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Brook organizers hope festival speeds healing
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| By: SCOTT TYNES, DAILY LEADER Staff Writer |
September 20, 2005 |
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Healing and inspiration are the intent of the 31st annual Ole Brook Festival as the area continues to recover from Hurricane Katrina.
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"Healing and inspiration - I think that's going to be the whole feel of the concert and festival," said Kay Burton, an organizer or the event that will take place this weekend in downtown Brookhaven.
Clifford Brumfield, executive vice president of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, agreed.
"Let's have a time of rest and rejoice to forget the last few weeks for a few moments," he said.
Not holding the 31st annual event was never an option, officials said.
"We have had a hurricane. Now our community and our visitors need a positive diversion," he said. "Naturally, we think this is needed more this year than past years."
Many previous attendees and vendors have urged that the event not be canceled.
The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has made scheduling challenging, Burton said. Between uncertainty about whether the festival would go on and dealing with damage to their homes or businesses, many vendors initially canceled. Others have since rescheduled, while new vendors have slipped into the vacant slots.
One new vendor this year will be selling live birds and hamsters.
"Now, we're seeing a fewer number (of vendors) than last year, but in the last few days we've seen a lot of inquiries ... The quality is there though," Brumfield said.
The food court has already filled with vendors.
"If you come for the good food, you're already set," Burton said.
The "Kid Zone" has been greatly enlarged, Brumfield said. Pony and miniature horse and buggy rides, a rock climbing wall, a bungee jump and many other attractions have been added.
Children will also be thrilled to meet many of their favorite characters from comic books and television shows, such as Batman, who will be wandering around the festival.
Many of the old favorites are still scheduled to attend, Brumfield said.
New Song, Saturday's headline act, contacted the organizers and said they intend to make this year's program special by focusing on hope and faith, said Kenny Goza, an event organizer.
They will be supported by Two Bare Feet and Greg Long.
"A lot of times, the talent you see here are the up-and-coming performers. Within a few years, many are major stars," Brumfield said.
The traditional open mike karaoke contest and performances by local talent Friday night is still scheduled. Several local acts have canceled, however, Goza said.
Actor's Playhouse, a song and dance group of 20 to 25 performers will take the stage at 6 p.m. Friday to anchor that night's entertainment.
Saturday's festivities will open at 8 a.m. with a talent show. The winner will advance to the Mid-South Fair in Memphis, Brumfield said.
"If you place here, you have a real opportunity to move forward and get noticed," he said.
The event organizers said visitors here displaced by the hurricane have not been overlooked.
"We're working to coordinate with the shelters to help our visitors attend the festival and the free concert," Brumfield said.
The festival also serves as a fund-raiser for the chamber.
Prints and T-shirts with this year's festival logo are available now at the chamber's downtown office, where the items will also be available following the festival. During the festival, the items will be available at the chamber booth.
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©The Daily Leader 2009
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