By By Ashley McPhearson and Anna Wright / staff writers
May 30, 2003
Saturday's 1st Annual Clarke County Mayfest is sure to draw a crowd. It will feature not only entertainment, food and activities but also political speeches.
The Clarke County Chamber of Commerce, led by its president, Fred Blackledge, decided to hold the Clarke County Mayfest in place of the Day in the Park usually held at Clarkco State Park.
Chamber members hope Mayfest will become an annual tradition that will help draw attention to Clarke County.
Political candidates for Clarke County are to start speaking at 11:30 a.m. and continue at 30-minute intervals throughout the day.
Entertainment will include singers such as Angela White and Eric Smith, as well as the group Last Call. Robert Donald and Leigh Moore, the entertainment coordinators, will also perform. There will be a variety of styles ranging from gospel to country to 70s music.
Activities for the day also include a parade, coordinated by Pam Myrick, which will start at about 10 a.m. The parade route starts in Quitman's industrial park and makes its way to Old Highway 45, ending near Bumpers Drive-in. There will be floats by local churches, the Clarke County Cruisers, the Boys and Girls Club, the Clarke County ATV Club, the Dixie Rodders and local bands.
Other activities include children's games such as the moonwalk and pony rides. About 40 arts and crafts booths will be set up on Main Street. Activities will start at 8:30 a.m.
Food booths will also be set up, offering a variety of foods from chicken-on-a-stick and Polish sausage to fried apple pie and homemade ice cream. Hamburgers, shrimp, fried dill pickles, and barbecue plates will also be available.
The Chamber of Commerce will be selling funnel cakes, hot dogs and drinks.
All booths will be set up on Main Street, which will be closed to traffic. Admission is free and entries for the parade are still welcome.