The 47th annual Natchez Trace Festival brought a crowd estimated by some at approximately 10,000 to the courthouse square and other areas Saturday.
Cloudy skies and threat of rain failed to be a big deterrent. A few vendors canceled because of the forecast of rain but most of those who pre-registered came, according to Patti Edwards with the Kosciusko-Attala Partnership.
She reported vendors from seven states as far away as Russellville, Ala.; Jenna, La., Arlington, Tenn. and Marmaduke, Ark., who joined many regulars from throughout Mississippi.
Activities began Friday night with entertainment moved from Renasant Bank Park to the Attala County Coliseum because of threatening rain. Moomba on Friday night drew a crowd with rides for children of all ages Friday night and all day Saturday, traditional festival foods of funnel cakes, chicken on a stick, hot dogs, nachos and hamburgers were offered throughout the festival area.
Saturday morning kicked off with a 5K run and walk and a 1-mile fun run.
Several demonstrating artisans could be seen in the Pocket Park. They included Sarah Rick, portrait artist; Betty Errington, wood carvings; Holmes Community College art students; Harriett Cheek, handcrafted jewelry.
Main Street Director G.G. Holmes noted the popularity of vendors including Happi Crabs as she saw many children walking away from her booth with their purchases in small carriers. Yard art is always popular, and those vendors did well as I saw many who had shopped with them, she added.
Plants, jewelry, clothing, leather goods, handmade wooden monograms and others rounded out the displays.
As festival goers circled the square they paused for entertainment from a stage on the north side of the square. They included an Elvis impersonator, Wanda Turnbo Choir, The Gathering Worship Band, Rick and Jilda Watson, Dylan Davis, Michael Locke, The Novel Drive, Leach the Peach and The Bad Nephews.
On the south side of the square Beautiful Feet Dance Studio students performed.
Organizers of the festival with Markieth Selmon as chairman expressed their thanks to all who helped to make the festival a success. City workers were praised for efforts ranging from erecting banners to the cleanup crew who left the square with no evidence of having hosted 10,000 visitors.
