9/30/2009 6:00:00 PM OctoberFest planned the 17th downtown
By LEAH TOLBERT Staff Reporter
Live musical entertainment by local and regional performers, a 5K run/walk, a children's play zone and the second annual Southern Tradition Bike Show are on tap for OctoberFest around the historic downtown square.
Sponsored by the Arts Council, the annual event will be held on Oct. 17 with proceeds going toward the ongoing renovation of its performing arts theater, the former Ellis Theater, on Byrd Avenue.
Arts Council Executive Director Sharon Deweese described OctoberFest as a fun day for families to come out and support the arts.
Byrd Avenue will be blocked off for children's games including a moonwalk, train ride, ball jump, rock climbing wall and much more.
A "clothesline" arts contest, for children ages 6 to 12, is also planned.
Children may be encouraged to draw a scene that depicts the fall season and prizes will be awarded.
Vendors will be showcasing their pottery, jewelry and other arts and crafts throughout the day.
Like in past years, October Fest will also include a juried art and photography exhibit for both professionals and amateurs.
The second annual Southern Tradition Bike Show begins with registration and orientation at 9 a.m. in the county coliseum. A $100 cash prize will be awarded for overall best in show.
Categories include cruisers, tour bikes, sport bikes, trikes and others. All bikes are welcome to participate.
The bikes will get into formation about 10 a.m. for the parade of bikes. Bikes will then park on Main Street in the assigned place of honor according to category.
Voting will be done by the general public and counted by a panel of three in the Arts Council office. Trophies will be awarded at 1 p.m.
New to this year is the Scarecrow 5K run, 5K walk and the kids one-mile fun run which begins at 8 a.m. Proceeds from the run benefits the handicapped children's playground project at Northside Park.
The race will begin in the parking lot of the main branch of the Citizens Bank on Main Street.
All children who participate in the fun run will receive a medal. Those who pre-register by Oct. 1 will receive a free T-shirt.
To register call 601-575-2320 or 601-416-5913 or register online at www.msracetiming.com. Visit www.pncarts.org to register online for any of the other events.
