When the Strawberry Festival Parade circles the Adairville Square Saturday starting at 2 p.m., one of America’s most powerful leaders will be waving to the crowd. And as respected as he is, Grand Marshal Marshall Kemp most likely will be overshadowed.
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will make another appearance in the parade. He is no stranger to Adairville. His wife, former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, is expected to be with him. They are among America’s great Power Couples.
Mayor Donna Blake says State Representative Martha Jane King will also appear in the parade.
All of these government figures undoubtedly are on the guest list for the Dignitaries Luncheon, which will be held at Adairville Baptist Church at 11 a.m., along with many more people in positions of trust and importance.
The day begins Saturday with the Pancake Breakfast at Red River Fish & Game Club from 5:30-9:30 a.m. Rita Burton is in charge of that popular event. Crafts on the Square, which started Friday, will reopen at 9 a.m. with Wayne Stratton in charge. At the same time, the cornhole tournament will begin on the square, chaired by Todd Burchett. Over at Adairville School, the baby contest begins at 10. City Clerk Sharon Head is in charge of that.
Casey’s Rides, which have been an integral part of the Strawberry Festival as long as most of us can remember, will be running throughout the day and into the night.
One of the most unique segments of each Festival is the Reenactment of the Jackson-Dickinson Duel, bringing back to life one of the most famous incidents in the life of President Andrew Jackson, which happened in South Logan.
After the parade, music will fill the air. The Link Family and “other local talent” will perform. Then beginning at 7:30 p.m., the Boys of Broad from Greenville will entertain in what is traditionally known as the “Street Dance.”
It is very possible to spend the day at the Adairville Strawberry Festival and never spend a dime, although you’ll probably have more fun eating strawberry delights, riding the rides, buying the crafts and having a big meal before dancing the night away.