The Demopolias Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Hwy. 80 Songwriters’ Festival Committee is gearing up for the annual summer event.

The Songwriters’ Festival is traditionally part of Demopolis’s Fourth of July celebration, Freedom on the River. This year, with Independence Day being on Tuesday, organizers have decided to reserve that day for riverside festivities; however, the Songwriters’ Festival will take place the Saturday before, on July 1, on the town square.

The Songwriters’ Festival is free to the public. This year’s songwriter and performer lineup includes: Derek Norsworthy, Christina Christian, Paul Garner, Jacob Broussard, Taylor Craven, Shawn Pfaffman, Alan Hartzell, Kenny Smitherman, and Taylor Honeycutt. There will also be food vendors, an inflatable for the children, a glow stick vendor, and more.

Also coming to Demopolis that weekend is the Cal Ripken Baseball League, which is hosting a tournament at the Demopolis Sports Plex, which organizers hope will bring in an even bigger crowd.

“Enjoy baseball during the day, then head downtown for more fun in the evening. Door prizes will be given out throughout the evening with a grand prize — a guitar signed by all performing artists valued at $400 — awarded after the final performance,” said DACC Executive Director Candace Dorriety.

The first performance of the festival will begin at 6 p.m. with entertainment continuing until 9 p.m.

Those attending are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs as well as coolers.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, May 24, print edition of the Demopolis Times.)