One of the parade attractions during the 2011 Homespun Festival was a clown riding a bike.
(File photo)
Volunteers are busy preparing for thousands of visitors expected to arrive in town July 20-21.
They plan a number of new activities, which is expected to make this year’s event one to remember.
The festival kicks off from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 20, with gospel entertainment provided by Southern Grace, Masters 3 Trio, Miranda Thompson, Purely Acoustic, Victory Road, and Heirborn.
Saturday’s activities will begin with the Crossview Community — Homespun 5k on the Silver Comet Trail.
Frank Hilburn, organizer, said one of the highlights of the festival will be a special Wounded Warriors program at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
“This is the first time we have had something like this at Homespun,” he said.
Hilburn has written a song to honor the military. Entitled “Mr. Soldier”, it tells about a youth leaving home to go to a foreign land to fight for freedom in America.
Although this program is planned to honor fallen heroes, Hilburn said he wants to remember veterans from all wars. He also hopes to show videos of soldiers on a large screen.
State Sen. Bill Heath has been invited to give opening remarks and Post 12 Honor Guard is scheduled to give a 21-gun salute.
Organizers have indicated there will be a grand marshal, but have given no name of the individual or group chosen for this honor.
At 10 a.m., the parade will travel through downtown and will feature antics by Shriners, beauty pageant winners, ball players, antique cars, political candidates and more.
Tamaka Hudson, Polk County Chamber of Commerce, plans to visit one of the food vendors to try something different — alligator.
Many people report this unusual treat tastes like chicken but Tamaka reserved comment until she gets a sample at Homespun.
Food vendors will provide — in addition to alligator — hot dogs, hamburgers, giant turkey legs, funnel cakes, snow cones, ice cream, pizza and more.
Children will find an inflatable obstacle course, pony rides, rock climbing wall and carnival style rides.
Little girls in pretty dresses will blossom on stage at 11:05 a.m. when they compete to win the Little Miss Homespun pageant. Erin Terry and The Ballet Garden are also scheduled to perform.
Featured during the afternoon is one of the most popular events of Homespun — the Rotary/Polk Duck Race, which usually begins around 2 p.m. People gather on the banks of Euharlee Creek to watch little yellow plastic ducks bob along to the finish line when winners are announced.
Visitors seeking something different can view antique or classic cars parked at Richardson Field (across from the park).
The Kiwanis Club sponsors the show and car owners are usually on site to hear hometown folks and visitors comment on favorites.
After the duck race, the entertainment will be non-stop!
Scheduled to perform are Seth Carter and Dixie Steele, the Preston Summerville Band, Colt Chambers, Nuthin Fancy, Greg Brown and Dust on the Bottle, Lucas McCain, Would Be Thieves, Bennie Gray and the Trailer Park Cowboys.
“I am excited about our lineup this year,” Hilburn said. “Homespun is great time to showcase local talent.”
Michael Jack and The Psychedelic will perform prior to the Floyd EMS fireworks extravaganza, which climaxes the day’s activities.
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