Downtown Brewton will be buzzing with activity today as the 31st annual Alabama Blueberry Festival kicks off at Burnt Corn Creek Park.
With opening ceremonies at 8 a.m. the festival will continue until 3 p.m. with arts and craft vendors as well as entertainment, food and children’s activities.
The event is hosted by the Greater Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce with various sponsors for the annual festival.
Don Ward, Chamber president, said the event will offer activities and interests for a wide variety of attendees.
“The Alabama Blueberry Festival offers something for everyone,” Ward said. “Take advantage of the original arts and crafts, entertainment, antique car and motorcycle shows, food court, children’s section, and of course, fresh blueberries.”
A special children’s section is being provided at no cost to children through the sponsorhip of Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union and Georgia-Pacific’s Brewton location.
The area will include a trackless train, inflatable activities, pony rides, a petting zoo, water slides and more.
Food offerings at the festival will include Pig Daddy’s Barbecue, Jean & Gene Foods with general concessions, Cobb & Company Kettle Corn, Trolley Stop Ice Cream Shoppe, Kona Shaved Ice, Front Porch Lemonade and Daddy’s Roasted Sweet Corn.
Chamber personnel and members will be on hand at an information booth with commemorative items also available at the event.
A variety of traditional items will be available including the annual Festival cookbook, t-shirts and tote bags donned with the logo of the event. New items added to the line up of commemorative fare include insulated tumblers and can koozies. Commemorative items will only be available at the Chamber booth.
Sponsors for the event include BankTrust of Brewton, D.W. McMillan Hospital, Georgia-Pacific, Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co., Poarch Creek Indians, BB&T, McMillan, Ltd., McDonald’s and WOWB 90.9 radio.
Appearances by a variety of singers and dancers will be made on the entertainment stage at Burnt Corn Creek Park. The event will also feature a special appearance by Ronald McDonald.
Scheduled to perform include Lois Crenshaw, Twin Creek Cloggers, Misty Joyner, Santa Rosa and Escambia Twirlers, Kerry McCall, Chris Summerlin and Pulse Ministries team from East Brewton First Assembly of God, Youth Development/ International Miss, New Beginnings Worship Center team, Lisa Schloman, Possibly Smooth, Charles Oglesby and 60 Grit.
Parking and admittance to the event is free. Parking areas will be located throughout the downtown Brewton area and in the Alco Plaza shopping center. Shuttle services will be available at no cost.