“We Built this City” was the fun theme chosen by the eighth-grade class at Centertown Elementary for their annual Fall Festival Talent Show. Students worked and practiced for hours perfecting their talent presentations for the big night, choosing songs that featured references to a city.
They chose such songs as “Viva Las Vegas,” “Jackson,” “Walking in Memphis,” “Paradise City,” “Last Train to Clarksville,” and “If You Are Going to Play in Texas.”
Fifth-sixth-grade teacher Beverly Crouch has been in charge of the show for 23 years and truly loves working with that part of the festival.
“I really do like doing the show with the eighth-graders,” said Crouch. “I have them in fifth, and then get to work with them again in the eighth.”
Helping them prepare for the shows, assisting in costumes, props and music is a delight for her.
“I like the stage production and I love music. That’s my passion,” said Crouch.
Before the talent part of the night, festival-goers were able to chow down on Prater’s Barbecue in the school cafeteria. Principal Pam Cowan is quick to point out that owner Gary Prater donates the food to the school.
“He donates the food to us, and we are so very appreciative,” said Cowan. “He has done this for many years, and I feel this is his way of giving back to the community he came from.” 
Attendees had lots of fun with the carnival games set up in various classrooms around the school, and especially the cake walk in the school gymnasium. Folks enjoyed trying their luck at winning a home-baked treat to enjoy at home.
A fun auction was held featuring some of the elaborate cakes and pies, as well as artwork provided by Centertown students. Some of the lower grades made one-of-a-kind keepsakes that brought top dollar at the auction. Some made pictures from hand prints, photos, and fingerprints made into butterflies and flowers and put on a platter for display. 
“We will probably make a profit of about $20,000 after all our bills were paid,” said Cowan. “Our staff, parents and students work very hard on this festival, but this is the only thing we do all year to raise funds. We do this one activity, and the community really supports us.”