Cathy Alexander
Thursday, April 27, 2017 8:25 am
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It's that time of the year again. The long awaited MayFest on Main Street is just a few days ahead. Downtown Rutherfordton will once again be filled with visitors from all around our region as the streets transform into a mass of arts and crafts and activities that will entertain young and old alike.
"MayFest, to me, is a time that our community comes together" says Cindy Addair, event organizer. "We are promoting our downtown businesses, other entrepreneurs, and our local nonprofits and church groups," This year, says Addair, "We have new stores downtown, new arts and craft booths, and new food booths. We will also have more kids activities."
According to event organizers, the party kicks off Friday night, May 5th, with Cinco de Mayo at Mi Pueblito in Rutherfordton and continues on throughout the night at the first FUNC summer music concert on Center Street. (FUNC stands for Fridays UNplugged on Central and is a highly anticipated event.) Local musicians line the streets to play a wide variety of music and spectators flock to the street to hear them.
Saturday kicks off with the 2017 Gears and Gables ride to benefit Rutherford Housing Partnership, a local non-profit organization that helps make much needed repairs to the homes of low-income families. The race starts at 8:00 am and provides both recreational and professional cyclists with a 24-mile, 49-mile and 62-mile option.
For those of you that prefer a less physical adventure, take to the streets to check out this year's vendors. You will see some new faces this year as well as some old time favorites like KidSenses, who will be entertaining us once again with their hand's on activities, the Rutherford County Visual Arts Guild and their very popular Oops Pottery Sale, and, of course, the talented and sought after face painting artist.
Kids always have fun in the Playland provided by R.S. Central Band that includes a rock wall, an inflatable obstacle course, and mechanical rides for the young and young at heart. Our local dance and gymnastics teams always impress us with their performances and this year will be no different. Local Boy Scouts will host their annual Scout Show & District Pinewood Derby Race featuring interactive booths including a Tee Pee exhibit and Scouts in Indian regalia.
And just to make things more interesting, MayFest will have a wide selection of festival favorites 'eats' such as funnel cakes, homemade lemonade, delicious barbecue, fried turkey legs, fried pies, roasted corn on the cob and more!
Live entertainment is provided while you indulge your taste buds beginning at 11:00 am with Caleb Gilbert Band followed by Wiregrass who takes the stage at 3:00 pm.
As a special treat this year there will also be a classic car, truck and motorcycle show that is bound to excite any auto enthusiast. Sponsored by Gregory's Original Restaurant and held in the parking lot by Gregory's off Charlotte Road, registration will be from 9:00 am to 12:00 with awards presented at 2:00 pm. A shuttle will be provided throughout the day from the car show to MayFest courtesy of Gregory's Original Restaurant and RTR.
As a fitting end to an already amazing day, 'Heart Breaker' will be performing on the car show stage from 6:00-11:00 pm. Heart Breaker is a Heart tribute band and a must see for anyone in the area.
For more information about MayFest or the car show, be sure to go online to www.rutherfordtown.com or call 828-287-2071.