As the clock ticked to zero, the surrounding crowd at Kendall-Perkins Park serenaded the Whitesville Raiders team, as they soaked in winning the JV Championship. Twenty minutes later, the surrounding bleachers were filled and onlookers continued to stroll in as the Varsity Championship game tipped off. In year 52 of the Dust Bowl, Ray Wimsatt and his staff were overly pleased with the successful past week.
“It has been outstanding. A few years ago, after the COVID pandemic, we were down a little bit,” Wimsatt said. “We changed hands in the organization, and everything has been coming back. The kids and neighborhoods are returning. It has been great.”
Despite the impressive turnout on Saturday evening, Wimsatt wants to see even more people show up, but believes they are heading in the right direction. This year, the Dust Bowl brought in the bleachers on the courtside closer in, allowing fans to get closer to the action and adding to the atmosphere.
“We like the crowd reaction so that is the biggest change we have made int he last few years,” Wimsatt said.
Wimsatt stated that community feedback has been nothing but positive, acknowledging that the people are happy with what is going on and will continue to support it.
Heading into next year, Wimsatt would love to have even more food vendors, so they can continue to add to the food variety.
“I hope everyone has a great time and comes out to the dustbowl,” Wimsatt said.
Mechanicsville defeated Baptown, earning a year worth of bragging rights in the neighborhood. We Different won the men’s open, earning the $2,000 grand prize, while 9 Deep took home the high school division championship. Gators West won the middle school division.
