Melodie Phelps, News Editor
Wayne County Outlook
Monticello
Sat, May 17 2008
—
Whether you like to look at classic cars, browse through arts and
crafts, eat good food, or listen to timeless music, there is literally
something for everyone to enjoy this weekend at SpringFest 2008. The
three-day event is slated to begin at 6 p.m. Friday and the whole festival
will be held at Memorial Park.
Interest in SpringFest has been incredible, since last year's successful
inaugural event. The Monticello-Wayne County Chamber of Commerce has fielded
hundreds of calls in the last month about the event, and numerous vendors
have already signed up to participate.
"SpringFest will be at the park this year because of the construction
work in the downtown area," explained Penny Thompson with the Chamber of
Commerce. "Expanding it to three days will attract a lot of out-of-town
vendors who normally wouldn't travel for a one or two day festival."
Thompson said vendors have signed up from as far away as Norris City,
Illinois. Booths will be set up throughout the park with a variety of
different wares for festival goers to enjoy. In addition, there will be food
booths set up for SpringFest to provide a variety of different festival
fare.
Booths will be set up throughout the afternoon on Friday, and SpringFest
will occupy the entire park. Things will get started when the gates open at
6 p.m. Friday. There will be live entertainment that evening, featuring
Klassyc Tymes.
Saturday includes a full slate of events, beginning at 11 a.m. The
entertainment schedule includes Bell Tones, Ben West, Ugly Tree, Audio Fuse
and Top Relik. Saturday night's headline concert will feature Classic Rock
All-Stars, with lead singers from four different groups, including Jerry
Corbetta, Mike Pinera, Peter Rivera, and Dennis Noda. Their hits include:
"Get Ready;" "Green-Eyed Lady;" "Don't Call Us, We'll Call You;" and "Ride,
Captain, Ride."
A Motorcycle Poker Run is scheduled for Saturday, with the ride
beginning at 12:30 p.m. There will be a classic car show and a tractor show
and shine.
On Sunday, events will be geared toward Mother's Day, with moms being
honored throughout the afternoon. The festival will be from 1 until 5 p.m.
Sunday. Prizes will be awarded to moms, including a day at the spa and a
houseboat vacation.
Entertainment will be provided by The Gospel Enforcers, Live Fish, and
The Daltons.
New this year to SpringFest is KidsZone, which will be set up on Kiwanis
Field. There will be inflatables to play on and there will be no admission
charge. KidsZone will be open throughout the three-day festival, allowing
kids an opportunity to enjoy activities without spending a lot of money.
This year's festival includes the rock wall and the trackless train.
Several areas of the park have been designated for parking throughout
the festival. Last year, SpringFest drew between 6,000 and 8,000 with a huge
crowd attending the concert by Blackfoot. Organizers are hoping for even
more people to attend this year.
"We are looking forward to a great time, and we want to invite everybody
to come out for the festival," said Thompson.
She noted that because of the great community partners for SpringFest
there will again be no admission charged for the event.
"We're proud of the businesses and the citizens of this community. We
couldn't do this without them," said Thompson.
Anyone who would like more information about SpringFest should contact
the Chamber Office at (606) 348-3064.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.