Weekend fun at Homespun!
Thousands are expected to flood downtown Rockmart for the 39th annual Homespun Festival on Friday and Saturday, July 15-16. This event features family activities for the young and young at heart, including a parade, live music, arts and crafts and more. Saturday’s activities will be climaxed with a giant fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
Thousands are expected to flood downtown Rockmart to enjoy the 39th annual Homespun Festival on Friday and Saturday, July 15-16.
Friday night is gospel night and will feature traditional favorites and contemporary songs from 5 to 9: 30 p.m.
Heirborn will headline this time of live entertainment. Everyone is invited to bring your lawn chairs or blankets and find a spot by the stage where you can enjoy the music.
If you are seeking something to please your taste buds, then several vendors will be present to provide food to delight the young and young at heart. And, arts and crafts vendors will probably set up early so you can select from their unique displays.
A full day of family fun will kick off at 8 a. m. Saturday with the 5K and fun run, hosted by Crossview Community Church on the Silver Comet Trail.
Arts and crafts by local and regional artists will also be shown on Saturday morning. Items for sale can be a unique piece for your home or an item of jewelry that would be a great gift for a favorite friend or relative. These include painted ceiling tiles, yard address signs, handmade children’s clothing, charm jewelry, pottery, turned wood, children’s wooden toys and more.
From 7 to 10 a.m., a pancake breakfast will be served at the First Methodist Church in Rockmart. “Breakfast is my favorite meal,” said a visitor during the 2015 festival. “I enjoyed the friendly atmosphere.”
During the day, food vendors will also offer funnel cakes, blooming onions, fried pickles, handmade ice cream, milkshakes, gyro’s, grits, hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue, shaved, frozen and fresh squeezed lemonade will be available.
If you would prefer to arrive late, you will not be disappointed with the highlights that begin with the annual Shriner’s Parade at 10 a.m. Streets are lined with people who know they will see talented people with a gift of comedy as skilled drivers show off for those present. Don’t forget the clowns will be dressed to make you laugh with their antics.
The Kiwanis Car Show, scheduled from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. at the Depot, will feature a line up of classic vehicles that can thrill the heart of any car buff. Owners can answer question so children and youth can get information about their favorite vintage vehicle on display.
The car show is open to all makes and models. First, second and third place trophies will be awarded in each class: original, hot rod modified and trucks. Special awards will include the best of show and people’s choice. Registration is from 8 a. m. to noon and awards will be presented at 2 p.m. You can pre-register for $15 or at the gate for $20. For more information, call Bobby Edwards at 678-757-9990.
At 2 p.m., The Rotary Club of Polk County will sponsor the 25th annual duck race. Hundreds of little yellow plastic ducks will float down Euharlee Creek as part of the fun. Many people try their luck guessing which one will finish and win the competition.
You can adopt a duck with a $5 donation for each or $20 for 5. The first place winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize plus other prizes for top finishers.
Tickets for the duck race are available at Sherman Ross State Farm, Smith-Lockwood Pharmacy and Precious Paws in Rockmart.
Proceeds are used in community projects hosted by the Rotary Club.
Non-profits involved in Homespun are Serenity Animal Rescue, LMO Pregnancy Care Center, Cedartown Seventh Day Adventist Church, Crossroad Community Church, Polk County Rotary, Rockmart Lions Club, Rockmart Masonic Lodge No. 97 and Slate Street Shriners.
Parents and grandparents can enjoy watching their children and grandchildren try the rock wall, dragon fly ride, turbo tub ride, bull ride, water walker, inflatables and more.
Saturday evening, entertainment will begin with Southern Rock and Roll and end with I s aac Streetman and t he Redneck Romeos prior to the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
Homespun sponsors for 2016 include: Premier - Floyd EMS; platinum - Georgia Power Company, HON, WGAA, Parker Systems, and Redmond Regional Medical Center,
Gold - The City of Rockmart, Waste Industries, and The Polk County Standard Journal,
Bronze - Georgia Northwestern Technical College, Sheboygan Paint, Smith- Lockwood, Southcrest Bank, and Advance Storage Products,
Associate Sponsors - Morgan Hardware, Cedar Valley Container, Haralson Termite and Pest Control, Trey Kelley, Econolodge Inn and Suites; friend sponsor - Our House and Domestic Violence Shelter.