Story and photos by Monty Siekerman

Those attending the Farmers and Merchants picnic on Saturday were having a fun time until noon. Then, there were a few sprinkles, followed by a gully washer at 2 p.m., sending even the diehard picnic-goers home.

MORE  PHOTOS AT BOTTOM OF STORY

Events were cancelled, rides and food trucks packed up and left, and those hosting games escaped the tropical-like downpours that continued throughout the afternoon.

Before the rains, the parade went off without a hitch, the welcomes were given from the main stage, the prince and princesses crowned, and the kiddy tractor pull begun. All was well, as it should be, for the 103 community picnic.

But the day ended with Believe Me Brother band performance,  the tractor pull, and free swimming cancelled as well as other events.

Planning now begins for the 2017 unique-to-Ada and long-running picnic, fair, festival, and entertainment venue that F&M has become.

WATCH THE ICON FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS ALL WEEK LONG -

• Jaeger, a two-year-old German shepherd, is Ada PD's K9. He helped provide security at the truck and tractor pull Friday night...and made a lot of friends.

• Mustang Sally Band from Nashville entertains at the F&M Picnic on Friday night.

• Lots fo food for picnic-goers.

• Hang on!

• Wow!

• Upside-down and flying high

• "Hi, goat." Chad Hazelton of Ada had his petting zoo at the picnic, a popular attraction with the youngsters.

• Kiwanians prepare the "track" for the tractor pull for kids. From left are Brian Marshall, Mike Hood, Charles VanDyne, and Joe Ferguson.

• Lynkin McDougle, little princess; Brianna Lambert, princess; Bailey Eitel, runner-up; Dakota Gossman, prince, served as picnic royalty. Overall, the contestants sold $12,594 worth of tickets this year.