The 16th annual Loose Caboose festival is right around the corner, and Newton Chamber of Commerce is calling on all artists, business owners and craftsmen to join a growing list of vendors represented at the celebration.
Emily Pugh, chamber director, said this year’s festivities are going to be bigger than ever before, with two kid’s corners, music and for the first time, political speeches by candidates for Newton County offices.
This year, Pugh said, Loose Caboose is kicking off a day early, with a free Friday Night concert at the Newton Deport from Shay Simone and the Unity Band, a “bluesy rock” band from Lauderdale County.
“It’s kind of like our kickoff to our Loose Caboose festival,” Pugh said. “It’s to highlight our Newton County Blues Trail Marker. Our board really wanted to help incorporate that.”
Friday night’s concert will start at 6 p.m. and will wrap up around 10 p.m., Pugh said. For those wanting a snack during the concert, T and J concessions will be on site, well equipped to meet any snack or drink craving someone might have.
After a fun night of music, Pugh said the festivities will kick off in full beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning with a 5k race, sponsored by Bank Plus. After the race, about 9 a.m., the festival will open up to the public to come shop, play and eat to their hearts’ content.
“It’ll be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” she said. “We normally have over 120 food and craft vendors. We’re going to have local entertainment. We’re going to have the Bank First car show that Friday and Saturday night, and during the day we’re going to have the Midway Carnival, and that’ll be over there in the old Sunflower parking lot.”
The 16th annual Loose Caboose Festival will feature two kid’s zones, Pugh said, one for small children in the Gazebo area behind the Depot, and one for older children a grassy area on Main Street past the Newton County Appeal office.
Also, Pugh said, as this is an election year for county and state offices, a political candidate stage will be set up in the downtown park across from Regions Bank.
“We’re going to have speeches from qualified political candidates going throughout the day,” she said. “We’re thinking about 10 a.m.-2 p.m. depending on how many candidates want to participate.”
Of course, the main stage, Pugh said, will be set up in the Depot parking lot and will feature local entertainment all day long. Inside the depot, she said, LA Dance will be performing its dance routine for anyone who wants to see the troupe in action.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” she said.
However, Pugh said, there is still time for any vendors thinking about participating to sign up.
“We have some spots still left available for our food and craft vendors,” she said. “Registration for applications is due on March 1.”
Late applications will be accepted until March 13, but a $10 late fee will be added to the application fee.
“After March 13, no application will be accepted, because I have to start placing by then,” she said.
For those looking to enter the 5k race, Pugh said entry forms are available on timetorun.net, the Newton Chamber’s Facebook page, or by stopping by the Newton Depot. Pre-registration is $20 for adults and $15 for children 19 and under. Day of registration will also be available for $25 or $20 for those 19 and under.
Large groups, such as church groups or youth organizations, may be eligible for a group discount, Pugh said. Anyone registering as a group is encouraged to stop by the Newton Depot to make arrangements.
