The Brewton area may see a boon in the economy this weekend as the annual Blueberry Festival and 125th anniversary of the city gets underway.

Judy Crane, executive director of the Greater Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce, said the event may bring more people to the area than in years past since many more activities are planned.

“There is going to be plenty to do beginning Thursday evening and all the way through the weekend,” Crane said. “I’m hoping because of so much going on there will be more reason than ever to spend some time in Brewton.”

Brewton will be hosting the 30th annual Blueberry Festival in conjunction with a 125th anniversary celebration of the city, Crane said.

“There will be so much going on from concerts and art shows to the Festival, a movie and fireworks,” Crane said. “Our area retailers are gearing up for a busy weekend so there will be plenty of opportunity to have a good time all around Brewton.”

Crane said many of the downtown merchants have planned to have their outlets open to make their items available for those who want to escape the heat and shop.

“We have gotten information that Shades of Gray, Weaver’s and Southern Heirlooms will be open on the Boardwalk,” Crane said. “Also, NDI/Cracked Pot is open during the Festival as well. The Boardwalk Café is planning to be open for breakfast and lunch during the Festival.”

Crane said with visitors shopping in area retail locations, the economy in Brewton could see some benefits.

“With vendors and visitors coming to town, we hope their business here will be a boost to our economy,” Crane said. “Our merchants have said they get more foot traffic during the Festival and we hope that continues this year.

With those vendors and out-of-town visitors coming in and staying in our motels and eating at area restaurants it could certainly help some of our merchants. All of our vendors at the Festival are required to pay sales tax on the items they sell, so that should help as well.”

Crane said shuttle service will be available to get visitors to Burnt Corn Creek Park for the day’s events.

“We will have shuttle service ready to bring people from wherever they park to the park,” Crane said. “Shuttles will run from Alco Plaza, the Courthouse, O’Bannon Park, just wherever we need to and we’ll run them all day long.”

Rounding out the weekend of events will be homecoming services at Alco Baptist Church. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will feature singing by the musical group Southland. Dr. Rick Lance, executive director for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, will bring the morning message. The event is open to the public.

For additional information concerning the events surrounding the annual Blueberry Festival or for ticket information, contact the Chamber offices at 867-3224.