The Japanese Magnolias are in full bloom and in a few short weeks the Azaleas will be abundant with color. These first signs of spring mean that it is time for the Port Gibson Main Street Heritage Festival which will be held all day on Saturday, March 27, 2010 in downtown Port Gibson. The event planning committee has been working since September to insure a successful, family oriented event.

The Festival officially begins with the start of the 5K Dilla Dash, a MS Track Club Grand Prix Event, at 8 a.m. from the Water Department on the south end of Market Street. Commemorative t-shirts are given to each participant and prizes are awarded to the winners.

The downtown streets will be full of a variety of vendors from across the Southeast. Handmade children’s items, purses, birdhouses and plants are just a few of the items that will be available on Walnut Street throughout the day. A number of demonstrating artisans, a number of them members of the MS Craftsman’s Guild, will fill Fair Street to show and sell their crafts. Food vendors featuring hamburgers, polish sausages, funnel cakes and more will be cooking into the evening time.

There are several opportunities for fun and entertainment for children and young people this year. The Children’s Park, located in the 700 block of Market Street, will be filled with jumps, games and animals. The 2nd Annual Little Miss Heritage Festival will showcase little girls between the ages of 5 and 10 competing in the categories of talent, oral presentation and pageant dress. Savings bonds will be awarded to the winners and the deadline for entering is Friday, March 12th.  The High School Step Show is a new event this year and promises to be an entertaining drawing card for all ages. This regional competition will take place on the Main Stage beginning at 11 a.m. and the groups will compete for cash prizes and trophies.

Three nationally recognized R&B groups will take to the Main Stage in the afternoon. Ms. Jody, The Homemade Jamz Blues Band and Floyd Taylor each have their own strong style, talent and following. The Main Stage will be located on Market Street between the Matt Ross Administration Building and Mississippi Cultural Crossroads. There is no charge for admission and the public is encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy the afternoon.

Port Gibson Main Street is a volunteer-based organization whose primary goal is to assist in the revitalization of the historic downtown business and residential district. This year Main Street has joined with Disney Parks to promote volunteerism in our community. The program is called “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” and volunteers who preregister online at www.disneyparks.com, complete the necessary paperwork and give their time can get a one-day, one-theme park pass to Walt Disney World or Disneyland.

Information on and applications for any of the Festival’s activities are available at www.portgibsonmainstreet.com or by calling the Port Gibson Main Street office at 601-437-4500.   

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