For the 69th time Saturday, the Strawberry Festival Parade will twist through West Adairville and go through a throng of South Logan Countians and their friends around the town square, beginning at 2 p.m.
This year’s Festival is dedicated to Danny Finch, who is president of the sponsoring Adairville-South Logan Chamber of Commerce and the longest serving member of any city council in Logan County. The Logan Aluminum employee was a key figure on Adairville High School’s last district champion basketball team in 1972.
Parade Grand Marshal is Charles Brindley, an Adairville artist and art teacher. His Art Studio at the old Peoples Bank will be open with an art display of his work and possibly others, beginning at 10 a.m.
The day gets started much earlier than 10, though. A pancake breakfast is offered at the Red River Fish and Game Club on James Lake Road, not far from the square. An arts and crafts show will begin on the square at 9 a.m.
The baby contest begins at 10 a.m. at Adairville Elementary School.
Mayor Donna Blake says, “Don't forget this Saturday with all the regular activities going on during the festival, Kelly Bond will be in full Native American attire at the Chamber office answering questions and talking about Native Americans. Kit Wesler, archaeologist from Murray will also be there talking about and answering questions about Savage Cave. This will be from 10-2. After the parade Levi Geary will be giving a talk about the Civil War in Logan County. Lots of interesting things besides the regular attractions.”
Joy Carter says, “I am doing a bake sale Saturday at the strawberry festival to help raise money for are summer youth teams to help keep this park looking good and so the kids can have a great softball and teeball season. So if anyone wants to donate, it will be greatly appreciated. We have several parents already bringing stuff.”
As has been true for decades, Casey’s Rides have been going round and round most of the week and will be popular again Saturday.
The annual reenactment of the Andrew Jackson-Charles Dickinson Duel will be held at 1:30 in front of Adairville Hardware. The Dockins brothers—Harris and Dave—usually are among the stars of the historical drama.
Among those in the 2 p.m. parade will be Strawberry Festival Queen Jaclyn Batchelor, a student at Logan County High School.
A highlight of this year’s festival will be a the First Meet & Greet for all Adairville High School Alumni at the Adairville School Library from 3-4:30 p.m. It's a good reason to get out of the rain which we need so much, see former classmates across the years, and share good refreshments! Hosted by Sarah Harris Flowers and Nancy Burton Delk. Thanks to sponsors John Lee Barnes and Jack Crossley.
The big day concludes with a musical performance by Andrea Tanara and the Optional Italian Buffett, beginning at 7:30 p.m.