Somerville to celebrate historic past at festival
Somerville will celebrate ownership of the state’s oldest surviving courthouse when it observes the historic building’s 175th birthday with a fun-filled two-day festival Friday and Saturday, May 4-5.
A big birthday cake will be the centerpiece of the celebration at noon on Saturday when it is cut and shared with festival goers. Many more activities will be offered to attract townsfolk as well as visitors.
The festival will kick off on Friday at 7 p.m. with an old-fashioned street dance, entertainment by the Brewer High School Chorus and a fireworks show.
Saturday’s schedule gets under way with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m., followed at 8 a.m. by a 5K run and a 1-mile fun run. Live stage entertainment will be featured form 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a free children’s play area will be open all day.
Featured entertainer will be popular pop and country singer Kassie Miller, a graduate of Brewer High School.
Miller launched her singing career in Nashville, Tenn. where she gained popularity as the winner on the first season of “The Search for the Ultimate Coyote.” She received national exposure in 2009 when she sang her way to the Top 10 contestants on CMT’s “Ca You Duet?” She has since co-wrote her entire debut album with several Nashville ‘hit” songwriters and is vigorously promoting it while on tour.
Other entertainers who are scheduled to perform include the Cotaco Creek Band, Boyce McCutcheon and Lonnie Williams, Pam Thrower and Shin and Taylor McClain.
The festival also will offer a car show, a Civil War encampment with live demonstrations and a variety of food and arts and crafts vendors.
At noon on Saturday Mayor Darren Tucker will welcome public officials and other special guests. State Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, will make remarks.