VIDALIA – Hundreds braved storms to take part in the 12th annual Jim Bowie Festival held Saturday in Vidalia’s old courthouse square.

After all, where else could they go to eat funnel cakes, ride ponies, win a fishing boat, buy crafts and watch the reenactment of a 1827 duel involving the legendary Jim Bowie — all in one place?

&uot;We’re here so our children can ride ponies,&uot;&160;said Holly LaPrairie of Monterey, who was accompanied by husband Rob and children Shana, 4; Megan, 3; and Justin, 2 months. &uot;(Rob) just came in from his offshore job, so this is something we can all do together.&uot;

Although the rain delayed the reenactment of the Bowie knife duel and much of the music planned for the festival, hundreds still took part in children’s activities, browsed the booths and ate plenty of fair food.

There were ring tosses, cake walks, a space walk and plenty of activities to keep the entire family busy.

When they weren’t busy keeping an eye on the smallest family members, that is.

&uot;I come to the festival every year,&uot;&160;said Clyde Ray Webber, trying to keep an eye on grandsons Evan Webber, 4, and Brett Brown, 3, who were running through the crowd.

&uot;The best part, for me, is watching the kids have fun.&uot;

Prior to the festival itself, Webber took the boys fishing at Lake St. John to compete in a fishing tournament to raise money for Concordia Parish’s DARE program.

Some awards were given out to tournament participants, but rain delayed the rest. Winners will be announced this week through the local media, said Sheriff Randy Maxwell.

A street dance featuring local band Easy Eddie and the Partyrockers was also scheduled to follow the festival.