10/14/2009 6:00:00 PM OctoberFest set
for Saturday
By LEAH TOLBERT Staff Reporter
Wagon rides, arts and crafts, children's games and live musical entertainment are among festivities planned for Saturday's OctoberFest around the historic downtown square.
This year's event will also include a Scarecrow 5K run, 5K walk and kids' one-mile fun run which begin at 8 a.m.
The second annual Southern Tradition Bike Show and a juried art and photo exhibit are also planned.
Proceeds from OctoberFest will go toward the ongoing renovation of the Arts Council's performing arts theater, the former Ellis Theater, on Byrd Avenue.
OctoberFest will begin at 9 a.m. with the national anthem by Theron Denson.
Byrd Avenue will be blocked off for children's games including a moonwalk, sidewalk chalk art, train rides, wagon rides, ball jump, rock climbing wall and much more.
A "clothesline" art contest, for children ages 6 to 12, is also planned at the former Ellis Theatre. Children may be encouraged to draw a scene that depicts the fall season and prizes will be awarded. There is no charge to enter.
Vendors will be showcasing their pottery, jewelry and other arts and crafts throughout the day.
Like in past years, OctoberFest will also include a juried art and photography exhibit for both professionals and amateurs at the Arts Council Office.
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 bikers 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.
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.
