Thousands flocked to downtown Newton Friday night and Saturday for the 16th annual Loose Caboose festival on Main Street.
With over 100 vendors offering food, gifts and souvenirs, and as many classic cars participating in the annual car show, Main and Church streets were packed with more than enough snacks and entertainment for all.
In the parking lot of the Historic Newton Depot, a main stage boasted acts from across the southeast, including Newton High School’s Drumline, Larry Blackburn and The Band, American Karate Center and many more.
Jessie Howell, a singer and guitar player, who performed on the main stage Saturday, said this was his first time at Loose Caboose, but he would definitely be coming back.
“This is a great event,” he said, wrapping up his set on stage. “I haven’t ever performed here before, but I’ll be back next year.”
While visitors could hear live music, see classic cars and eat food ranging from funnel cakes to crawfish, Loose Caboose also boasted the opportunity to meet political candidates for the upcoming general election. Among those present were candidates for Newton County Sheriff, County Supervisor, Justice Court Judge, State Senate. On a stage set up in the mini-park on the corner of Main and Church streets, visitors could take a moment to catch their breath while listening to the candidates explain their platforms.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to introduce myself,” said Brian Withers, a candidate for County Supervisor. “This is a great opportunity for candidates like myself.”
Of course, choosing a candidate is only part of a successful election. Residents also have to know how to vote. In a corner of the mini-park Newton County Election Commissioners were on hand to show residents how the county’s new voting machines work.
“You have a paper ballot. It scans it, and it goes into this box down here.” said Beat 1 Election Commissioner Nancy Kidd Smith, pointing out a locked box behind a security panel.
Smith said the new machines can print out a tally of votes, similar to the voting machines used in previous elections. However, she said, the machine also keeps the paper ballots and a backup of the data on a thumb drive to minimize tampering.
Visitors to Loose Caboose were able to fill out a mock ballot and feed it into the machine to get a feel for how it works.
“Always remember to check the back of the ballot,” Smith cautioned. “With all we have going on in Newton County, there’ll probably be something on the back.”
Circuit Clerk Mike Butler said the new voting machines will be used in the Aug. 6 election, and most of it was paid through funding accumulated over the last eight years through the Help America Vote Act.
Butler said this is one of the many demonstrations his office has hosted throughout the year, and he said he’s willing to bring the setup to any civic or community organization upon request.
“With our exisiting voting equipment fast becoming obsolete, we will be switching to a new system rapidly being adopted by counties across the state and nation,” Butler said.
Chamber director Emily Pugh said she was happy with the turnout at the festival and was glad the rain held off until after the festival.
The event also featured a Friday night concert for the second year in a row. Shai Simone and the Unity Band brought a blues flavor to the festival just a few months after Newton installed its Blues Trail Marker outside the depot, the parking lot of which hosted the concert and the main stage.
“Our 16th Annual Loose Caboose Festival was a beautiful, joyous day for the community, guests, and City of Newton,” Pugh said “The Newton Chamber of Commerce is very thankful to all their sponsors, volunteers and the City of Newton’s Mayor, Board of Aldermen and workers for making this great day happen. We are looking forward to our 17th Annual Loose Caboose Festival on March 28, 2020.”
