In November of 2003, citizens from the community approached the Augusta County Parks and Recreation Commission about a Sweet Dreams Day. The idea evolved from the facts that Stuarts Draft is a wonderful community and home for over 150 businesses, including Hershey Chocolates of Virginia and McKee Foods, maker of Little Debbie® snack cakes, thus making Stuarts Draft the Sweetest Place in Virginia.
The Sweet Dreams Committee was formed in 2004 to help organize the Sweet Dreams Day. It consisted of a Parks and Recreation representative, four representatives of businesses, a representative from Hershey and McKee, the Post Master of Stuarts Draft, a Ruritan representative and a Board of Supervisor liaison. The committee met monthly. They decided to have a full day of family fun events. This included a pancake breakfast hosted by the Stuarts Draft Ruritans at Stump Elementary school, an arts and craft show, children's activities, free bingo, bake-off contest that must use Hershey and/or McKee products, a Little Debbie® look-a-like contest, a business/industry softball tournament, 5K Run, horseshoe tournament, bubble gum blowing contest, jon boat drawing, stage entertainment and, of course, food.
From this idea, the Post Master helped design a stamp cancellation that would be introduced on July 24, 2004 and used for the next 30 days. At the end of the 30 days, the cancellation stamp was destroyed making the stamp a collectors' item. The Recreation Commission thought this was a wonderful idea and became a partner.
The most important part of the success of the event was the volunteers and the staff. The event could not have happened without these great people. Volunteers were from all walks of life, including residents of Stuarts Draft, college students, public officials, postal workers, industry workers, Dupont Community Credit Union and government workers. They all went beyond the call of duty. The Parks and Recreation Department thanks everuyone for their time and efforts. Due to the community support and involvement the Sweet Dreams event won three awards from National Association of Counties, Virginia Associaton of Counties and Virginia Parks and Recreation Society.
So don't miss out on being a part of the sixth Sweet Dreams, July 25, 2009, at the Stuarts Draft Park, Stuarts Draft, Virginia.
Congratulations to Augusta County Parks & Recreation, who received a NACO Award for their 2005 special event: SWEET DREAMS DAY, held at Stuarts Draft Park.
Award Winning Sweet Dreams
