FoxTrot Festival in Marion this weekend

This year’s FoxTrot Festival committee is ready to see the fruits of their labor. The annual festival is set for this Friday and Saturday. From pony rides and children’s activities, to a classic car show and a 1780 Revolutionary War campsite, there will be something for everyone. Even if the weather man calls for a touch of rain, it won’t dampen any festivalgoer’s enthusiasm for the schedule of events and entertainment planned.

Planning for the 2009 festival began almost immediately following the 2008 event, Chuck Wiegert, co-chairman of the FoxTrot Committee said. Organizing the event, getting vendors, craftsman and artisans to participate begins at one year’s event when they typically go ahead and book for the next, Wiegert explained. Karen Grice is the other co-chairman of the committee. This is the city’s 17th annual event.

This Friday, the outdoor movie and professional fireworks display will be presented on Fox Field, with gates opening at 6 p.m. Gate fee is $2 per person. The movie, The Tale of Despereaux, will start at dusk. See our special section included in this week’s issue for more about the festival’s beginnings and events.

Vendors will be setting up beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday and the FoxTrot Festival Parade begins at 10 a.m. Downtown businesses will be open, the library has planned a book sale and the day’s finale begins at 7 p.m. on Fox Field for the Street Dance.

Gate fee is $2 per person, with concessions for sale provided. Terrence Lonon & the Untouchables are the headliners. Again, no coolers please, Wiegert said, but bring a lounge chair and blanket and dancing shoes.

Stage Entertainment on Main Street begins at noon and will feature local and regional talent, provided, in 30-minute sets, by Emmalyn Davis Dance School, The Shireeys, The Little Temptations, Brandon, Justin, Shannon, Justine Roberts Dance School, Delta Gens, Marion Mass Choir, Willie D, Keepers of the Dream and Barbara Sellers.

The 2009 FoxTrot Festival committee members, below, gather to take a break from their planning of this weekend’s event. Shown are, from left, back row, Frank Page, Lisa Seabrook, Linda Wiegert, Chuck Wiegert, Vicki Johnston, Sebrina Davis, Carolyn Clark. Sitting, Jeanet Best, Sharon Grice, Jean Abram, Debra Fling, Cynthia Leggette and Greg Lightfoot. Not shown is Al Blake.