Two days goes, it was assumed by just about everyone in Lennox Valley that attention would turn on Friday from the mayor’s race to the upcoming county fair.

However, as word spread across the Valley Juliet Stoughton was holding a rally on the town square at 6 p.m., folks wondered just what her strategy would be.

Shortly after their morning meeting with Iris Long at the Hoffbrau, Sarah Hyden-Smith and Juliet could be seen rushing to the Hometown News office. Soon, they were seen leaving just as quickly, carrying leaflets.

The leaflet, printed with black ink on green paper, screamed: "ATTENTION, JULIET STOUGHTON SUPPORTERS!" across the top. Below was: "Rally at 6 p.m. on the town square." In smaller letters near the bottom was: "Please spread the word! Tell your friends and family members!"

No one was surprised by the primary topic of conversation on "Renderings with Raymond" that afternoon.

Both Earl Goodman and Marvin Walsh were on hand. One caller after another praised their heroism and patriotism for having been arrested in defense of their fearless leader, Raymond Cooper. Both described their precarious evening at the mercy of Chief Dibble. Having been locked in a cold, damp cell, they described fearing they would not live to see the light of day.

"Dibble is a puppet of the liberal media!" Walsh shouted into the microphone.

"He is obviously on the payroll of Juliet Stoughton and her minions," countered Goodman, not sure what a minion was. "And besides, from my cell I saw him make at least two long-distance calls. I assume he was calling his superiors in Washington for instructions."

At Caroline’s Beauty Salon, patrons sat patiently as Raymond and his crew ganged up on officials. Friday was always busy as customers prepared to look their best for Sunday services.

"I’m starting to think I never should have voted for that Raymond Cooper," declared Diane Norris as she listened to him ridicule his opponents and anyone who agreed with them.

"Marvin Walsh always was a blow-hard," observed Terri Countermine.

One by one, Caroline’s patrons expressed dismay at ever thinking Cooper would make a good mayor. It was like they had been hanging onto Cooper’s words by a delicate thread which was fraying.

Meanwhile, Raymond was in his glory, discussing his future regime and the corruption of the past. The reign of terror led by "Silver Tongue" Dick Bland was near its end. The totalitarian rule, beholden to federal agencies, was almost a thing of the past.

And what about Juliet Stoughton and her 6 p.m. rally on the town square?

"It’s just another attempt to make a name for herself," Cooper barked.

By 5:30 p.m., the doors to most of the Valley’s shops were locked. Caroline, cleaning up her shop, could see a crowd, mostly women, gathering on the square. Soon, however, she noticed a few men arriving, obviously to see what this mischief-maker had up her sleeve.

At 6:05, more than half the Valley was assembled. A hush came over the crowd as Juliet walked to the top step.

"Citizens of Lennox Valley," she began. "Thank you for taking the time to be here this afternoon."

"Anything for our next mayor!" came a shout from the back of the crowd.

This brought more shouts and applause from those gathered before Juliet continued, "I have a plan, and I think it might work."