Early planning begins for annual Homespun Festival in Rockmart

Early planning has begun for the 37th annual Homespun Festival on Friday and Saturday, July 17-18 in downtown Rockmart.

Records reveal the first festival was held in July 1978 due to the combined efforts of the Rockmart Merchants Association, the Rockmart Chamber of Commerce and local volunteers.

Attendance at this popular event has continued to increase from a few hundred to more than 8,000 in 2014. It brings together a variety of activities planned for the young and young at heart.

Many adults vividly remember attending Homespun as a child. Engrained in their memory are the laughter, fun rides and smell of good things to eat.

In 2015, festival events kick off with gospel night on July 17. From 5 to 9:30 p.m., popular groups will perform in the downtown area. Arts and crafts vendors usually arrive early to set up a preview of what will be available on Saturday, July 18.

Saturday will be filled with family activities launched at 8 a.m. with the 5K race, hosted by Crossview Community Church.

At 10 a.m., visitors and homefolks can enjoy the annual parade that traditionally features Shriners and a number of other groups.

Individuals can dis- cover unique handmade items in the arts and crafts section while local and out of town groups are performing on stage in Seaborn Jones Park.

Meanwhile, you will find food to please your taste buds offered by local non-profit organizations. The aroma of barbecue to the popular funnel cakes will draw you to these favorites.

Children will find plenty of entertainment, including a ride on the mechanical bull or games where they can challenge personal skills.

Highlighting the afternoon will be the antique car show, which is annually sponsored by the Kiwanis club. This has proved a popular event for the constant flow of people who enjoy viewing popular vehicles of yesterday.

And, don’t forget the annual duck race sponsored by the Rotary club. Crowds usually line the banks of Euharlee Creek as they watch little yellow plastic ducks bob along to the finish line.

The Polk County Chamber is taking applications for arts and crafters and food vending. If you represent a non-profit organization, this is a great time to set up a booth and provide educational information to the public. Sponsorship opportunities are also offered.

For more information about Homespun, call 770- 684- 8760 or email homespun@ polkgeorgia. com.