Sykesville's Town Crier Recaps Day One of National Competition

Sykesville's official Town Crier Squire Frederick Taylor in the North American Town Crier Championship.

Below is a recap of the first day of competition as described by Squire Frederick himself:

Day one of 2011 North American Championship is “in the books”.  First cry was the “Hometown Cry” at 10:00 at Causland Park — a short walk from my very fashionable abode/”home stay”. Bunny Heiner and her husband have graciously opened their doors to a most beautiful home for Bruce Bedell, his wife, and myself to lodge for the three day weekend. After coffee, toast and some fresh fruit for breakfeast we headed to Causland Park for the “kickoff”.  Judy Jewell, past Anacortes crier extraordinare gave the benchmark cry which set the standard for judges scoring.  Judy was awesome!  Glad she wasn’t competing.

Broke for lunch at Gere-a-Deli on Commercial Ave after the last cry was given and suped on fine sandwiches — my Rubin was to die for — and a cup of soup before returning for the Amusing Cry at 2:00pm at Heart of Anacortes Performing Venue. This time we broke for Rockfish Grill after the last cry to “lubricate our vocal cords” before dinner.

We had an prearranged dinner in a private party room at the bowling alley before calling it a night; salad, garlic bread, lazagna and dessert. . . . . .cheeze cake, coconut cake and lemon merange pie if desired. I passed.

I’m glad I’m not one of the judges because every cry was not only unique but also outstanding. Picking a winner has to be a difficult job.  We’ll get the final results at the awards banquet tomorrow evening.