Street Talk
Mark Your Calendars For Main Street’s Festival
By Susan Hart
There is no doubt that Water Valley’s Sesquicentennial Celebration last April, will be a tough act to follow, but WVMSA is making plans to continue the annual festival. With the date set and several events already in the works, the renamed “Main Street Market Festival,” Saturday, May 9, will make an anticipated comeback.
Among the events planned for the 2009 Main Street Market Festival are contests and games like the Founders Day relay races and tournaments. Exhibits, including a quilt show, are being organized. Food and music are being arranged. Another favorite tradition will close the 2009 festival, a grand fireworks show.
New events planned for the Market Fest will include a Farmers Market kick-off and juried art show by the Water Valley Arts Council. More information will be available as the plans are finalized.
May 9 will be here before you know it. However, you do not have to wait until May to be a part of the festival. WVMSA is sponsoring several contests leading up to the Market Fest.
First, WVMSA is asking for submissions for a “2009 Main Street Market Festival” tee shirt design. The deadline for submissions has been extended until March 6. Anyone interested should contact this office for details. Submissions can be made by traditional mail, WVMSA, PO Box 104, Water Valley, MS, 38965 or email: manager@watervalleymainstreet.com WVMSA will be selling these tee shirts prior to the Market Fest.
Next, the challenge is going out to all quilters. A quilt block contest has been organized by Gladne Harris. Beginner, intermediate, and master quilters are encouraged to enter. With each $10 entry, you will receive two fat quarters: one print, one background. It is then up to you to pick a design of your choice to create a 12 1/2″ square, which is a 12″ finished block. All blocks must be turned in to the WVMSA office no later than May 1 to be eligible for the contest.
At the Main Street Market Festival, a drawing will be held to determine the winner of the contest. The winning entrant will receive all the submitted blocks to make an original quilt to display at the 2010 festival.
“All levels of quilters are invited to participate,” encourages Gladne, “Suggestions for 12″ blocks are available on many websites. I can answer any questions at 473-9225 or harrisfarm@wildblue.net”
Also, the Bruce Gurner essay contest will soon be open. The essay criteria will be posted on our website: www.watervalleymainstreet.com or by calling this office: 473-6767.
Over the next few months, more and more information will become available. If you would like to participate in the 2009 Main Street Market Festival, please do not hesitate to contact WVMSA.
