In light of sporadic rain showers, organizers of the Hay Dayz festival have elected to eliminate the cost of admission at the gate. Rides will continue to charge a nominal fee and there will be a $10 cover charge to enjoy the entertainment tonight. However, there is no charge to enter the grounds today.

What it is: A summertime festival with a county fair atmosphere with carnival rides, food vendors, contests and live entertainment — fun for the whole family!

Admission: $0

Where: Near the Botanical Gardens in Demopolis, Ala.

Directions (signs will be in place): Google map

From the north via I-20/59 through Eutaw (Exit 40): Follow US. 43 South to Demopolis. U.S. 43 becomes Walnut Avenue. Stay on Walnut Avenue, and turn right at the third stoplight onto Jackson Street. Go eight blocks and turn right onto Griffin Avenue, adjacent to the Riverside Cemetery. When Griffin Avenue curves to the right, stay straight, crossing the railroad tracks onto the dirt road. Follow the directions of the parking attendants.

From the west on U.S. 80: Turn left at McDonald’s onto Walnut Avenue. Turn left at the second stoplight onto Jackson Street. Go eight blocks and turn right onto Griffin Avenue, adjacent to the Riverside Cemetery. When Griffin Avenue curves to the right, stay straight, crossing the railroad tracks onto the dirt road. Follow the directions of the parking attendants.

From the east on U.S. 80: Turn right at McDonald’s onto Walnut Avenue. Turn left at the second stoplight onto Jackson Street. Go eight blocks and turn right onto Griffin Avenue, adjacent to the Riverside Cemetery. When Griffin Avenue curves to the right, stay straight, crossing the railroad tracks onto the dirt road. Follow the directions of the parking attendants.

From the south via U.S. 43: Turn left at the intersection with U.S. 80. onto Walnut Avenue. Turn left at the second stoplight onto Jackson Street. Go eight blocks and turn right onto Griffin Avenue, adjacent to the Riverside Cemetery. When Griffin Avenue curves to the right, stay straight, crossing the railroad tracks onto the dirt road. Follow the directions of the parking attendants.

Festival entrance/Parking: From Jackson Street, turn onto Griffin Avenue (on the east (downtown) side of Riverside Cemetery). When Griffin Avenue curves to the right, stay straight, crossing the railroad tracks onto the dirt road. Follow the directions of the parking attendants.

SCHEDULE

Saturday, Aug. 14

Festival opens from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Jill Tutt and Kelley Kirkham, 10 a.m., warehouse

The Old Fellows, 11 a.m., warehouse

Foster Farms corn dog eating contest, noon, common area

Hay bale decorating contest, noon, common area

Morning Star Baptist Church Chorus, 1 p.m., warehouse

G Phi Psi Steppers, 3 p.m., warehouse

Ross Taekwando demonstration, 4 p.m., warehouse

First United Methodist Church Praise Team, 5 p.m., warehouse

Steven Padilla Band, 8 p.m., warehouse

Sponsors: Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce, Demopolis City Schools Foundation

Information: Chamber office, (334) 289-0270

Emergency care: Demopolis Fire and Rescue Department will have cooling stations available to help with heat-related health problems. Members of the Demopolis Police Department will be on hand for assistance.

Carnival rides: W.J. Attractions

Pony rides: Renfroe and Daughters

Rides: Funtime Events

Special thanks to: T.M. Culpepper III, Brenda Miller, Mem Webb, RockTenn, Plaza Golf Carts, Two Rivers Arts Council, DTD Club, SunSouth, Alabama Power Company, Foster Farms, Marengo County Historical Society, Cotillion Club, Advance Disposal, Boy Scouts of America, City of Demopolis, volunteer workers.