There will be no shortage of things to do in Blytheville this weekend.
Music on Main kicks off the big weekend Friday night with talented local musician MiChele Green performing at the Greyhound Bus Station.
Then, Saturday, Mayfest offers something for everyone all day long. There is also the Kiwanis Fishing Rodeo Saturday morning at the Walker Park pond and the March of Dimes March for Babies on Main Street, just as Mayfest activities begin, at 9 a.m.
Along with all those events, there will be baseball and softball games galore at the Blytheville Youth Sportsplex both Friday and Saturday.
And of course, don't forget that Mother's Day is Sunday, followed by Blytheville's and Gosnell's graduation ceremonies the next Friday.
Add in all the other end-of-the-school-year events, and it almost feels like the Christmas season, frankly.
But that just means summer is around the corner, and that's fine by me.
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Mayfest is one of those events that brings the community together.
It's a chance to catch up with old friends; indulge on fried Twinkies, funnel cakes and barbecue; see which pooch is top dog in the dog show; listen to some good music; and let the kids have a blast on the children's block.
There are activities for all ages and all interests, which is what keeps folks coming back year in and year out.
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This year, there will be a household name gracing the Main Street stage during Mayfest.
Organizers were able to land one of the top Gospel acts in Grammy-awarding winning Guy Penrod, who will perform a free concert Saturday afternoon at the Southern Bancorp parking lot.
Penrod was the centerpiece of Bill Gaither's famed "Vocal Band" for years and recently added a solo country project to his resume titled "Breathe Deep."
His concert-goers generally shell out $20-25 for tickets; there is no admission to this event.
Hopefully, folks will take advantage and enjoy themselves, along with the many other activities that Mayfest offers.
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Of course, we'll need to conserve some of that energy for Sunday.
I've got some great mothers to celebrate -- my mom, my wife and my mother-in-law.
Mom has put up with me for almost 36 years; if anyone deserves a medal, it's her.
Now, it's my wife who bears that burden.
This is a special Mother's Day in that it is the first since Kristy adopted my two boys. We have a rather unique family. I adopted the girls in December 2011 and she adopted the boys a couple of months ago.
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Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there. No one is more deserving of being showered with gifts and gratitude than a mom.
From enduring those long nine months of pregnancy and those first few weeks of sleepless nights to doctoring boo-boos and offering words of wisdom, a mother is the epitome of love.
Thank you for all you do.
mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com