Organizers say this year’s March of Dimes WalkAmerica was agrand success, thanks in part to the efforts of a local elementaryschool.

“The children at Lipsey sold these little cardboard pumpkins,and for a dollar you get to put your name on a pumpkin and put iton the wall,” WalkAmerica Chairperson Hope Smith said. “They sold1,630 cardboard pumpkins for $1 apiece.”

The walk itself was held Saturday night at Exchange Club Park,and over 100 armbands were sold. There was gospel musicentertainment and the rides were opened for families to enjoy whilesupporting the cause.

Smith said while her overall goal was around $20,000, the Marchof Dimes set the total for Brookhaven’s chapter at $17,000. Withtotals still pending, she said, at least the $17,000 total has beenmet.

“We needed $1,200 to reach our goal, and we got around $2,000probably,” she said of Saturday evening’s event.

Some scheduling conflicts caused minor inconveniences, but Smithsaid next year a date will be set based on the homecomings andother events taking place in the surrounding communities. Saturdaywas also the date of the Wesson Flea Market, Copiah-LincolnCommunity College’s Homecoming, and several other community eventsin surrounding counties.

Smith said there will also be a concerted effort to get morelocal schools involved for next year as well.

“I think we did well. We’re thinking of things for next year toget the county schools involved next,” she said. “If Lipsey didthat much this year, I think we could get $10,000 with all theschools involved.”

Smith said the group that turned out at Exchange Club Park wasdiverse, a testament to the success of the cause.

“We sold a lot of food at the concession stand,” she said. “Andthe singing brought out more of the older group who wanted to justsit and listen to the music. I think everyone had a good time.”