Yalo-Ribbon Festival Is Saturday In Oakland
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Rebel stands guard over a large mound of yellow ribbons that will soon be displayed throughout Oakland ahead of Saturday’s Yalo-Ribbon Festival. Oakland Area Chamber Executive Director Sue Donohue Smith said Rebel was helping out at the Chamber office.
OAKLAND — Volunteers in Oakland have been preparing for the 5th Yalo-Ribbon Festival by cleaning Swearengen Park and hanging yellow ribbons to welcome visitors.
With headliner Danica Hart, formerly of Chapel Hart, and growing awareness of the event, organizers have moved this year’s festival to the larger James Riley Swearengen Walking Track and Park at 61 Walnut St.
The festival will be held from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2. Admission is free.
A variety of vendors, including arts and crafts booths and food trucks, will be on site, along with several nonprofit exhibitors. Friends of Cossar State Park will also conduct a petition drive to improve funding and resources for the park.
The Kids Zone will feature an inflatable maze, balloon art, lawn games and open space for children to play.
The Oakland Cake Walk will begin at 2:45 p.m., with tickets available at the Chamber of Commerce booth until 10 minutes before the event. Cakes and baked goods will be awarded as prizes.
Miss University Cameron Davis will appear on stage at 3:15 p.m. and will spend time visiting with children and taking photos.
The Ed and Becky Meek Foundation is sponsoring the festival’s music stage in memory of family members with ties to Oakland. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating. Coolers are not allowed.
Live music will begin at 4 p.m. with the Stayin’ Alive Singers of DeSoto County, a group of performers age 60 and older who specialize in music from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
Hart will take the stage at 5 p.m. The Mississippi native is known for her country vocals and storytelling. A portion of her performance is funded through a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council and the America250 Mississippi Commission.
“The Yalo-Ribbon Festival was named in honor of the oak trees discovered by settlers, with a twist on the Yalobusha County name and the song ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon ’Round the Old Oak Tree,’” said Sue Donohue Smith, executive director of the Oakland Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We’re expecting a sing-along,” Smith said.
For more info, follow the Oakland Area Chamber on Facebook or visit oaklandareachamber.com.
