performance -- often referred to as "dry humor on a wet stage" -- is called "The Ball's in Your Court," and the town's first lady, Carla Webb, has outdone herself again.

The plot is the same as always. Moon Pie (Sara Ashleigh Hunt) is longing for RC (Sam Hathorn) and the wily Goo Goo Cluster, (Carla Webb) does her best to steal him away.

It's what happens in the meantime that makes the play outrageously funny. Webb gleefully -- but good-naturedly -- skewers current events in her satire, hitting on topics ranging from as economic stimulus packages to the Octomom.

Julie Anderson does a cameo as Sarah Palin that's accurate and funny enough to give Tina Fey a run for her money, and there's another surprise "celebrity" appearance at the end of the show.

Webb mixes her original lyrics with a wide range of songs, including Creedence Clearwater's "Down on the Corner" and Beyonce's "Single Ladies." Besides writing, choreographing and directing, she also enjoys her role as the conniving Goo Goo.

When she enters the royal ball, she is mistakenly introduced as "Lady GaGa" by the servant, Colonitus (Billy Phillips).

"That's Lady Goo Goo," she insists. "I'm wearing more clothes than Lady GaGa."

"The night is young, dear," Colitus responds drolly.

Everyone in the cast, all ages and occupations, seems to have as much fun putting on the annual production and the thousands of visitors to Bell Buckle have watching it.

Grabbing jokes for the daily news is a tradition with the play, since the first one was designed to grab tourists off the interstate who were headed to the Olympics in Atlanta. The town decided to have its own games, and since there was no swimming pool in Bell Buckle, opted for Synchronized Wading instead.

Parade returns

Although synchronized wading is one of the most -- if not the most -- popular aspects of the RC-Moon Pie Festival, there are a lot of other activities going on around town Saturday. The parade, which has been missing in recent years, is back, and for a very special reason.

"Mr. Elkins loved it," said Billy Phillips, referring to the late James White Elkins, who passed away last month. Elkins had been the volunteer fire chief in Bell Buckle for more than 40 years.

"We're hoping to release 43 balloons -- one for every year he was the chief," he said. "Miss Dorothy (Elkins) will ride in the old fire truck."

The balloons will have pictures of Elkins, as well as information about the town and the RC-Moon Pie Festival. Phillips said he hopes to hear from people who find the balloons far away.

The parade had been planned before Elkins died, and Phillips said the planning committee was hoping he'd be able to see it. As it is, he said, it will be a tribute honoring him.

Talk of the Town

After the parade, WTVF-Channel 5's "Talk of the Town" hosts Lelan Statum and Meryll Rose will be crowned the king and queen of the festival. "Talk of the Town" recently featured Bell Buckle in several broadcasts, and the pair have made more than one visit to the town since spring.

Moon Pie pandemonium

The day kicks off with the 10-mile run, and Hunt, chairing the event, said it looks as though there are going to be even more entries than the 931 who ran last year, especially if some turn up that morning without pre-registering.

"We may let it go over the 1,000 mark," she said. "I'd hate for them to come down here that early and not get to run. But register early, people!"

The morning and afternoon will be filled with cloggers and contests, including the Moon Pie toss, RC dash, Moon Pie hoops, watermelon seed spitting contest, hog calling contest, and competitions for the youngest and oldest attending.

The perfect ending to the day is the cutting of the World's Largest Moon Pie -- a free dessert for all!.

"In Bell Buckle, when we say 'let them eat cake,' we really mean it," said Jenny Hunt with the Chamber fo Commerce. "And we serve it to you with a gooey smile."

Schedule of events

7 a.m. RC-Moon Pie 10-Mile Run

9 a.m. Art & Craft Fair/Food Court -- open all day

10 a.m. RC-Moon Pie 10-Mile Run awards

10:30-10:55 a.m. Bluegrass Express Cloggers

11 a.m. RC-Moon Pie parade

11:30-11:55 a.m. Southern Country Cloggers

Noon -- 12:15 p.m. Contests

12:15 p.m. Synchronized wading: "The Ball Is In Your Court"

1 p.m. Uncle Tom's Band

2 -- 2:15 p.m. Coronation of RC King and Moon Pie Queen

2:15 -- 3:45 p.m. People's Bank of Bedford County Games -- Moon Pie Toss, RC Dash, Moon Pie Hoops, Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest, Hog Calling Contest

3:45 p.m. World's largest Moon Pie cut and served by the King and Queen and Knights of the Moon Pie Round

4 p.m. Uncle Tom's Band