Even with over 200 vendors scheduled to participate in Saturday’s 19th annual Autumn Street Fair, the event could be bigger.
The Chamber of Commerce has been flooded with last-minute callers eager to rent a booth at the popular downtown event.
“I’ve been getting calls all day long,” Chamber employee Brandy Moore said Thursday afternoon. “Everyone wants to try to squeeze in somewhere, but all the spaces are full. Some people said they were going to come Friday afternoon anyway to see if there’s anyone who doesn’t show up.”
The government shutdown did help four vendors secure a spot at the last minute. The Chamber was notified four booths would not be taken by organizations such as the National Guard because of the shutdown. Those four openings have already been filled.
If the weekend weather report is any indication, it should be an enjoyable day with AccuWeather predicting highs in the mid-80s on Saturday. Last year’s event was chilly and drizzly – especially in the morning.
The festival will start Saturday at 9 a.m. and last until 5 p.m. on Main Street and Court Square. It will feature a variety of food vendors selling everything from BBQ, to shaved ice, to tamales.
There will also be music, craft vendors and a baby show.
The baby show will begin at 9 a.m. in front of the Chamber.
The musical entertainment will be highlighted by performances from Thunder Creek at 11:30 a.m., and Four on the Floor at 3 p.m. Four on the Floor was originally scheduled to play at Main Street Live, but that performance was rained out.