Mayfest, set for this weekend in downtown Blytheville, is one of the largest single events in the community each year and serves as an unofficial gateway for summer.
While many parts all move together to make the event a success each year, organizers say the festival would not happen without all of the hard work from volunteers.
Main Street Blytheville Executive Director Megan Atzert said the Main Street Blytheville board and the Mayfest event committee, as well as many other volunteers, have spent the past eight months and put in more than 300 hours working out all the details that make the event such a huge day in the community.
"I'm very proud of all of our volunteers and our committee, and this wouldn't be happening without them," Atzert said. "They have put in so much work, and on Saturday we'll all get to enjoy the products of all the effort that went into Mayfest."
From the cold drink stands and wrist-bands for the children's block manned by Ben Rutherford and Blytheville FFA students, to the day-long gospel music event put together by Mike Welch, every aspect of Saturday's festival will reflect the dedication and hard work of volunteers. And Atzert said volunteers will be out in full force this weekend to be of assistance to vendors and guests to make sure the day goes smoothly.
"There'll be a lot of volunteers there Saturday. We'll be on our carts bringing around drinks and doing whatever we can to make sure people are enjoying Mayfest," said Atzert.
On Saturday, many volunteers will be dedicating nearly 20 hours to the setup, operation and cleanup for this year's Mayfest according to Atzert, who said it's people like this that truly help make this community great.
MUSIC ON MAIN
MiChele Green: 7-10 p.m.
MAYFEST
9 a.m. Opening ceremony
9 a.m. Mayfest starts
11 a.m. NEA Pageant girls perform in Pocket Park
Noon Dog Show registration begins
1 p.m. Dog Show begins
3 p.m. Mayfest ends
7-10 p.m. Jeffery and the Pacemakers will be playing
cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com