By By Lisa Tindell
Mayfest planning is at full throttle and events scheduled should bring plenty of activity to Tom Byrne Memorial Park for the 2010 event.
The annual event is set for May 1 with opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. There is no admission to the festival grounds scheduled to be filled with arts, crafts, food, contests, children’s activities and more.
Lisa Reynolds, Chamber president, said the daylong event will be filled with traditional festival fare along with some new contests to offer something different for the 2010 event.
The inaugural Pooch Parade will be held immediately following opening ceremonies, Reynolds said.
Those interested in entering the Pooch Parade can pre-register by picking up an application at area pet salons or veterinary clinics or by contact the Chamber. Registration is $15 and covers all aspects of the contest including best dog costume, dog/owner look-a-like and Miss Prissy Pup and Mister Manly Mutt. Prizes will be awarded to all winners. Specific rules concerning vaccinations and leash rules are available on the registration application or by contacting the Chamber.
The Region’s sponsored “Race for the Green” will involve a special course designed for the event and push-style lawnmowers. There will be adult and children’s categories with prizes awarded to the top finishers in each category.
One contest is continuing this year with the Beautiful Baby Contest set for 9:45 a.m. at the main gazebo stage. Advance registration is $12 with registration on day of contest at $15. The event is sponsored by The Atmore Advance.
The event features four age categories for boys and girls. Categories are three months to under one year; one, two, and three years. Each contestant will receive a free dancing babies T-shirt.
Other events planned for the day include special events for children of all ages. Inflatable rides from Emerald Coast Amusements will be on hand as well as children’s games, the Williams Station Express train, “The Good Neighbear” courtesy of State Farm Insurance, a balloon clown, pony rides, face painting and more.
For adults, a wide variety of arts and crafts vendors will be displaying their wares in the park with plenty of food and beverages available throughout the day.
Those interested in displaying arts and/or crafts are encouraged to reserve a booth space. Individual private party spaces are $45 each with a limited number of spaces having electrical access. Commercial vendors may also reserve booth space at $75 for each space. Information including regulations on booth space size and use can be obtained by contact the Chamber office.
Sponsors for the 2010 Mayfest include Alabama Power, Pepsi of Atmore and Winn-Dixie. The Chamber corporate sponsor is Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union.
For information concerning any contests, entertainment, food offerings or booth space reservations, contact the Chamber of Commerce office at 368-3305.