With Independence Day jut a few days away many families are preparing to celebrarte the holiday. For those looking for a fun time close to home, the City of Demopolis and the Demopolis Chamber of Commerce are planning a weekend packed with family, fun, and food.
On Friday, July 3 in Downtown Demopolis Square the city of Demopolis will be hosting their third annual Highway 80 Songwriters festival. This event is free to the public. Ten artists are scheduled to perform with four being natives of Demopolis. This event will run from 6-9 p.m.
The line up of performances includes: 6-7 p.m. Dereck Norsworthy, Christinia Christian, and Shawn Pffafman. 7-8 p.m. Steve Wilkerson, Megan McMillian, and Alan Hartzell. 8-9 p.m. Britt Gully, Amy Lott, Mel Knapp, and Melissa Joiner.
There will be chances for participants to win door prizes throughout the night. A special grand prize of a signed guitar from the entire performing artist will be awarded to conclude the festival. In order to win the prizes, the participant must be in attendance at the event.
Mugshots out of Mississippi will be selling food during the festival. Mugshots offers hamburgers and other comfort foods. There will also be other vendors in attendance serving funnel cakes, corn dogs, and other festival foods.
Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. There will be a bouncy house for kids. The open container law will be waived for those participating in the festivals, but only in the festival grounds.
On Saturday, July 4 at George Franks Field from noon until 5 p.m. will be the Freedom of the River’s Best Backyard BBQ. This is a friendly BBQ competition in which participants will be competing for a chance to compete in the Christmas on the River BBQ Cook off. The public is encouraged to participate and sample the entries.
The Freedom of the River Celebration will be held Saturday from noon until 10 p.m. This event will take place at the Demopolis City landing. There will be activities for children at the Children’s Corral opening at 4 p.m. The corral will include fun patriotic games/ prizes for children as well as inflatable for them. Parents must accompany children at all kid’s activities.
At 5 p.m. their will be a children’s parade. Parents and children are encouraged to dress up in patriotic gear and decorate wagons, strollers, skateboards, and bicycles for a chance to win a prize. Those interested must register at the Children’s Corral by 4:45 p.m.
The night will hit its peak at 8:30 when Mark Pickel and Extreme Pyrotechnics will light up the sky with their fireworks show at the city landing.