The 35th Annual Farmville Dogwood Festival opens Thursday and organizers said that visitors can expect the same quality of vendors, rides and entertainment that have delivered Dogwood good times for years.
Amy Johnson, festival director for the past 15 years, she said they will have over 100 participants this year including food vendors, arts and crafts makers, commercial and nonprofit booths as well as music and entertainment throughout the event, which continues though Sunday.
“It’s our 35th annual festival, we’ve been very successful for many years, and we hope to continue it this year,” said Johnson. “We have Michael’s Amusements coming with rides for small children and ranges to rides that are more thrilling for high schoolers, and we have we’ve got free entertainment in our Gazebo all festival long.”
Opening ceremonies are at 6 p.m. on Thursday with WITN’s Courtney Bunting as at the emcee at the Gazebo at the Town Commons. Live music performances will be at the Gazebo throughout the festival.
Johnson said that Thursday is One Price Ride Night, and that wristbands can be purchased in advance for $20 at the Town Office until Thursday or purchased at the festival for $25.
Friday is Family Fun Night, with the Movie Under the Stars at the Horne Avenue Athletic Field at 8 p.m. “We’re showing Disney’s The Little Mermaid Sing-Along, and we will have live characters there to interact with the kids,” said Johnson.
“We have some awesome bands coming to perform each day that’s free, we’re having a street dance on Friday night, and our Saturday night Dogwood Bash concert is the big music event, but it’s a paid venue,” said Johnson. “This Year our headliner is Grand Ole Opry member Lauren Alaina; we have Austin Williams who’s her special guest. Tickets are $25 in advance, and $30 the day of the concert.”
Sunday will be feature a worship service at the Gazebo with Farmville United @ the Cross at 10 a.m., another One Price Ride Day with Michael’s amusements from 1-6 p.m., and free music at the Gazebo featuring Chocolate Chip & Company from 1-5 p.m.
Johnson said that she is proud of the festival, that it has been very successful for 35 years, and she feels like they’ve consistently grown and improved.
“There are so many festivals out there that seem to be struggling, and if it wasn’t for our amazing donors, supporters, and sponsorships, we couldn’t make the festival as good as it is,” said Johnson. “To have over 20,000 people come from all around over the course of a few days is just awesome, and it makes me excited to see that.”
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