HODGES – The town of Hodges has been in the spotlight recently with the new Rockbridge Canyon Equestrian Park that’s taking shape through town, but this weekend, the residents of Hodges are looking forward to relaxing and having a good time at their annual Spirit of Hodges Festival.

The two-day festival is set for this Friday evening and all day Saturday at the Hodges Town Park.

Tina Lawler, who serves as vice-president of the festival committee, said there would be food, games, entertainment and plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

“We are really excited about this year’s festival and all the things we have planned,” Lawler said.

“The festival will kick-off on Friday evening this year with entertainment, and Saturday will be our big day with events scheduled all day long.”

Lawler said all the car enthusiasts will be glad to know there will be a car show at this year’s festival that will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Also taking place on Saturday are train rides, which are free until noon, a horseshoe toss contest, pony rides, a rock wall climb, door prizes, entertainment and inflatables for the kids.

“We’ll also have vendors selling different items and food,” Lawler said. “There’s still time for a vendor to sign-up to be a part of the festival because we’ll take applications up until the end of the day Friday.”

Lawler said she hoped many people from across the county show up for this year’s festival.

“This is just a good, family-friendly event where there will be something for everyone to do,” she said. “Admission is free, so this is a good opportunity to get out and do something fun, even if you’re on a tight budget.”

Lawler said they will also have Spirit of Hodges T-shirts on sale in assorted colors that will be 412 for adults and $10 for children.

“We have vendors tell us every year that we are a friendly small town that shows true southern hospitality, and we want to have the opportunity to show that hospitality to everyone in the area,” she said.

“We hope to see everyone this weekend for some fun under the big, white tent.”

The entertainment schedule for the Spirit of Hodges Festival is as follows:

Friday, Oct. 12

• 7-9 p.m. – 16 X 80 Band

Saturday, Oct. 13

• 9 a.m. – Bobbie & Bonnie Hawthorne

• 10 a.m. – Briana Lawler Dean

• 11 a.m. – Kerry Gilbert Band

• 12 p.m. – Joseph Baldwin

• 1 p.m. – Chase Holland

• 1:15 p.m. – Josie Beth Jones & Valerie Robinson

• 1:30 p.m. – Hill Country

• 2:15 p.m. – Wildhorse

• 3:15 p.m. – Brooklyn Hall

• 3:45 p.m. – Family Tradition