By By Kerry Whipple Bean – publisher
Candy Smith is calling in extra help to serve the extra shoppers she hopes will be in town next weekend for the Brewton Music Festival.
The owner of Shades of Gray, located inside Weaver's Apparel and Fine Gifts, hopes the draw of the Oak Ridge Boys and other musical acts translates into sales for her business. She is setting up a tent sale on the boardwalk and plans to stay open all day Saturday.
Kelly Billingsley, one of the organizers of the Brewton Music Festival, said the event could draw up to 5,000 people to the city.
The Cracked Pot, owned by NDI, will be holding a sale event that day as well, Billingsley said.
The Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce will have an information booth at the festival, with coupons and maps to distribute to festival-goers, said chamber director Judy Crane.
Because festival attendees will receive an armband that allows them to come and go, Billingsley said she hopes people will spend part of their day exploring Brewton - and its stores and restaurants.
Tickets are still available for the festival, which will be held from noon to 9 p.m. at Burnt Corn Creek downtown. Locally, the $25 tickets can be purchased at The Cracked Pot, George's Barbecue, the chamber of commerce office, Jus Do, the Hourglass, David's Catfish and Hines Realty.
Festival-goers are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets to the event. Performances begin at 8 p.m.
In addition to headliners the Oak Ridge Boys - featuring Brewton native William Lee Golden - performers include Robert Earl Keen, Grayson Capps and Chris Golden.
Performances will begin at 4 p.m.