Oscar Gamble has become Lehigh's honorary mayor. The announcement was made Friday night on the outside stage of the Spring Festival. Shown here at left is Vicki Culver, a member of the Festival Committee, and at right, Rae Nicely, executive director of Lehigh Community Services who received a large check for her agency. The amount raised for Lehigh community Services was $5,308.93. The contestants raised around $10,000. To view more photos, go to: cu.lehighacrescitizen.com.

Rae Nicely, executive director of Lehigh Community Services, stepped up to the microphone in front of a few thousand people tonight at the Lehigh Spring Festival to name this year’s honorary mayor and deputy mayor.

Three contestants were introduced to the crowds by Vicki Culver, a member of the Spring Festival Committee.

“I want you all to meet our contestants, Maylou Land, Dr. Alla El-Gendy and Oscar Gamble,” Culver said. Of the three, El-Gendy withdrew from the race and gave the money he collected to Incumbent Honorary Mayor Marylou Land.

Then the big moment arrived and Nicely announced the new deputy mayor for 2010 was Marylou Land.

Then she announced the next honorary mayor of Lehigh, Oscar Gamble, who heads the rehab department at Lehigh Regional Medical Center.

Vicki Culver introduces the contestants that ran for honorary mayor this year. They are from left to right, Dr. Alla El-Gendy, Oscar Gamble and Incumbent Honorary Mayor Marylou Land.

After the applause, the ceremonial king-sized check was presented to Nicely. Her agency helps those in need in Lehigh. The amount listed on the check was $5,308.93, the share of money collected that goes to Lehigih Community Services.

“I am delighted to have this to help the people of Lehigh,” Nicely said.

“Especially during this difficult times, it is wonderful to see what the people of Lehigh have given,” she said.

The honorary mayor wins with the total amount of money he or she raises. Those who ran for the title divided their money up with half going to Lehigh Community Services and the other half going to their other favorite charity.

Land raised more than $6,000 and half of her funds went to the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce.

Last year's honorary mayor, Marylou Land, was named honorary deputy mayor this year at the Lehigh Spring Festival.

Gamble raised more than $7,000 and the other half went to the Knights of Columbus.

“The KC gives to local charities so they will also share this with Lehigh Community Services,” Gamble said.

There were no roses like last year when Land won the honorary mayor’s title and Gamble wasn’t given a tiera to wear. He was given a sash declaring his title and he will ride in Saturday’s parade down Homestead Rd.

“I would have been teased if they had given me flowers or a tiera,” he laughed. “I know what they would do back at the hospital.”

Oscar Gamble thanks the many people who contributed to his campaign to become 2010 honorary mayor of Lehigh. He said he would love to see more people become involved in the race next year. Photos by Mel Toadvine