James Bush (left) and Jerry Cunningham at a 2019 concert. Patriotic music will be performed on Saturday.

Summerfest Saturday

By Michael Butler

The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce is bringing Summerfest to town this weekend. The event will be on the grounds next to City Hall on Saturday, June 25 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

"We've had the Sidewalk Sale that actually started in June (has) gone well - even with the hot weather," Tallassee Chamber director Jerry Cunningham said of the event that started last year. "This year with the work that's going on downtown, so we're moving the event and expanding it."

Vendors will be located at Veterans Park across from City Hall. Over 30 have committed.

The Sidewalk Sale in downtown Tallassee last year. This year, the event becomes Summerfest and moves to East Tallassee.

"There will be a watermelon eating contest (starting at 10:30). There will be a slip and slide and other activities for the children."

The watermelon fare will be for kids, 6-12, with trophy presentations for three divisions. In addition to the water slide will be a bouncy house, facepainting and balloon art.

At 11, a dog costume contest will have a $50 prize for first and $25 each for second and third place winners. It is sponsored by Urban Tails.

The day kicks off with free pancakes served from 8-10.

"We're incoporating a patriotic concert at the gazebo," Cunningham added. "We'll set up tents and have fans so people will be a little more comfortable."

Cunningham noted that the concert will be about an hour starting at 1 featuring Americana music as Independence Day nears. The Wetumpka Pops Band will perform as well as James Bush, Susie Seal and Justin Harden.

"We've got Peter the Patriot doing the Patrick Henry speech. He's also going to be reading the Declaration of Independence."

Food vendors will include; the Wharf, MaePop's Barbecue, Eats and Treats and More, Louie's SnoKones and Blue Ribbon Dairy.

"Long before I was here, there was a Fourth of July event," said Cunningham. "Now with the way things are, having a Fourth of July event probably wouldn't work that well. Since we're doing it June 25, it does have some patriotic sentiment."