Redbreast Festival set for Saturday
By Anne Marie Kyzer

Midville's main event will take over the town this weekend.

The 23rd Ogeechee River Redbreast Festival will pack a boatload of activities into the riverside city Friday and Saturday.

The annual softball tournament will begin Friday afternoon, and anglers will take to the river early the next morning for the redbreast fishing tournament.

A parade will proceed through downtown at 9 a.m., and the festival grounds just outside the city limits will open at the same time.

Festival committee member Ashley Duffie said this year's event promises even more food and entertainment. She points to the change of date as the main reason. The festival is moving to June this year after being held in April for several years.

"We've tried to get some different things started and attract some quality vendors," she said.

Duffie said festival-goers should come hungry and take advantage of the array of food vendors, who will sell barbeque, ribs, ice cream, wraps, funnel cakes and more.

Daytime entertainment will include dance groups, cloggers and singing groups, as well as new activities for the children, such as a giant slide, rock climbing wall, fun house and obstacle course.

After the festival closes down at 5 p.m., the traditional nighttime concert will make a comeback with a performance by The Hushpuppies. The concert starts at 8 p.m. and the gates will open at 6.

Tickets are $15 at the gate. Food vendors will be on site during the concert and coolers are welcome, but no glass bottles will be allowed.

Fishermen interested in the fishing tournament may still sign up. Registration is 6-9 a.m. Saturday morning at the Midville Café. The entry fee is $25 per person with no more than two people in a boat. Participants must bring their catch for weighin by 4 p.m.

For more information about the festival or related activities, contact Christa McKinney at 478- 589-7818.