Get ready to rock, roll and cruise down the streets of downtown Picayune this weekend at Picayune Main Street, Inc.’s 7th annual Blues and Heritage Festival.
“This year it’s all about cruising the boulevard,” Picayune Main Street manager Reba Beeba said. “Riding our cars up and down Goodyear Boulevard was a tradition for those of us that grew up in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s.”
This year Vince Vance and the Valiants will headline the event.
Last Thursday, Main Street hosted an intimate evening with Vance for sponsors of this year’s festival. A silent auction was held and proceeds totaled about $800, Beebe said. These funds will be donated for a proposed splash pad at Friendship Park’s Kid’s Kingdom.
Christian Serpas and Ghost Town will open the event from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.
According to the band’s website, the group plays “roots music, Americana, rocked out, revved-up country music.”
Al “Carnival Time” Johnson will perform at Saturday’s festivities from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Johnson is a rhythm and blues performer best known for his Mardi Gras song “Carnival Time.”
Vince Vance and the Valiants will perform from 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
“The Pearl River County Arts League and Picayune Writer’s Group will have an exhibit set up featuring their work in an area adjacent to the stage,” Beebe said. “The Greater Picayune Arts Council will be hosting their 4th annual Children’s Fairytale Fall Festival at Jack Read Park from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be many activities for the children including music, games, face painting and GPAC encourages all children to dress in costume.”
Beginning at 4:30 p.m., the Boulevard Cruisers will start cruising down Goodyear Boulevard, Beebe said. They are going to pick up Vance and his Valianettes in a 1957 Chevy convertible and drop them off at the main stage on Canal Street.
“The cruisers will start at the red light by the post office and cruise down Goodyear Boulevard with their headers open for about 20 minutes,” Beebe said. “Everyone is welcome to participate in the parade or come out and watch.”
There will be no food vendors at the event, but Dog N Burger, Southern Char and Stonewall’s will be open for business, Beebe said.
Beebe encourages everyone to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the entertainment.
The event is Saturday, Oct. 25 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on West Canal Street.
Cruisin’ the Boulevard t-shirts are $15 and can be purchased at the Main Street headquarters at 200 Highway 11 S. Sizes range from small to 3x, Beebe said. Cruisin’ posters are available for $15 and there are about 32 available that are signed by local artist Andy Green.
Learn more about Picayune Main Street at www.picayunemainstreet.com and through Facebook at Picayune Main Street.
Contact Main Street at 601-799-3070.