Decatur will be hopping with activity this Saturday, April 4, as the town plays host to the Newton County Heritage Festival and the Broad Street Bunny Hop.
The fourth annual Newton County Heritage Festival will take place from 12-6 p.m. in front of the Newton County Alternative School (273 10th Avenue) in Decatur, while the Broad Street Bunny Hop is set to take place in participating Greater Newton Chamber of Commerce businesses in Downtown Decatur from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Newton County Heritage Festival, organized as a street festival, aims to bring together people from the local community and various cultures through fellowship and outdoor activities during Easter weekend.
According to organizer Jabari Mapp, the festival originated from a conversation between two friends who wanted to revive the spirit of community events that were once common in the area. “We wanted to find a way to bring the people in the local community together through fellowship and community organizing during the Easter weekend,” said Mapp. “We thought it was just a good time to have an event and try to bring people together with all cultures and just get them outside.”
Approximately 20 vendors are currently scheduled, including two food trucks and tent vendors offering fried catfish, chicken wings, homemade lemonade, and baked goods. Several craft vendors will sell items such as t-shirts, jewelry, and clothing. Mapp noted they are still accepting additional craft vendors, though space is limited.
Entertainment throughout the day will feature a live DJ from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Latisha & Friends performing from 2-4 p.m. Two local line dance teams will also perform—one at 1 p.m. and the other at 5 p.m. Inflatable jumpers will be available for children, along with a small egg giveaway.
Additional activities include a 5K fun walk and bike ride starting at approximately 9:00 a.m. through the East Central Lake area. Described as a casual, non-competitive event with no prizes, it is intended to encourage healthy living and get people moving. A cornhole tournament is planned to begin around noon for those interested in participating; interested individuals are encouraged to call for the final schedule.
Quincy Patrick, coach of West Harrison High School and a Union native, will serve as the guest speaker, scheduled to take the stage around 1:30 p.m. before the live music begins.
The public is invited to attend the free event.
“We just want everybody to come out and just enjoy the day. Hopefully we have good weather,” said Mapp.
For more information or to participate in the cornhole tournament, contact Jabari Mapp at 601-416-3893 or Michael Johnson at 601-938-3884.
Broad Street Bunny Hop
The Decatur Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Broad Street Bunny Hop this Saturday, inviting families and shoppers to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon in downtown Decatur.
Participants can begin at the tent, located near the sundial by the courthouse, where they will pick up an instruction sheet listing all participating chamber member businesses. The sheet will detail special deals and promotions available at each store.
Shoppers who visit participating businesses will receive a ticket for each visit. Those who make a purchase will earn three tickets. Tickets can then be entered into a drawing box located at The Farm Table for a chance to win a donated Easter gift basket.
The Easter Bunny will be on hand at The Farm Table throughout the event for photos with children and families.
